What is the primary benefit of using lazy loading for images in a Shopify theme?

The primary benefit of using lazy loading for images in a Shopify theme is that it enhances page load times by loading images as needed. When lazy loading is implemented, images are only downloaded when they enter the viewport, or are about to be scrolled into view, rather than all at once when the page initially loads. This reduces the amount of data that needs to be retrieved on the first load and can significantly improve the overall performance of the site, especially for pages with many images.

This technique is particularly useful for long web pages like product listings or blogs, where the initial load can be quick, giving users a better experience while they wait for images to load only as they scroll down. Enhanced page load times can lead to lower bounce rates, higher engagement, and improved SEO, as search engines favor faster-loading sites.

While other options mention aspects like image display order, quality improvement, and compression, they do not capture the essence of how lazy loading functions and its primary role in optimizing performance for the user interface.