PWA and Push Notifications
ShopNest is a Progressive Web App (PWA), which means you can install it like a native app and receive push notifications. This gives the storefront an app-like presence — a home-screen icon, fast loads from cache, and the ability to notify you — without going through an app store.
Install as an app
Because ShopNest is a PWA with a web manifest and service worker, supported browsers offer to install it. Once installed, it opens in its own window with the ShopNest icon, loads quickly thanks to caching, and behaves like a standalone app. Installing is optional — the same storefront works in any browser tab.
Push notifications
ShopNest supports push notifications so the store can reach you about relevant updates. On mobile (Capacitor) the app uses native push notifications. On the web, notifications use the Firebase Cloud Messaging web flow with a registered service worker; this requires your browser's notification permission and a configured Web Push key, and it degrades gracefully when those aren't present.
Offline-aware behavior
The service worker caches assets so the app loads fast and remains resilient on flaky connections. Network-dependent actions still need connectivity, but the shell and previously loaded content hold up better than a plain website.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to install ShopNest?
No. Installation is optional. The full storefront runs in any modern browser; installing just adds an app-like shell and icon.
How do push notifications work on the web?
Through Firebase Cloud Messaging with a registered service worker. You grant notification permission, and the store can then send you web push messages. Without permission or configuration, web push simply stays off.
Does the app work offline?
The app caches assets for fast, resilient loads, but actions that need the network — like checkout — still require a connection.