Stocky Was Acquired by Shopify (then sunset), is Forthcast the Better Alternative?

When Shopify announced the shutdown of Stocky, merchants were left searching for a reliable inventory management and demand forecasting tool. Forthcast has emerged as a strong replacement, offering AI-driven forecasts, automated purchase order suggestions, and flat-rate pricing at $19.99/month. Unlike Stocky, Forthcast provides 6-month demand predictions, supports unlimited SKUs, and simplifies bundle inventory tracking, all while maintaining a 5.0-star rating on the Shopify App Store.

Here’s why Forthcast stands out:

• Pricing: Flat $19.99/month with no per-SKU fees.
• Forecasting: AI-based, 6-month demand predictions vs. Stocky’s discontinued features.
• Ease of Use: Quick setup (under 10 minutes) and intuitive interface.
• Scalability: Unlimited SKUs and consistent pricing for growing businesses.
• Support: Includes priority assistance and a 14-day free trial (no credit card required).

Stocky’s shutdown is scheduled for August 31, 2026, with features already being phased out. Merchants should act quickly to export their data and transition to a modern solution like Forthcast to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Quick Comparison

Forthcast is a practical and cost-effective choice for Shopify merchants looking to replace Stocky with a reliable, user-friendly tool.

Forthcast vs Stocky: Feature Comparison

Forthcast leverages machine learning to predict demand up to six months in advance, factoring in seasonality and promotional surges. On the other hand, Stocky’s forecasting features (min/max) were discontinued on July 7, 2025, leaving it as a manual tool during its final year. Let’s break down how these two platforms stack up.

Features and Capabilities

Forthcast uses AI to forecast SKU-level demand by analyzing historical sales data and seasonal trends. This ensures accurate predictions, even during busy periods like Black Friday or the holiday season.

One standout feature is Forthcast’s bundle inventory tracking, which breaks down demand for product kits into their individual components. For instance, if you sell a "Starter Pack" with several SKUs, Forthcast calculates the required units for each component while avoiding duplicate counts. By contrast, Stocky relied on manual workarounds for managing bundles.

Forthcast also tracks lost sales, estimating revenue lost due to stockouts by analyzing historical demand patterns. Additionally, its purchase order system provides smart reorder suggestions based on supplier lead times and forecasted demand, reducing errors from manual spreadsheets. While Stocky allowed basic purchase order creation, users reported reliability issues with its bulk export feature during its final phase.

"Stocky used basic statistical formulas to suggest reorder quantities. It could not account for seasonality, holiday spikes, or promotional effects."

• Amir Sigari, Monocle

Pricing Breakdown

Forthcast offers a straightforward pricing model at $19.99 per month, with no extra fees for SKUs or hidden charges. This single price includes unlimited SKUs, bundle tracking, and priority support. Plus, there’s a 14-day free trial that doesn’t require a credit card.

Stocky, on the other hand, previously used a premium pricing model with variable costs tied to Shopify plans and feature usage. However, the app was removed from the Shopify App Store on February 2, 2026, and will cease functioning entirely on August 31, 2026.

Forthcast’s transparent pricing can save merchants 50-80% compared to variable-cost systems.

Next, let’s look at how these platforms handle setup and daily operations.

Setup and User Experience

Forthcast integrates with Shopify in less than 10 minutes. It automatically imports order history to generate AI-driven forecasts, eliminating the need for manual uploads or data entry.

"Forthcast is super simple to use and has saved us a lot of headache. Very happy with their tool and the provided support."

• Parenting Unlocked, Shopify App Store Review

In contrast, Stocky’s interface was often described as "bloated and outdated". With its key features like inventory transfers and forecasting removed, its usefulness dwindled over time. Forthcast, meanwhile, maintains a 5.0-star rating on the Shopify App Store, with users frequently highlighting its accurate forecasting and positive impact on cash flow.

For merchants planning to grow, scalability is another key consideration.

Scaling Your Business

Forthcast’s flat pricing remains at $19.99 per month, no matter how many SKUs or how much sales volume you have. Its six-month forecasting horizon allows businesses to plan ahead, spot seasonal trends, secure better supplier terms, and avoid last-minute orders.

For merchants managing over 1,000 SKUs, Forthcast’s unlimited product support means no extra fees as your catalog expands. Its AI adapts to new products by analyzing data from similar items, enabling forecasts even for new launches without needing extensive sales history.

"Stocky's end-of-life date is August 31, 2026. And for many merchants, the pain started long before that deadline."

• Agustín Morcillo, ApparelMagic

Comparison Table: Forthcast vs Stocky

This side-by-side comparison highlights why Forthcast’s modern, intuitive approach is a better fit for Shopify merchants.

How to Choose Between Forthcast and Stocky

Forthcast is tailored for Shopify merchants seeking AI-driven forecasting and automated purchase orders. Meanwhile, Stocky is set to shut down on August 31, 2026. This decision isn't just about comparing features - it’s about ensuring your business operates smoothly without interruptions. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice.

Decision Framework: Finding the Right Fit

• Choose Forthcast for long-term reliability. With Stocky's shutdown date confirmed and key features removed as of July 7, 2025, sticking with Stocky could leave your business vulnerable.
• Pick Forthcast if you manage product bundles. It accurately tracks demand for individual components within bundles, avoiding double-counting issues.
• For predictable costs, Forthcast is a winner. Its flat rate of $19.99/month covers unlimited SKUs, while Stocky’s pricing depended on Shopify plan tiers, making future expenses harder to forecast.
• Need detailed AI predictions? Forthcast offers 6-month forecasts that factor in seasonality and promotions, giving you a clearer picture of future demand.

What Shopify Merchants Should Consider

Switching tools isn’t just about features - it’s about ensuring a seamless migration. Start by exporting your data immediately. Stocky’s historical data, including purchase orders and stocktakes, won’t automatically transfer to Shopify or other platforms. Supplier information must also be recreated manually, so document these details externally to avoid losing them.

Shopify's built-in inventory tools offer only basic functionality, lacking features like automated purchase orders, demand forecasting, and restock-to-target options. For merchants needing more robust inventory management, transitioning to a specialized tool like Forthcast is a logical step.

To ease the migration process, take advantage of trial periods. Forthcast provides a 14-day free trial, allowing you to sync up to 12 months of order history and compare its AI forecasts with your current manual calculations. Testing Forthcast alongside Stocky for a few weeks ensures a smoother transition, giving you time to close open purchase orders and validate the new system’s accuracy. Its straightforward setup minimizes downtime, helping you confidently transition to a more reliable tool.

"If you're still relying on what's left [of Stocky], you're running your business on a tool that's actively winding down."

• Agustín Morcillo, ApparelMagic

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Migrating from Stocky to Forthcast

Switching from Stocky to Forthcast is essential as Stocky is set to shut down soon. After August 31, 2026, all APIs will cease functioning, and any historical data not exported by then will no longer be accessible.

Migration Steps

Start by installing Forthcast from the Shopify App Store. With a single click, you can authorize the connection and complete the setup in under 10 minutes. The platform automatically imports your products, current inventory levels, and at least 12 months of order history directly from your Shopify admin. Once the sync is complete, Forthcast’s AI will immediately generate 6-month demand forecasts using this historical data.

The main challenge lies in preserving your Stocky data. Be sure to export all historical data - such as purchase orders, stocktakes, and supplier details - before the shutdown. Supplier data, however, cannot be exported, so it must be manually documented. To avoid losing critical information, create a spreadsheet with vendor contact details, lead times, and pack sizes.

"Supplier data cannot be exported from Stocky at all. If you have vendor relationships configured inside the app, that information needs to be recreated manually in your new system." - Agustín Morcillo, ApparelMagic

For the best forecasting results, ensure your Shopify store has at least 6 months of order history available, though 12 or more months is preferable.

By following these steps, you can quickly transition to Forthcast and start taking advantage of its AI-driven forecasting and inventory management tools. With your data secure and the setup complete, you’ll also have access to Forthcast’s dedicated support team to assist throughout the migration.

Support During Migration

Once your system is configured, Forthcast’s expert team provides hands-on support to ensure a smooth transition. Every $19.99/month subscription includes priority support. Built by supply chain specialists, the Forthcast team can help with data migration questions and assist in configuring lead times and safety stock settings during your first week.

You can also take advantage of the 14-day free trial to test Forthcast alongside Stocky before the shutdown. This overlap period allows you to compare AI forecasts with your current manual processes and close any pending purchase orders in Stocky. Most merchants complete the full transition in just 24 hours once they commit to the switch. If you decide not to subscribe after the trial, Forthcast will retain your data for 30 days, giving you time to reconsider.

Making this migration ensures your operations remain uninterrupted while transitioning to a cost-effective, forward-thinking platform.

"Forthcast is super simple to use and has saved us a lot of headache. Very happy with their tool and the provided support." - Parenting Unlocked, Shopify App Store Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are clear answers to common questions, focusing on the differences and advantages of Forthcast.

How does Forthcast pricing compare to Stocky?

Forthcast offers a flat-rate plan at $19.99/month, with no hidden fees or per-SKU charges. In contrast, Stocky used a tiered pricing model, but it’s no longer accepting new users due to being in its sunset phase. For most Shopify merchants, switching to Forthcast can reduce ecommerce tool costs by 50-80%.

What is Stocky's biggest drawback?

Stocky is often criticized for being overly complicated. Many merchants find its manual setup and steep learning curve frustrating. Forthcast simplifies things with straightforward pricing and a setup process that takes just 5 minutes.

How hard is it to migrate from Stocky to Forthcast?

Migration is relatively straightforward. Forthcast connects directly to your Shopify store in minutes. Plus, the support team assists with data migration, allowing most merchants to complete the transition within 24 hours.

Does Forthcast offer features that Stocky doesn't?

Yes, Forthcast includes several features that set it apart:

• Flat-rate pricing at $19.99/month with no extra fees
• One-click integration with Shopify
• Flexible month-to-month billing (no annual contracts)
• Built-in priority support

Additionally, Forthcast uses machine learning to provide 6-month demand forecasts at the SKU level - something Stocky no longer offers since removing its min/max forecasting feature. It also includes bundle intelligence, which tracks demand for components without double-counting.

Is Forthcast suitable for growing Shopify stores?

Absolutely. Forthcast is built for Shopify merchants of all sizes, from small startups to larger enterprises. Unlike Stocky, Forthcast keeps its pricing at $19.99/month, no matter how many SKUs or transactions you handle. With a 5.0-star rating on the Shopify App Store, merchants frequently highlight its ability to improve cash flow.

"Forthcast is super simple to use and has saved us a lot of headache. Very happy with their tool and the provided support." - Parenting Unlocked, Shopify App Store Review

Last updated: February 2026

Conclusion: Is Forthcast the Better Alternative?

Stocky’s limitations - like discontinued features and data migration hurdles - highlight the pressing need for a modern solution. With Stocky shutting down on August 31, 2026, Shopify merchants are searching for a replacement that’s effective and budget-friendly. Enter Forthcast: an AI-powered demand forecasting tool available at a flat rate of $19.99/month, offering unlimited SKUs and zero hidden fees.

What sets Forthcast apart? It predicts demand up to 6 months in advance using machine learning, taking into account seasonality, trends, and promotional impacts - far surpassing Stocky’s basic min/max calculations. The tool also avoids double-counting by tracking bundle components accurately, monitors lost sales to estimate potential revenue loss, and provides reorder alerts based on forecasts, eliminating guesswork. Plus, setup is a breeze, taking less than 10 minutes, with most merchants completing their migration within 24 hours thanks to expert support.

Forthcast has earned a 5.0-star rating on the Shopify App Store, with merchants applauding its accuracy and ease of use.

"Forthcast is super simple to use and has saved us a lot of headache. Very happy with their tool and the provided support." - Parenting Unlocked, Shopify App Store Review

For Shopify merchants looking for transparent pricing, AI-driven precision, and hassle-free inventory management, Forthcast stands out as the clear choice. Start your risk-free 14-day trial at forthcast.io and take control of your inventory management.

Last updated: February 2026

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