Stock market crashes can be terrifying, especially with valuations stretched and geopolitical uncertainty rattling global trade and energy markets. And while another meltdown’s far from certain in 2026, potentially watching years of portfolio gains disappear won’t be fun for anyone.

Yet history shows that these periods of panic can also create some of the best buying opportunities of a lifetime. And when used correctly, a crash could actually help investors retire much earlier than initially planned. Here’s how.

How do crashes create bargains?

When fear takes over, investors often throw the baby out with the bathwater. Weak companies often get punished the most. But exceptional businesses whose long-term prospects remain intact often get caught in the crossfire. And Shopify (NASDAQ:SHOP) provides a cracking recent example.

At the beginning of the pandemic, its share price plunged 37% within two weeks as investors rushed for the exits. At the time, no one was thinking about how lockdowns might turn into a tailwind for online shopping. And in the end, that’s exactly what happened.

Accelerated e-commerce adoption strengthened demand for Shopify’s online selling tools, allowing the business to thrive. And those brave enough to buy during that panic have since earned a 411% return, even after another enormous price crash during the subsequent 2022 market correction.

So let’s say the stock market decides to throw a tantrum tomorrow and Shopify once again gets hit. Will history repeat itself?

Can Shopify keep delivering?

In 2026, even with all the economic uncertainty, consumer spending, particularly in the US, has remained pretty robust. That’s great news for merchants in general. And it’s why Shopify’s gross merchandise volume in its most recent quarter surged another 32% to $116bn, lifting revenues 34% to $3.6bn.

Crucially, this growth came from multiple directions. International transaction volumes climbed 37%, physical store sales rose 32%, and business-to-business activity jumped 76%. And while the majority of Shopify’s merchants tend to be smaller players, even the larger retailers have begun hopping aboard, with brands such as fashion brand Guess and beauty brand Avon joining the platform.

Even better, operating expenses fell as a proportion of revenue, pushing the free cash flow margin above 18%. And now, management expects third-quarter revenue to grow at a low-30s percentage rate.

In other words, the business is seemingly firing on all cylinders. So where’s the catch?

What could derail growth?

If an economic slowdown, or worse a recession, does come knocking, consumers might start spending less, hurting both Shopify and its merchants directly. That’s obviously bad news for any business, especially in a sector that’s riddled with fierce competition from the likes of Amazon.

Pairing that with the fact that Shopify shares are currently trading at a premium valuation today, the impact of any potential slowdown on its share price will only be amplified. That’s why, if a stock market crash comes along this year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Shopify shares take a massive beating, just like in 2020 and 2022.

But the company has already proven it knows how to navigate chopping spending environments. And that’s why, if panic does set in and Shopify takes a tumble, I’ll be near the front of the line to take advantage.

Should you invest £5,000 in Shopify right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers and his team have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Twelfth Magpie Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Shopify made the list?

Zaven Boyrazian owns shares in Shopify.