CQL Named Shopify Top-Tier Platinum Partner

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 27, 2025--

CQL, a leading digital commerce agency that elevates brands and grows bottom lines, was recognized as a Platinum Tier Shopify Partner, the highest status in Shopify’s Partner program. The Platinum Partner designation is reserved for Shopify's elite partners who deliver the largest volume of client work with certified team members on Shopify's platform.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250227761136/en/

CQL works with industry leading brands such as TOMS, Guthy|Renker, Escalade Sports, RUDIS, and Eyemart Express, providing unmatched consulting expertise in the Shopify ecosystem, conversion led design that elevates bottom lines, and delivery excellence that resulted in industry leading outcomes of 88% on time and 94% on budget delivery in 2024.

"CQL's strategy-driven approach is greatly appreciated by our clients within the Shopify enterprise ecosystem," stated Kim Seabrook, Head of Enterprise Sales at Shopify. "By integrating comprehensive strategic thinking with extensive technical expertise, CQL empowers our largest brands to deliver outstanding commerce experiences, with compelling ROI. We are thrilled to acknowledge CQL for their unwavering commitment to excellence and their expertise in the Shopify platform."

With decades of experience in apparel, footwear, health and beauty, sporting goods and consumer products; CQL helps many fast growing mid-market and enterprise brands plan and execute digital transformations on Shopify, an ecommerce platform that empowers marketing teams, reduces technical debt, and drives new business growth.

With 30 years of experience across multiple ecommerce platforms, CQL was the first Shopify-focused consultancy with deep enterprise expertise. That unique experience has positioned CQL as the leading partner to consult on the litany of platforms in a typical D2C channel and determine the optimal solution approach and TCO for Shopify migrations. With a deep understanding of Salesforce Commerce Cloud and other platforms, CQL is the leader in migrating enterprise retailers from Salesforce to Shopify.

David Barr, CEO at CQL is excited to announce the new Platinum status. “It is an honor for our team to be ranked among the best Shopify Partners in the world. This solidifies our position as a top Shopify agency specializing in digital transformations. CQL has a world-class team of consulting, design, tech, and marketing professionals, aligned on a consistent process to deliver with excellence – end-to-end. I’m really proud of our team and look forward to continuing to provide business growth and innovation for our clients."

As part of their Platinum Partner status, CQL continues to serve on Shopify’s Partner Advisory Council, an exclusive group of high-impact partners who provide feedback to Shopify’s leadership team and help shape the future of Shopify products and services.

About CQL

CQL is the leading digital commerce agency elevating customer experiences and driving business growth for D2C and B2B brands. With 30 years of expertise, CQL delivers integrated multi-disciplinary solutions across strategy, user experience, performance marketing, and industry leading technology capabilities with an unrivaled ability to navigate a sophisticated ecommerce ecosystem for high-growth brands. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, its clients include TOMS, Eyemart Express, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Escalade Sports, Wolverine Worldwide, 4Patriots, Coldwater Creek, Paula’s Choice, Stride Rite, Footwear Unlimited, Haworth, and more. For more information, call 616-365-1000 or visit www.CQLCorp.com.

CQL Named Shopify Platinum Partner (Graphic: Business Wire)

TORONTO (AP) — It was a play Ghana has been practicing throughout its World Cup preparation.

And after a night of missed chances, it worked.

Caleb Yirenkyi tapped in a cross from Brandon Thomas-Asante in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, and Ghana beat Panama 1-0 on Wednesday night in the teams’ World Cup opener.

Thomas-Asante got loose on the left side and fired the ball across the goal mouth. Yirenkyi knocked it in, sending his teammates streaming onto the field to embrace both players.

“Get the ball to the wings, and then put it in the box, and we get runs — people in the box to finish,” said the 20-year-old Yirenkyi, who scored his first international goal earlier this month in a friendly against Wales. “I tried (to) just play forward and run forward, and then hope to see what comes in, and yeah, I got the ball in the box and finished.”

Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada while he awaits trial on rape charges in England.

The late goal denied Panama its first World Cup point.

The only shot on goal in the first half came two minutes in, when Panama forward Cecilio Waterman latched onto a low cross from Amir Murillo and clipped a ball from the center of the box toward the net. Lawrence Ati-Zigi dove to his right and palmed the ball away.

The goalkeeper left the game at halftime after a couple of hard collisions. He was replaced by Benjamin Asare. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said Ati-Zigi would be evaluated further on Thursday.

The result puts Ghana at the top of Group L with England, which beat Croatia 4-2 earlier in the day.

After the first hour, when chances came at a premium at rainy BMO Field, the match opened up and both teams started smashing shots toward the net.

In the 65th minute, Thomas-Asante broke through Panama’s back line and played a ball along the 6-yard box toward Jordan Ayew, but Jiovany Ramos ran up from behind with a tackle to prevent the tap-in.

“Panama, they had a great first half. They kept the ball really well and we struggled with the press,” said Antoine Semenyo, who started the scoring play with a pass to Thomas-Asante. But “slowly into the second half we had that energy to go up and press and cause problems, and that led to the winner.”

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Owen Cameros is a student in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

Ghana's Brandon Thomas-Asante jumps over Panama's Luis Mejia during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Ghana's Brandon Thomas-Asante jumps over Panama's Luis Mejia during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi, top right, scores the opening goal on Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera (22) during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi (3) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

Panama's Andres Andrade (16) reacts following the team's loss in the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi (3) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)