More creative freedom thanks to headless solution based on Shopware

Sacha's current system no longer met their needs and XSARUS offered the solution: a powerful headless environment based on Shopware that takes over tasks from the existing system and adds functionalities. Sacha has been working closely with XSARUS for over 9 years, also for the previous e-commerce platform and the inriver PIM system. This means the organizations and teams know each other inside out.

Need for creative freedom

At Sacha, there was a need for more creation, engagement, and contact moments with the target audience. To achieve this, Sacha began exploring a new platform. The wish was, in any case, for a headless solution (in an omnichannel and cross-border environment) with more creative freedom. Sacha sought a suitable supplier and quickly (again) arrived at XSARUS for the best solution.

Headless e-commerce platform

The existing content and e-commerce options have been replaced by standalone systems. Shopware 6 is the e-commerce engine and the Prismic CMS provides the content and experience elements. TableTop Order Management focuses on order processing and delivery and the further connection between online and offline. By combining these systems, the possibilities for Sacha are limitless, allowing them to shape and test various ideas.

Another advantage of the headless setup is that it is easier to add smart technology. For instance, in terms of intelligent search & navigation, segmentation, personalisation, and loyalty.

Shopware: stable e-commerce engine

When it comes to shopping, the Shopware 6 e-commerce platform is the transactional engine. It ensures the correct order flow: display of products, check-out, delivery. The webshop has received a completely new layout. The Shopware software is designed in a very modern way; Sacha’s marketers can see all products and prices at a glance, which they can immediately start working with. All kinds of promotions are conceivable and everything is customisable.

For example, Sacha creates rules in Shopware to set up their own promotions that match the target group. A promotion thought up in the morning can be developed and put online by themselves the same day. Thanks to specific rules, Sacha can quickly switch, such as setting different rates for shipping costs that are immediately visible on the frontend. That flexibility is invaluable to Sacha and results in a lot of conversion.

Prismic CMS: unpacking with content

Thanks to the content management system Prismic, Sacha can fill the webshop with creative content pages. With more experience, beautiful videos, and inspiring photography. The standalone CMS provides extra flexibility around content creation and minimises the chance of errors when posting content, blogs, and other creative expressions online.

Real-time stock management with TableTop Order Management

Thanks to TableTop Order Management, Sacha has real-time insight into the store inventory. Webshop visitors can see per product and size whether it is available in their preferred store. The store visit provides Sacha's staff with an extra contact moment with the customer. Win-win! Relevant information for the visitor, such as opening hours and addresses, is easily managed through the order management system and automatically forwarded to the webshop.

Because delivery times are determined based on real-time inventory, Sacha's customers can rely on a reliable delivery promise. And this prevents disappointment; good for customer satisfaction. The TableTop Order Management system is being further developed with solutions that help Sacha work more efficiently, save costs, and enhance the omnichannel shopping experience for its customers.

Result after going live

The go-live went smoothly. There was no dip in conversion and turnover immediately after going live. In fact, from the moment the switch flipped, the webshop improved not only in look and feel but certainly also in user-friendliness. This immediately resulted in a higher conversion. Visitors also experience a fast webshop that is bug-free and more findable.

(Omnichannel) in-store experience greatly improved

Online visitors are now immersed in the world of Sacha with a wealth of inspiration. Online shopping is now easier from orientation to check-out. There is a stronger connection between the online platform and Sacha’s physical stores. Through the Shop the Look functionality, webshop visitors can, like in the store, be inspired. The looks are carefully composed by Sacha based on the latest fashion trends, showing how to style an outfit optimally. Advantage for Sacha: this promotes cross-selling. The new design and the TableTop Order Management solutions ensure that on- and offline shopping are more intertwined.

Future-proof platform

For the new e-commerce platform, Sacha has made a large investment in the technical architecture. To ensure a future-proof system. The technical basic setup of Sacha is being copied to Manfield and Sissy-Boy, also part of the Termeer Group. This is a great advantage. Should names be added in the future, they can be seamlessly connected. If required, with a completely unique frontend design, ensuring that the consumer does not realise that the webshops are part of one and the same platform. With the new e-commerce platform, Sacha can achieve its goals and ambitions and has ample room to grow.

Confidence in the future

The 9-year collaboration formed a solid foundation for this project. Sacha and XSARUS are on the same page when it comes to their way of working, sense of responsibility and dedication to making this major project succeed. By being honest and sharp about everything. The collaboration proved to be a good match once again. Sacha is very happy with the result and looks to the future with confidence.