Category: Hyva Theme
If you’re running a Magento 2 store, you’ve likely heard whispers (or loud shouts) about Hyvä – the new kid on the block that’s shaking up how Magento storefronts are built. But what exactly is Hyvä? And is it the right fit for your business?
In this blog, we’ll break down what Hyvä is, how it compares to other Magento frontends, and whether it’s worth the investment in 2025.
🤔 What is Hyvä?
Hyvä is a modern frontend theme for Magento 2. It’s fast, lightweight, and developer-friendly, built with simplicity and performance in mind. It replaces the bloated and ageing Luma theme, giving your store a much-needed speed boost and cleaner codebase.
🧱 How is Hyvä Different from Luma or PWA?
| Feature | Luma (default) | Hyvä | PWA |
| Speed | Slow | Very fast | Fast (with good setup) |
| Complexity | High | Simple | Very high |
| Developer Cost | Moderate | Lower long-term | High |
| Time to Launch | Medium | Fast | Long |
| Best For | Small stores or legacy | Most B2C/B2B stores | Large, mobile-first apps |
🚀 Why Store Owners Love Hyvä
- Page speed scores skyrocket – reducing bounce rate and improving SEO
- Lower development costs – fewer bugs, easier to maintain
- Faster go-live – get your redesign launched quicker
- Great UX – clean design, easier to customise
- Growing community – 1,500+ stores and counting
🛑 When Hyvä May Not Be the Right Fit
- You want a headless or app-like experience (then PWA might be better)
- You rely heavily on third-party extensions that don’t support Hyvä yet
- You’re using Magento Open Source with outdated infrastructure
💸 Is Hyvä Worth the Investment?
In short: Yes – for most Magento 2 stores.
If you want a faster store, happier customers, better SEO, and lower dev headaches, Hyvä is likely a smart long-term investment. It’s especially appealing to mid-sized merchants who want the benefits of modern tech without the cost of full PWA builds.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Hyvä is not just a theme it’s a shift in how Magento storefronts are built. While it’s not perfect for every store, it hits the sweet spot between performance and simplicity for most merchants in 2025.
Thinking of upgrading your Magento 2 frontend? Hyvä might be the breath of fresh air your store needs.
Hyvä UI 2.5 has transformed the way Kiwicommerce moves from design to development. By using its ready-made components, we’re able to design and launch Magento stores faster, with fewer revisions and a smoother process overall.
Who Is This Blog For?
This blog is for both designers and eCommerce managers. Here’s how Hyvä 2.5 makes life easier:
- For Designers: Hyvä’s Figma UI bridges the gap between design and development. Designers can see what’s included in the theme, identify areas for customisation, and apply brand styling quickly. This means faster prototypes, smoother approvals, and an easier handover to developers.
- For eCommerce Managers: With Hyvä adding more built-in features, projects move faster and need less basic setup. This saves time and cost, helps stores launch quicker, and makes them easier to maintain in the long run.
Why Hyvä Matters
Magento 2 is a powerful eCommerce platform, but its default theme, Luma, has always been slow and rigid. It often needed extra work just to get the basics right.
Hyvä is different. It’s not just another theme; it is a complete turnaround of how Magento storefronts are designed and built. By combining Tailwind CSS with pre-built components, Hyvä speeds up both design and development while cutting down on unnecessary fixes and tweaks.
What’s New in Hyvä 2.5
The latest version introduces a range of updates to make storefront design faster and more flexible.
New components include:
- Sticky Add-to-Cart button
- Mobile Menu A & B
- Breadcrumbs A
- Pagination A
- Scroll to Top
- Search Form A (now supporting SmileElasticsuit)
It also adds more mobile-first elements (XS size: 376px), so designs are responsive across all screen sizes from small mobiles to large desktops.
Smarter Mobile Menus
Navigation is key to any online store. Hyvä 2.5 now includes two built-in mobile menu options:
- Mobile Menu A (Scroll Menu): All items in one scrollable list, with an optional search bar and sticky button for quick actions like Cart or Contact.
- Mobile Menu B (Tab Menu): Divides content into three tabs, ideal for complex categories or brands with storytelling content. It also includes a search bar and a sticky button.
Both options make it simple to set up user-friendly navigation without heavy customisation.
Figma Companions – A Useful New Resource
Hyvä has also introduced Figma Companions extra design tools to make life easier for designers.
The first release is Hyvä Payment Methods, which includes 120+ card logos in five styles (light, dark, clean, outline, and mono). This saves time on repetitive design tasks and ensures consistency across the site.
Why Magento’s Default UI Holds Stores Back
The old Luma theme created many challenges:
- Rigid layouts for product and category pages
- Inconsistent typography and spacing
- Cluttered checkout and account pages
- Slower performance due to heavy code
Hyvä solves these problems with a modern, flexible, and performance-focused design system allowing teams to spend more time on brand and UX improvements instead of patching outdated layouts.
Easier Client Sign-Off with Hyvä UI in Figma
One of the biggest benefits of Hyvä’s Figma UI Kit is how it improves the client approval process:
- Pre-Built Components: Clients can see what’s available and decide if styling alone is enough or if custom designs are needed.
- Live Collaboration: Feedback can be added directly in Figma for quicker iterations.
- Shareable Prototypes: Easy to share with wider teams and stakeholders.
- Interactive Previews: Clients can test how the store will work before development begins.
- Smooth Developer Handoff: Clear notes and annotations reduce confusion and speed up development.
This gives designers a solid foundation and ensures projects move forward without delays.
Faster, Smoother Magento UX
In eCommerce, speed is critical. A delay of just one second can reduce conversions by up to 7-8%. Hyvä addresses this by:
- Delivering faster page loads
- Using lightweight, efficient UI components
- Loading only the scripts and styles required
- Reducing reliance on heavy JavaScript
The result? A lean, high-performance storefront that customers enjoy using.
The Future of Magento UX
Hyvä UI 2.5 makes Magento stores faster, more flexible, and easier to manage. It fixes many of the issues with Luma, reduces time spent on basic setup, and allows teams to focus on delivering a high-quality user experience.
This is just the beginning Hyvä is continuing to evolve, adding new features and improvements that make it a serious competitor to Shopify while keeping the flexibility that Magento is known for.
We’re excited to see what comes next and look forward to sharing our upcoming projects in the luxury D2C space that showcase the full potential of Hyvä.
Looking for expert help with your Hyvä design and build? Get in touch with Kiwicommerce today.
Creating a child theme for Hyvä is a slightly more advanced process than building one for traditional themes like Luma. You need to go beyond the basics, such as theme.xml and registration.php, and dive into additional steps like configuring Tailwind CSS and managing assets. This guide will take you through the process step by step, ensuring your child theme is set up correctly and efficiently.
Step 1: Create the theme.xml File
Start by defining your child theme and setting its parent theme in the theme.xml file. This file is essential for Magento to recognise your child theme.
- Location:
app/design/frontend/Kiwi/hyvä_kiwi/theme.xml
xml
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<theme xmlns:xsi=”http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance”
xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation=”urn:magento:framework:Config/etc/theme.xsd”>
<title>Hyvä Kiwi Child Theme</title>
<parent>Hyvä/default</parent>
</theme>
Step 2: Register Your Theme
The next step is to register your child theme in Magento. Create the registration.php file in your child theme directory.
- Location:
app/design/frontend/Kiwi/hyvä_kiwi/registration.php
php
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<?php
\Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar::register(
\Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar::THEME,
‘frontend/Kiwi/hyvä_kiwi’,
__DIR__
);
?>
Step 3: Copy the web Directory
Hyvä child themes require a web directory that contains essential assets like JavaScript, CSS, and fonts. Copy this directory from the parent Hyvä theme.
- Copy from:
vendor/hyvä-themes/magento2-default-theme/web - Paste to:
app/design/frontend/Kiwi/hyvä_kiwi/web
Step 4: Tailwind CSS Configuration
Tailwind CSS powers Hyvä’s styling system. Update the tailwind.config.js file in your child theme to include paths to the parent theme’s files.
- Location:
app/design/frontend/Kiwi/hyvä_kiwi/web/tailwind/tailwind.config.js
javascript
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module.exports = {
content: [
‘../../**/*.phtml’,
‘../../*/layout/*.xml’,
‘../../*/page_layout/override/base/*.xml’,
// Include parent theme paths
‘../../../../../../../vendor/hyvä-themes/magento2-default-theme/**/*.phtml’,
‘../../../../../../../vendor/hyvä-themes/magento2-default-theme/*/layout/*.xml’,
‘../../../../../../../vendor/hyvä-themes/magento2-default-theme/*/page_layout/override/base/*.xml’,
// Include app code modules
‘../../../../../../../app/code/**/*.phtml’,
],
};
💡 Tip: Uncomment the lines referencing the parent theme’s paths to ensure proper inheritance of layouts and templates.
Step 5: Install Dependencies
To use Tailwind, you need to install the required Node.js packages in your child theme’s web/tailwind directory.
Commands:
bash
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cd app/design/frontend/Kiwi/hyvä_kiwi/web/tailwind/
npm install
Step 6: Generate the hyvä-themes.json File
The hyvä-themes.json file tracks all modules using Tailwind CSS. Regenerate this file to ensure your new child theme is recognised.
Command:
bash
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php bin/magento hyvä:config:generate
Step 7: Deploy Your Changes
Run the Magento deployment commands to activate your child theme and apply your changes.
Commands:
bash
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php bin/magento setup:upgrade
php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f
php bin/magento cache:flush
Step 8: Enable the Theme in Admin
Finally, enable your new Hyvä child theme through the Magento admin panel:
- Go to Admin → Content → Design → Configuration.
- Select your child theme, save the configuration, and flush the cache.
Your Hyvä Child Theme is Ready!
Congratulations! Your Hyvä child theme is now live and ready for customisation. With Tailwind CSS and the parent theme’s assets in place, you have a powerful foundation to create a visually stunning and user-friendly eCommerce store.
At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in Magento and Hyvä solutions. Whether you need custom development or troubleshooting support, our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today!
The Hyvä Theme for Magento 2 is not just another frontend template—it’s a revolutionary approach to creating fast, efficient, and user-centric e-commerce experiences. Below are 10 key features that make Hyvä a standout choice for Magento merchants, many of which you may not be aware of but can dramatically transform your store’s performance and user experience.
1. No Heavy JavaScript Libraries – Less Is More
Unlike traditional Magento themes that rely heavily on large JavaScript libraries (such as jQuery), Hyvä uses minimal JavaScript. This results in a lighter theme with fewer HTTP requests, leading to faster load times and a more streamlined performance. It’s a major benefit for merchants looking to reduce their site’s technical debt and improve core web vitals.
2. Built-in Lazy Loading for Images & Videos
One of Hyvä’s unique optimisations is its built-in lazy loading feature for images and videos. This ensures that media is only loaded when it’s visible on the screen, dramatically improving the initial load time of product pages. With content-heavy pages, this can have a significant impact on page speed and user engagement, especially for mobile visitors.
3. Optimised for Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
Hyvä is designed with Progressive Web App (PWA) compatibility in mind, offering the foundation for an app-like experience without the need for complex app development. Your Magento store can offer fast, offline-first capabilities, enhanced mobile performance, and push notifications, all without the overhead of native apps. This gives your customers a seamless, app-like experience across all devices.
4. SEO-Focused Frontend Development
While many themes focus on backend SEO, Hyvä takes a deep dive into frontend SEO optimisation. From image alt tags to semantic HTML, the theme ensures that your website is built for search engine success from the ground up. This is especially useful for boosting mobile SEO and improving visibility on Core Web Vitals—Google’s key ranking metrics.
5. Advanced Caching Strategies for Dynamic Content
Hyvä’s architecture supports advanced caching mechanisms that ensure dynamic content like customer accounts, real-time stock updates, and price changes are served instantly, without affecting site speed. This means you can deliver real-time content to your customers without sacrificing performance, keeping them engaged throughout their journey.
6. Minimalistic CSS for Maximum Performance
Many themes are packed with bloated CSS that increases file sizes and slows page loads. Hyvä uses minimalistic and efficient CSS, which reduces page weight and improves load time. This is not only great for user experience but also optimises your store for Google Lighthouse scores—key for performance-based SEO.
7. Optimised for Magento’s Headless Architecture
Hyvä is particularly well-suited for businesses looking to implement a headless e-commerce architecture. By decoupling the frontend from the backend, you gain flexibility in terms of multi-channel experiences. Hyvä provides an ideal frontend for headless Magento setups, giving businesses the freedom to deliver custom experiences across web, mobile, and IoT devices without compromising on performance.
8. Supports Customisable Frontend Development with LESS Code
For developers, Hyvä makes life easier with its modular structure and use of LESS (a CSS pre-processor). This makes it incredibly easy to customise the frontend with minimal code while keeping the theme lightweight and performant. If you want to tweak your design without diving into a complex CSS structure, Hyvä simplifies the process.
9. Improved Accessibility for All Users
Beyond just meeting basic accessibility standards, Hyvä takes a proactive approach to inclusivity. From keyboard navigability to better contrast ratios and screen reader compatibility, Hyvä ensures that your e-commerce store is easy to navigate for all users, including those with disabilities. This focus on accessibility improves user experience and makes your store more compliant with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
10. Optimised for Internationalisation & Localisation
Hyvä is ideal for merchants targeting global markets. The theme is optimised for localisation, making it easier to adapt your Magento store for different languages, currencies, and local tax structures. Whether you’re serving customers in the UK, Europe, or Asia, Hyvä’s flexible localisation features allow for smooth market entry and seamless global scaling.
Why Hyvä is the Future of Magento Frontend Development
Hyvä is more than just a theme; it’s a performance-driven solution that offers a seamless blend of speed, flexibility, and user experience. With its forward-thinking approach to PWA, headless architecture, minimalistic design, and advanced caching, Hyvä empowers merchants to build e-commerce stores that deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Key Benefits at a Glance:
- Faster load times thanks to reduced JavaScript and CSS
- PWA-ready for app-like experiences without the need for native apps
- Built-in lazy loading for improved media handling
- Advanced SEO features focused on frontend optimisation
- Enhanced caching for dynamic content, improving site speed
- Headless architecture support for flexible, multi-channel experiences
- Minimalistic, customisable code for developers
- Improved accessibility for all customers
- Optimised for internationalisation, easily supporting multiple regions
By implementing Hyvä, you can deliver an exceptional e-commerce experience that’s faster, more user-friendly, and optimised for the latest web standards, without the complexity and bloat of traditional Magento themes. If you’re ready to take your Magento store to the next level, Hyvä is the future of frontend development.
Contact us today to explore how Hyvä can transform your Magento store into a high-performance, customer-focused online experience.
In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, having a reliable and flexible online store is essential for success. As businesses look for ways to enhance user experience and streamline operations, many are opting for Hyvä as their preferred theme for Magento. Partnering with experts like KiwiCommerce can further amplify the benefits of Hyvä. Here’s an in-depth look at why Hyvä is the standout choice for modern Magento stores and how KiwiCommerce plays a crucial role in maximising its potential.
1. Performance Optimisation
Hyvä is built with performance as a top priority. Unlike traditional Magento themes that can be heavy and slow, Hyvä is lightweight and optimised for speed. This leads to significantly faster loading times, which is crucial in retaining customers. Research shows that even a one-second delay in page loading can result in a substantial drop in conversion rates. By using Hyvä, businesses can provide customers with a seamless browsing experience, increasing the likelihood of purchases. Additionally, faster sites are favoured by search engines, meaning that Hyvä can play a critical role in your SEO strategy.
2. User-Friendly Design
Hyvä features a clean, modern design that enhances user experience. Its intuitive layout makes navigation simple and straightforward, ensuring customers can easily find what they need. The focus on usability helps reduce bounce rates and increases the time spent on your site, both of which are essential for improving overall site performance. A user-friendly design not only boosts customer satisfaction but also encourages repeat visits and purchases, fostering customer loyalty.
3. Customisability and Flexibility
Every business is unique, and Hyvä caters to that with its high degree of customisability. Merchants can easily tailor their storefronts to reflect their brand identity, with a wide array of layout options, colour schemes, and design elements. This flexibility allows businesses to create a personalised shopping experience that resonates with their audience. Kiwi Commerce, with its expertise in Magento development, can help implement these customisations effectively, ensuring your store stands out in a crowded marketplace.
4. Mobile Responsiveness
With an increasing number of consumers shopping on mobile devices, having a mobile-responsive site is crucial. Hyvä is designed to be fully responsive, ensuring that your online store looks great and functions flawlessly on any device. This adaptability enhances the shopping experience for all users, regardless of how they access your site. With more shoppers using smartphones and tablets, a mobile-optimised site can significantly boost your conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
5. Streamlined Development Process
Hyvä simplifies the development process for Magento stores. Its modern architecture reduces the complexity often associated with Magento theme development. This leads to faster implementation and easier maintenance, allowing developers to focus on creating unique features rather than troubleshooting issues. Kiwi Commerce’s team of experienced developers can leverage Hyvä’s streamlined approach to deliver projects more efficiently, helping you get to market faster.
6. Community and Support
The Hyvä community is rapidly growing, providing merchants and developers with access to valuable resources, support, and knowledge sharing. This collaborative environment helps users stay updated with the latest trends and best practices. Kiwi Commerce actively participates in this community, offering insights and support to help businesses navigate their e-commerce challenges. Whether you need assistance with a specific issue or are looking for inspiration, the active Hyvä community, backed by Kiwi Commerce, can be an invaluable resource.
7. Future-Proof Solution
E-commerce is constantly evolving, and businesses need to adapt to stay relevant. Hyvä is designed with future advancements in mind. Its architecture is flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and integrations, ensuring that your store can evolve alongside the market. Kiwi Commerce’s expertise in Magento ensures that your store is not just built for today but is also ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
8. Enhanced Security Features
Security is a paramount concern for any online store. Hyvä is built with modern security practices in mind, ensuring that your customers’ data is protected. Regular updates and community support mean that any vulnerabilities can be quickly addressed, giving you peace of mind as you operate your online store. A secure shopping experience builds trust with your customers, which is essential for encouraging purchases.
9. Cost-Effective Solution
Investing in Hyvä can be a cost-effective decision for many businesses. The combination of reduced development time, improved performance, and enhanced user experience can lead to higher conversion rates and sales. Additionally, with ongoing support and a strong community backing, businesses can save on costs associated with troubleshooting and maintenance. Kiwi Commerce’s competitive pricing and expert services further enhance the value of adopting Hyvä for your Magento store.
Conclusion
In a competitive e-commerce environment, choosing the right theme for your Magento store is vital for success. Hyvä offers exceptional performance, user-friendly design, customisability, and strong community support, making it the best choice for modern Magento stores. By partnering with Kiwi Commerce, you can maximise the benefits of Hyvä, ensuring your online presence is not only effective but also future-proof.
With its focus on performance, flexibility, and user experience, Hyvä, combined with the expertise of Kiwi Commerce, is poised to help businesses thrive in the ever-changing landscape of online retail. Embrace the power of Hyvä and Kiwi Commerce and transform your e-commerce experience today!
