diff --git a/core/lib/spree/core/version.rb b/core/lib/spree/core/version.rb
index 1f2de1ef1e..e86461c542 100644
--- a/core/lib/spree/core/version.rb
+++ b/core/lib/spree/core/version.rb
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 # frozen_string_literal: true
 
 module Spree
+  VERSION = "2.9.0.alpha"
+
   def self.solidus_version
-    "2.9.0.alpha"
+    VERSION
   end
 
   def self.solidus_gem_version