Build a Full Shopify Store from Scratch — Theme Clone, Products, Apps & SEO Setup

I'm building a new Shopify store from the ground up and need an experienced developer to handle the full setup. The store will carry a mixed product range of 51–100 items, and I have a reference store whose design and layout I want replicated closely — not copied exactly, but used as the visual direction and structural blueprint. This is a complete build, not a small task. Here's everything that needs to be done: STORE SETUP & THEME — Set up a new Shopify store from scratch (I'll provide access once hired) — Source or purchase a suitable theme that matches the reference store's look and feel — Customize the theme to closely replicate the reference store's layout, typography, color scheme, and section structure — Any custom Liquid coding needed to achieve the desired look should be included PRODUCTS & COLLECTIONS — Set up 51–100 product listings (I will provide product details, images, and descriptions) — Organize products into proper collections with filters where needed — Ensure product pages are clean, conversion-friendly, and consistent across the store PAYMENT & CHECKOUT — Set up and test the payment gateway (Shopify Payments or a third-party processor — to be discussed) — Configure checkout settings, shipping zones, and tax rules — Make sure the full purchase flow works smoothly end to end APP INTEGRATIONS — Install and configure relevant apps for reviews, email marketing, and shipping (I'm open to your recommendations based on what works best) — Make sure all apps are properly integrated and don't slow the store down SEO & SPEED — Set up basic on-page SEO: meta titles, descriptions, alt tags, URL structure — Optimize the store's loading speed — images compressed, unnecessary code removed — Ensure the store passes a basic Core Web Vitals check WHAT I EXPECT FROM YOU — Share examples or links to Shopify stores you've built previously — Communicate clearly at each stage so I know what's done and what's next — Flag any issues or blockers early rather than at the deadline — Deliver a store that's fully functional, tested, and ready to go live A few things to keep in mind before you apply: — Please do not send a generic proposal. Write 3–4 lines about a similar full-store project you've handled and what your process looks like — I'll share the reference store URL privately after shortlisting — Mention the word "Liquid" at the start of your proposal so I know you've read this in full If you have the skills, the availability, and the attention to detail this project needs — I'd love to hear from you.