The Echidna Blog

Let’s perform a quick, slightly uncomfortable experiment. Open your company’s B2B buying portal. Now, open the last app you used to buy a pair of shoes, order a pizza, or book a flight.If the gap between those two experiences feels like the distance between a Tesla dashboard and a 1985 filing cabinet, you have a problem. And in 2026, that problem isn’t just "bad design"—it’s a catastrophic leak in your balance sheet.For years, B2B companies hid behind the excuse of "complexity."

Congratulations. You’ve built a B2B business that actually works. You’ve bypassed the startup graveyard, survived the great "digital shift" of the early 2020s, and you’re currently sitting on a respectable pile of revenue.But there’s a problem. The needle has stopped moving. You’re hovering around that $10M mark, and no matter how many more LinkedIn ads you buy or how many "urgent" emails your VP of Sales sends, the growth has flattened.

While AI agents and immersive mobile apps grab the headlines in the Shopify Editions Winter 2026 release, the real heroes for Operations Directors and CTOs are the structural upgrades in Shopify POS.The "RenAIssance" isn't just about flashy new features; it's about removing the technical ceilings that have historically limited high-volume merchants.As a Shopify partner, Echidna guides Shopify customers to leverage its rebuilt operational core and support massive scale.

If the last few years were about AI generation—writing emails, creating images, and suggesting code—2026 is the year of AI agency.With the release of Shopify Editions Winter 2026, titled "The RenAIssance," Shopify has fundamentally shifted the role of Artificial Intelligence in ecommerce. It is no longer just a tool you use; it is a workforce you deploy.As a Shopify partner, Echidna guides its enterprise clients on this critical distinction.

If 2025 was the year of "mobile-first," 2026 is the year of "mobile-native." As a Shopify Partner, Echidna walks clients through this shift. Customers aren't just browsing mobile websites anymore; they are living in apps. Specifically immersive commerce with the Shop Minis through the Shop app.The Shopify Editions Winter 2026 release acknowledges this shift by aggressively expanding the capabilities of the Shop App—Shopify’s consumer-facing marketplace—and opening the floodgates for developers to build inside it Shop Minis.

For years, B2B eCommerce was synonymous with "clunky." While DTC brands enjoyed sleek, one-click experiences, wholesale buyers were often forced into rigid portals that felt like spreadsheets with a "Buy" button.With the release of Shopify Editions Winter 2026, that gap has officially closed.This release of , part of the broader "RenAIssance" theme, introduces a suite of Shopify B2B features Winter 2026 designed to treat wholesale buyers like first-class customers.

With the release of Shopify Editions Winter 2026, titled "The RenAIssance," Shopify has declared that the era of AI-assisted commerce is over—and the era of Agentic Commerce has begun.For enterprise merchants and high-growth brands, this edition represents a critical inflection point in the Shopify roadmap 2026. It moves beyond simple chatbots and text generation into a world where AI agents actively manage operations, where B2B buying rivals the best DTC experiences, and where mobile commerce becomes immersive rather than transactional.

Choosing a Shopify partner shouldn’t feel like speed‑dating agencies with identical pitch decks. You need measurable outcomes, bulletproof integrations, and a team that can say “yes” to speed and “no” to unnecessary complexity. This guide demystifies what a great Shopify (and Shopify Plus) partner actually does, when Shopify isn’t the right answer, the questions that separate a good agency from the right one, and the realistic timelines and budgets mid‑market leaders should expect.

The fastest way to make a Shopify program painful is to treat integrations as an afterthought. The fastest way to make it delightful is to design the flow of truth—which system owns which data, how events move, how failures are handled—before anyone opens a code editor. This article lays out the Shopify integration strategies we deploy for mid‑market B2B teams, with reference architectures, data models, event cadences, and the governance that keeps everything stable under peak traffic.

Shopify B2B features have grown up—price lists, company profiles, roles, and checkout flows give mid‑market teams a solid foundation. The art is knowing what to configure natively, when to bring in well‑chosen apps, and where small, targeted custom work unlocks scale without creating a maintenance nightmare. This guide lays out the patterns we deploy for complex pricing, segmented catalogs, approvals, and sales‑rep workflows—plus the guardrails that keep performance snappy and governance tight.

B2B on Shopify works beautifully when your architecture respects the realities of contracts, complex catalogs, and legacy systems. This article gives you a field‑tested Shopify Implementation for B2B plan—how to structure your stack, integrate ERP/PIM/OMS (and friends), migrate messy data without losing SEO equity, and launch inside a realistic 12–24 week window. The emphasis throughout: minimum viable complexity, maximum business impact.

Your organic traffic is dipping while your keyword rankings look fine. You’re not broken—the journey is. Welcome to the age of LLM Optimization.

Decision-makers are asking Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI Overviews for “the best NEMA L6-30 compatible PDU under $600” and getting the answer right there. No click. No funnel. No form fill.

Digital commerce is no longer a side hustle for B2B—it’s the primary buying experience your customers expect. In McKinsey’s latest B2B research, 71% of suppliers now offer e-commerce and online sales account for 34% of B2B revenue—the top-ranked channel for growth-minded leaders.

You don’t need another pep talk about “putting the customer first.” You need levers. The good news: modern UX testing tools are exactly that—levers that move revenue, reduce cost-to-serve, and de-risk big bets.

If your brand sits in that sweet spot—north of $10M, south of $5B—social shouldn’t just be “posting and hoping.” In 2025, social is a performance channel, a customer research lab, a talent magnet, and for many categories, a storefront.

For enterprises operating at scale, eCommerce is no longer a project—it’s an operating model. Standard platforms can launch a site; they rarely unlock growth across multi-brand portfolios, dealer networks, and global supply chains.

For many organizations, eCommerce began as a transactional channel. Today, it is a growth engine that shapes brand perception, demand capture, and operational efficiency. A modern eCommerce strategy aligns customer expectations, technology architecture, operating model, and data to deliver measurable outcomes—revenue growth, lower cost-to-serve, and improved customer lifetime value.

In the fast-moving world of eCommerce, “good enough” doesn’t stay good enough for long. Whether you’re running on Shopify, a homegrown solution, or another enterprise eCommerce platform, there comes a point when your current system can’t keep up with the scale, complexity, or expectations of your business. That’s where Shopify Plus enters the conversation—not just as an upgrade, but as a launchpad for growth.

For mid-market brands, eCommerce has shifted from being a “growth channel” to the backbone of long-term business success. With global retail eCommerce sales projected to hit $8 trillion by 2027 (Statista, 2024), the competition is no longer just about getting online—it’s about building a sustainable, adaptable, and customer-first digital ecosystem. That’s where an eCommerce roadmap comes in.

In the high-speed world of digital commerce, your eCommerce technology stack can either be your biggest growth driver—or your biggest bottleneck.

In today’s hyper-competitive digital marketplace, intuition is no longer enough. To grow efficiently and sustainably, successful eCommerce businesses must let one thing lead the way: data.

In the fast-paced world of digital commerce, companies often chase innovation by adding new tools, apps, and platforms to solve short-term problems. But over time, this patchwork of solutions becomes exactly that—a patchwork—with growing complexity, siloed data, and rising IT costs.

Let’s be honest: digital marketing budgets are under more scrutiny than ever.

For years, B2B manufacturers have relied on clunky portals, ERP extensions, or custom-built systems to support digital ordering. These platforms got the job done—barely. But as buyer expectations evolve and the need for operational efficiency grows, legacy systems are showing their cracks. Enter Shopify B2B—a modern, flexible, and increasingly powerful way to deliver the seamless, scalable experience today’s B2B customers demand.

In the race to deliver better, faster, more personalized digital experiences, businesses are learning a tough truth: monolithic eCommerce platforms can’t keep up. Rigid architectures, bloated tech stacks, and expensive replatforming cycles are draining budgets and throttling innovation. In 2025, the pressure to adapt is even higher. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to tear everything down to build something better.

As digital commerce moves deeper into modular, API-first ecosystems, the complexity of delivering fast, stable, and scalable experiences has increased. Developers and digital leaders are under pressure to move quickly without compromising quality—a tricky balance in today’s composable world.

In a world of shrinking margins and rising expectations, eCommerce leaders are under pressure to do more with less. But here’s the rub: “cost cutting” doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality, customer experience, or long-term growth.

We’ve all heard the saying: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But in the digital wild, where agility wins and consumer expectations evolve daily, “not broken” can still mean dangerously outdated.

In 2025, Shopify has leveled up from a user-friendly eCommerce platform into an AI-fueled powerhouse. With tools that streamline everything from store creation to inventory planning and fraud prevention, Shopify Magic is supercharging productivity for merchants of all sizes.

In today’s competitive online market, cutting the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your eCommerce platform is critical for long-term profitability. Believe it or not, one of the most effective ways to do that isn’t about the technology—it's about user experience (UX). Here’s how enhancing UX can help you slash costs, boost conversions, and reduce hidden operational drag.

In the B2B world, digital transformation isn’t just about spinning up an online storefront or launching a flashy new product configurator. It’s about architecting a scalable, flexible digital ecosystem—one that meets the rising expectations of today’s B2B buyers while adapting to tomorrow’s unknowns.

Magento Open Source has long been the go-to platform for small to mid-sized businesses wanting flexibility without the price tag. But as Adobe shifts focus toward its enterprise solution, many eCommerce brands are reevaluating their future. Is it time to move beyond Magento Open Source and invest in an Adobe Commerce implementation?

In a digital-first world, clinging to legacy systems can feel like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops. They may have served you well once, but today, outdated technology is often a silent killer of progress, agility, and profitability. Businesses aiming to stay competitive, scalable, and user-focused must reckon with one truth: Digital Transformation isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Let’s be honest—manufacturing isn’t just about production lines anymore. It’s about experience. In today’s digital-first economy, your customers expect more than quality products. They expect fast, transparent, and self-directed access to services and information long after the sale is made.

In the not-so-distant past, B2B sales meant lengthy email threads, phone calls, and faxes (yes, faxes). Today, buyers expect the same intuitive digital experience they get from B2C giants like Amazon—only with the added complexity of bulk pricing, approval workflows, and ERP integration.

Boosting ROI & Cutting Costs: Real Client Results with Echidna as an Adobe Commerce Partner

If your digital business strategy is limited to marketing tactics or tech wish lists, you’re missing the bigger picture. Today operational efficiency is no longer optional—it’s core to growth. Whether you’re facing economic uncertainty, shrinking margins, or internal pressure to scale smarter, a modern digital business strategy helps you cut costs without slowing momentum.

In the fast-evolving world of digital commerce, flexibility, scalability, and speed are non-negotiables. If you're an enterprise considering a pivot—or a first dive—into Shopify's ecosystem in 2025, understanding Shopify pricing isn't just about comparing numbers. It's about choosing a foundation that will scale with your growth, simplify operations, and ultimately power your brand’s next leap.

Magento Open Source has long been a go-to platform for growing eCommerce brands. But in 2025, the shift toward SaaS-first, fully integrated platforms is accelerating—and Adobe is making it clear where the future lies: Adobe Commerce Cloud.

When it comes to showing up in search, your site isn’t just competing for attention—it’s fighting for relevance. And in 2025, the rules of SEO are sharper, smarter, and more user-focused than ever. If you want better rankings, more organic traffic, and a website that actually converts, it starts with a solid on-page SEO audit.

eCommerce site performance is more than just a technical metric—it’s a direct driver of customer experience, conversion rates, and long-term revenue. For enterprise-level businesses with high traffic volumes, complex integrations, and global user bases, maintaining optimal site performance is both a challenge and a necessity.

As your eCommerce business scales, your platform needs to scale with it. At Echidna, we help brands implement flexible, high-performing Shopify solutions that support long-term growth. One of the most common questions we hear is: When does it make sense to upgrade from Shopify to Shopify Plus?

Unlock Better PPC ROI with the Right Strategy and Execution

As B2B buying behaviors continue to shift toward digital-first experiences, having a well-defined B2B eCommerce strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Today’s buyers expect seamless online transactions, personalized experiences, and streamlined order management. Businesses that fail to meet these expectations risk losing customers to more agile competitors.

March 2025: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

The digital commerce landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. For enterprise organizations, eCommerce implementation is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. Whether your goal is to expand market reach, streamline operations, or enhance customer experience, a well-executed eCommerce platform can be a game-changer.

The Adobe Summit 2025, taking place March 17-20 in Las Vegas, is the premier event for digital commerce leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. With Adobe Commerce continuing to push the boundaries of omnichannel, personalization, and AI-driven commerce experiences, this year's sessions promise insights and strategies for businesses ready to scale.

The eCommerce world moves at lightning speed, and if your digital strategy is still stuck in 2022, you’re already behind. For eCommerce trends in 2025, customers expect seamless, AI-powered experiences, personalized interactions, and frictionless buying journeys—whether they’re shopping for jelly beans, batteries, industrial components, or aerospace technology (more on that mix later).

Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento Commerce, is a powerful and flexible eCommerce platform designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. With its cloud-based infrastructure and rich feature set, it offers seamless scalability, personalization, and advanced business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) capabilities. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Adobe Commerce, from its key features to implementation best practices.

February 2025: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Why eCommerce Platform Implementation Matters

A Strategic Approach to SEO and Digital Marketing for Sustainable Growth

As ecommerce continues to evolve, marketplaces have emerged as a dominant force in both B2C and B2B spaces. With about 50% of global online sales occurring on marketplaces—and this number expected to grow—businesses can no longer afford to overlook the opportunities presented by these platforms. VTEX commerce solutions provide tools and frameworks for businesses to explore and manage marketplace models effectively. This article explores VTEX marketplace capabilities and how they support businesses in a competitive digital landscape.

January 2025: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, mobile users demand seamless, intuitive experiences. A mobile UX audit is the key to uncovering friction points, optimizing usability, and boosting engagement. Whether you’re launching a new mobile app or optimizing an existing one, following best practices ensures your mobile experience meets user expectations and drives conversions.

The NRF 2025 Big Show is packed with innovation, inspiration, and strategies to shape the future of retail. With so many sessions to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to focus your attention. That’s why we’ve rounded up three of the most exciting, game-changing sessions you simply can’t miss. These discussions bring together retail leaders, digital visionaries, and industry disruptors who are reshaping the way we do business.

In today’s fast-paced digital ecosystem, a well-crafted digital transformation strategy isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a survival tool. As we stride into 2025, the digital frontier is evolving faster than ever, with cutting-edge trends reshaping how businesses operate, connect, and grow.

December 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

The New Year is the perfect time for businesses to reflect on the past year and set goals for growth and improvement. For eCommerce companies, staying competitive means focusing on strategies that enhance user experience, streamline technology, and maximize ROI. Here are five resolutions to make 2025 a transformative year for your online store.

Implementing a B2B eCommerce platform is more than a technological shift—it’s a critical move to enhance customer experiences, drive operational efficiency, and fuel long-term growth. Whether you're targeting improved user interactions or integrating advanced systems, here are the essential considerations for a seamless B2B eCommerce implementation.

The eCommerce world is gearing up for a landmark year in 2025, where growth, innovation, and disruption converge to reshape how businesses sell and customers shop. Post-pandemic consumer behaviors have solidified, sustainability concerns are influencing purchasing decisions, and advancements are propelling eCommerce technology into a new frontier.

In today’s digital world, making your website accessible to all is not just a legal obligation but also a smart business strategy. Accessibility opens the door to a wider audience, ensures compliance with regulations, and fosters inclusivity. Conducting a web accessibility audit is the first step in identifying and fixing barriers that may prevent users with disabilities from fully experiencing your website. This guide breaks down the steps to ensure compliance with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and create a more inclusive online experience.

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of competitors requires a strong foundation in search engine optimization (SEO). A vital part of any SEO strategy is conducting regular audits of your website to ensure optimal performance, visibility, and compliance with the latest algorithms. SEO audit tools play a pivotal role in this process, offering a blend of automation, insights, and action steps. In this article, we’ll explore the best SEO audit tools for 2025, including their features, benefits, and suitability for different needs.

November 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Imagine running a race without knowing where the finish line is. In eCommerce, tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is like setting clear markers along the route, helping you gauge progress and make adjustments to reach your goals. KPIs are essential for crafting an effective eCommerce strategy, as they provide measurable insights into the performance of key areas like sales, customer engagement, website usability, and marketing efficiency. By analyzing these metrics, eCommerce businesses can make data-driven decisions that directly impact profitability and scalability.

Seamless system integration has become foundational for success in B2C and B2B eCommerce. As companies shift to digital-first strategies to remain competitive and responsive to client demands, integrating systems like ERP, CRM, and inventory management is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Once upon a time, the most advanced digital assistant many of us knew was Clippy—the quirky, ever-helpful paperclip in Microsoft Office. For all his flaws, Clippy was groundbreaking: the first mainstream, interactive UX assistant that tried to understand what users were doing and offered guidance (even if often unrequested). Though Clippy fell short in many ways, he introduced the idea of proactive assistance in a digital workspace—a concept that has since evolved dramatically.

As we approach 2025, the eCommerce landscape is evolving rapidly, with new eCommerce trends for 2025 shaping how businesses must adapt to remain competitive. To keep up with shifting trends, emerging technologies, and changing consumer behaviors, businesses need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Whether you're taking a measured approach, picking up the pace, or blazing ahead, the beauty of this eCommerce journey is that the pace is flexible.

As the holiday season approaches, eCommerce brands have an unparalleled opportunity to drive traffic, increase sales, and boost brand awareness. But in today’s competitive digital landscape, a successful holiday campaign isn’t just about running a few ads or posting on social media. It’s about having a well-integrated omni-channel digital marketing strategy that amplifies your message across all platforms, engages customers at every touchpoint, and delivers a seamless, connected shopping experience.

October 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

In the fast-evolving world of eCommerce, it’s easy to think of digital transformation as a sprint—a race to adopt the latest tech and check off all the boxes that signal you’re “future-proofed.” But in reality, digital transformation is much more like an ongoing marathon, where businesses need to pace themselves for long-term success.

Choosing the right eCommerce platform is one of the most critical decisions for enterprise organizations today. With the growing complexities of digital commerce—ranging from managing vast product catalogs to supporting global operations—the platform you choose will shape your long-term success.

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing—don’t panic! There’s still time to make quick, impactful adjustments to your eCommerce site that can help you handle the holiday rush like a pro. 🎁 With these last-minute tips, you can boost site speed, optimize your checkout process, and leverage social media to drive more traffic and sales. Let’s dive into the tweaks you can implement right away to get your site holiday-ready.

In the competitive world of executive recruitment, managing relationships, data, and processes efficiently is key to staying ahead. For Protis Global, a leader in talent acquisition for consumer brands, this meant taking their marketing and operations to the next level. By partnering with Echidna and leveraging the power of HubSpot’s CMS and CRM, they successfully streamlined their workflows, automated manual tasks, and transformed their business.

September 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

HubSpot offers incredible potential for businesses aiming to streamline their marketing, sales, and customer service. However, like any robust platform, implementing it effectively requires overcoming certain hurdles. At Echidna, we specialize in guiding businesses through these challenges, ensuring that their HubSpot implementation becomes a powerful asset.

The industrial goods sector has seen a significant shift toward eCommerce in recent years, with businesses increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase tools, machinery, and raw materials. However, selling industrial goods online comes with unique challenges—ranging from large and complex product catalogs to diverse customer needs, such as procurement managers, engineers, and technicians seeking highly specific items. In this evolving landscape, AI personalization in industrial goods eCommerce is becoming a key driver for success, as buyers now expect tailored product recommendations, custom pricing, and seamless navigation through large inventories.

In the rapidly evolving world of automotive eCommerce, data-driven decision-making is no longer just an advantage—it's a necessity. With the rise of online vehicle shopping, managing customer expectations, inventory, and competitive pricing has become increasingly complex. Automotive eCommerce managers need more than just intuition to succeed in this environment; they require the power of data to make informed decisions that drive growth and enhance customer experiences.

Generative AI is quickly revolutionizing eCommerce, transforming how businesses engage with customers, optimize operations, and drive growth. For enterprise-level eCommerce players, the challenge is no longer just about adopting AI but effectively scaling it to maintain competitiveness and deliver exceptional customer experiences. This article explores how generative AI can be scaled within eCommerce enterprises, the challenges involved, and the strategies that can lead to success.

Industrial Goods B2B buying is experiencing a significant transformation. As manufacturers strive to meet the evolving needs of their buyers, they are faced with unprecedented complexities in the sales process. Traditional sales channels are rapidly evolving, and the demand for a seamless, one-stop-shop experience is at an all-time high. To stay competitive, Industrial Goods (IG) manufacturers must embrace technology as a critical tool for managing these complexities and delivering the streamlined experience their customers expect.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of B2B commerce, the buying journey is becoming increasingly complex. As companies strive to engage with clients on a more personalized level, the challenge lies not just in understanding individual customer needs but in tailoring experiences that resonate across entire accounts. In 2024, the digital B2B buying experience has reached a tipping point where personalization is no longer a luxury but a necessity, and those who master it are poised to lead their sectors.

August 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Personalization has emerged as a key strategy for differentiation in aftermarket parts eCommerce. Encompassing a vast range of products, from brake pads and tires to high-performance enhancements this industry is characterized by its complexity, driven by the need for a wide variety of parts that cater to different makes, models, and years of vehicles. Customers in the aftermarket parts industry seek tailored solutions that meet their specific business needs. Personalization can significantly enhance the aftermarket parts buying experience by delivering relevant product recommendations, customized pricing, and personalized content, thereby improving satisfaction and loyalty.

In today's competitive B2B landscape, personalization isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. The ability to tailor experiences and communications to the unique needs and preferences of each client can be a game-changer. Businesses that master personalization can expect to see increased engagement, loyalty, and ultimately, sales. However, achieving personalization at scale, especially on a global level, is no small feat.

In today's data-driven world, the eCommerce landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. According to a recent study by McKinsey, companies that leverage customer behavior data outperform peers by 85% in sales growth and more than 25% in gross margin. This statistic underscores the transformative impact of data analytics in eCommerce, enabling businesses to make informed decisions that drive success.

July 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

The automotive industry is undergoing a major shift, driven by rapid advancements in digital technology. This transformation is reshaping how vehicles are manufactured, marketed, sold, and serviced. From AI-driven manufacturing processes to sophisticated online sales platforms, automotive eCommerce is becoming the backbone of modern automotive operations. This shift is not just a trend but a necessity for survival and growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Imagine this: A small eCommerce business invests $500 in a PPC campaign and, within a month, sees a return of $2,000 in sales. That’s a whopping 300% return on investment (ROI). This scenario isn’t a fairy tale but a real possibility when PPC campaigns are executed effectively. However, achieving such high ROI isn’t just about luck; it’s about leveraging data to drive decisions.

Let’s debunk a popular myth before we start: Continuous innovation is not a one-off event or just a buzzword. It’s not about having that one groundbreaking idea that skyrockets your business to success. True innovation is a continuous process. It’s about applying strategic, tactical, and operational strengths consistently to prepare for future shifts. In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, staying relevant requires more than a flash of brilliance. It demands a relentless, ongoing commitment to change.

We don’t need to tell you that mobile commerce (m-commerce) is rapidly becoming the dominant mode of online shopping. With the proliferation of smartphones and improved mobile internet connectivity, buyers are increasingly turning to their mobile devices to browse, compare, and purchase products.

Pulling off an exceptional customer experience (CX) in aftermarket parts eCommerce can be the key to differentiating your business and fostering long-term customer loyalty. For customer experience managers, marketing professionals, eCommerce platform developers, and product managers, understanding and implementing effective CX strategies is crucial.

June 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Halco Lighting Technologies is recognized for its energy-efficient solutions and extensive product range in the lighting industry. Serving both B2B and B2C markets with over four decades of experience and a commitment to quality, Halco is committed to deliver innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of their customers and drive sustainable growth.

In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, user experience (UX) can make or break a business. A smooth, engaging, and intuitive user experience not only attracts customers but also keeps them coming back for more. But what exactly sets apart a stellar UX from a mediocre one? The answer often lies in the details—specifically, in microinteractions.

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. Recent developments have shed light on new opportunities and challenges within this dynamic field. A glimpse behind the curtain has provided us with a deeper understanding of how Google possibly evaluates and ranks content, underscoring the importance of adapting our strategies to align with these newly uncovered criteria. However, Google does caution against making assumptions based on potentially outdated or incomplete information contained in these documents.

Echidna Partners with Jessup Manufacturing to Redefine eCommerce User Experience

Whether you're looking to revamp your current site or build a new one from scratch, understanding the key elements of effective website design can significantly impact your business's success. Keep reading to learn about the key elements of B2B sites needed to set a solid foundation for online growth, plus the top advanced B2B eCommerce website design elements and features your team should consider before you even get started.

In today's highly competitive eCommerce world, a robust and user-friendly online platform is crucial. eCommerce web development services offer businesses the tools and features they need to succeed in a digital world. This article explores the intricacies of eCommerce web development, highlighting the key FAQs and trends that can propel your online business to new heights.

In recent years, voice search technology has transformed the way people interact with their devices and access information. This innovation allows users to search the internet, control smart home devices, and perform various tasks simply by speaking commands. Voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant have become integral parts of our daily lives, making voice search an essential aspect of modern SEO strategies.

May 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Let’s debunk a popular myth before we start: Continuous innovation is not a one-off event or just a buzzword. It’s not about having that one groundbreaking idea that skyrockets your business to success. True innovation is a continuous process. It’s about applying strategic, tactical, and operational strengths consistently to prepare for future shifts. In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, staying relevant requires more than a flash of brilliance. It demands a relentless, ongoing commitment to change.

In recent years, voice search technology has transformed the way people interact with their devices and access information. This innovation allows users to search the internet, control smart home devices, and perform various tasks simply by speaking commands. Voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant have become integral parts of our daily lives, making voice search an essential aspect of modern SEO strategies.

Throughout 2022 and early 2023, there was an explosion of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that captivated business leaders, investors, and society as a whole with its impressive ability to create new and seemingly human-made text and images.

You know that providing a seamless, personalized experience to your customers is the key to success. With online purchases on the rise and the growing popularity of omnichannel retail, chatbots have become the go-to tool for businesses looking to improve customer service and increase sales.

Construction Specialties has been at the forefront of providing specialty building products worldwide for more than seventy years. With a presence in twenty countries, they have obtained more than 40 registered product patents and produced ten distinct product lines. Their products can be found in or on some of the world's most famous buildings.

With eCommerce sales doubling in the past five years and markets expected to almost double again by 2026, companies are making sizable investments in their eCommerce capabilities.

In a time when every company is digital to some degree, your strategy is the differentiator. The stronger your strategy the easier it is to not only navigate rapid change and innovation, but as a result those companies also see higher conversion rates.

The automotive industry is at a crossroads. One way maintains the current status quo with little room for competitive edges and scalability, while the other path leads to reimagining its core operations and focusing on digital channels. While the latter path might seem intimidating at the moment, it is important to understand that the industry is moving towards digital selling as a business model for both B2B and B2C markets. Choosing to ignore buyer demands can hurt automotive brands in the long term.

We’re living in an accelerated world of eCommerce.

10 years growth in 3 months according to a recent study by Bank of America and Forrester Analytics. While it can be debated how this measured, we can all agree things have changed rapidly in digital.

We knew this year would require brands to work on the ongoing challenge of optimizing the customer experience. However, being able to embrace a customer-first approach through digital operations has turned instrumental for brands in 2020. As merchants work towards the post-coronavirus future, what does that look like?

Preparing for the future of commerce is no easy feat. While looking for a solution to fulfill current needs, you also need to be able to anticipate how you wanted to adapt and change in the future as you drive your commerce business forward. With an e-commerce platform being a core foundation for any business looking to create positive disruption within their industry, it is important to understand the basics when it comes to designing, building and maintaining a modern viable commerce solution. This includes the continuous innovation that is required to keep up in today’s digital economy. We are giving insight into this and the seven key steps on how to ensure the future-readiness of your commerce solution.

When it comes to starting an e-commerce business or adding e-commerce into your rolodex of purchasing options for your customers, you need to ensure you are fulfilling certain strategic, creative and technology needs in order to ensure short and long term success. Furthermore, in order to retain e-commerce business, you need to offer a superior web, mobile, and conversational interface or your customers will look to a supplier or merchant that does. So where do you start to research, launch and grow a profitable e-commerce business? By following a roadmap that is focused on a holistic approach to commerce strategy and solutions- building a team with strategy, design, technology, operations, merchandising, and data skills to mix into each individual clients particular needs at a particular point in time, you will be setting your e-commerce business up for future-readiness and success.

Taking on a customer-centric strategy is not just about success now, but in the future. Being able to show customers that you are not only here to sell them something, but to help them out in other ways is key to seeing continual growth. Many B2C companies are focused on this path, which includes personalized communication with every customer. The B2B market should also watch this topic closely, because it will likely be a huge disruptor of their operating models in the near term. Luckily, personalization strategies can be easier to implement than you think by understanding common roadblocks and starting with the data that you already have.

These three terms- digitization, digitalization and digital transformation have created a lot of confusion over the past decade (Probably longer. I’ve lost count.). As their meanings have slightly evolved over time, people are consistently using them interchangeably and oftentimes incorrectly. Obviously, it makes things clearer when you present the word correctly and are able to articulate the words meaning so everyone is on the same page, this is especially important when you are relating it back to your business. So what do all these terms mean and why are they important when it comes to discussing your overall business strategy and path to finding long term success?

The journey to build and grow your eCommerce business requires Continuous Innovation.  Your online storefront supported by eCommerce operations lays the foundation for innovation, and your journey ahead requires a diligent and practiced commitment to disciplined innovation. Finding an eCommerce platform to support your evolving needs can be easier said than done, as no one has a glass ball to look into the future. Ultimately, the biggest challenge in choosing an eCommerce technology platform is assessing current state and taking stock of what’s working well and what needs to be improved in order to advance growth long term and achieve leadership’s vision. eCommerce platforms that will offer future-readiness will ultimately fix gap areas and stand strong in three key pillars.

This blog heading is nothing we haven’t all seen by now. Many of these writings contain opinions and data around how to improve a brands digital maturity and further their reach in the market. However, at Echidna we feel that a lot of these post and articles are lacking one important topic essential to the growth and future-proofing (if such a thing exists) to a digital business. Whether you are focused on the B2B or B2C market, if you are not continually innovating you will be left behind. Left behind can mean many things; perhaps your sales growth slumps, maybe your site performance is lacking, for some it means your workflow process and business operations are antiquated, or perhaps you can’t keep up the changing demands of your ideal buyer because you don’t understand their behaviors.

When we talk digital maturity, the technology pillar is imperative. All of the digital capabilities we have discussed in the various pillars rely on the solid foundation of your technology, which is why it has been saved as the final pillar to discuss in our Digital Journey Maturity Model blog series.

Customers are more savvy than ever, with the ability to find what they perceive they want, when they want it. If your marketing pillar can focus on aligning itself with your organizations other pillars to gain important customer insights and move towards a strategy that treats customers as profiles not simply personas, to create a truly individualized experience, you will suddenly be able to perceive what these customers want before they do. And that is where your edge on the competition and ticket to customer loyalty is.

One size does not fit all for customers digital experiences anymore, no matter your industry or market. How you present and promote your merchandise in digital markets is going to move your business to the next level and set a solid foundation for being ready for what the future holds. Being able to succeed in digital merchandising requires a mix of both artistic expression and scientific analysis, along with complete alignment of your other company pillars. After all, without the right strategy, user experience, operations, technology, and marketing in place you will fail to convert the browser into a buyer or up-sell your current customer any day. By approaching digital merchandising with this in mind and taking a holistic view at your data, you will be able to resonate with your unique visitor profiles and offer a superior digital merchandising experience.

The user experience you create is the greatest competitive differentiator in the digital age for your customers. With 61% of US online adults stating they are unlikely to return to a website that does not provide a satisfactory experience¹ and the growing statistics in both B2B and B2C about the amount of people using digital commerce and preferring screens to calling or in-person conversation, the user experience can not simply be putting features, tools, and capabilities in a neatly packaged site anymore. In both B2B and B2C commerce, user experience is about focusing on the individual person to ensure they stay your customer.

It comes as no surprise that how your behind-the-scenes operations run will ultimately shape customer perception more than any other aspect of your business. Beyond that, it is also instrumental in increasing efficiencies and reducing costs throughout the buying cycle. Being able to have a clear view of where all your operations currently stand in order to meet future goals of improving order management, fulfillment, and customer care is the objective for the operations pillar in Echidna’s Digital Journey Maturity Model.

Digital growth is often driven by leadership’s vision and strategic directives. Many of our clients come to us because they have a vision, but it needs definition and an execution plan. This is where the business pillar that lies within Echidna’s Digital Journey Maturity Model emerges. The business pillar of your company is directing and driving your company’s innovation. Digital maturity fuels that drive with tactical efficiency and efficacy.

Customer expectations are rising across all industries and verticals. To retain business, companies must embrace digitization. If you don’t offer a superior web, mobile, and conversational interface, your customers look for the supplier or merchant that does. Your enterprise may be at the start of its digital journey; formulating strategic directives, discussing channel conflicts, or defining ways to augment your business operations with technology. Or you may be further along on the path to digital maturity; engaging mobile customers, exploring marketplace sales channels, or discovering how artificial intelligence can assist your efforts. Many enterprises, both B2B and B2C, are somewhere along their journey to digital maturity. And they are determined to outpace their competition, so it is no surprise that Forrester reports 92% of digital experience decision-makers in these companies seek the help of experts with experience guiding companies along this journey of discovery and change for years.

You don’t need another pep talk about “putting the customer first.” You need levers. The good news: modern UX testing tools are exactly that—levers that move revenue, reduce cost-to-serve, and de-risk big bets.

In today’s competitive online market, cutting the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your eCommerce platform is critical for long-term profitability. Believe it or not, one of the most effective ways to do that isn’t about the technology—it's about user experience (UX). Here’s how enhancing UX can help you slash costs, boost conversions, and reduce hidden operational drag.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, mobile users demand seamless, intuitive experiences. A mobile UX audit is the key to uncovering friction points, optimizing usability, and boosting engagement. Whether you’re launching a new mobile app or optimizing an existing one, following best practices ensures your mobile experience meets user expectations and drives conversions.

Seamless system integration has become foundational for success in B2C and B2B eCommerce. As companies shift to digital-first strategies to remain competitive and responsive to client demands, integrating systems like ERP, CRM, and inventory management is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Once upon a time, the most advanced digital assistant many of us knew was Clippy—the quirky, ever-helpful paperclip in Microsoft Office. For all his flaws, Clippy was groundbreaking: the first mainstream, interactive UX assistant that tried to understand what users were doing and offered guidance (even if often unrequested). Though Clippy fell short in many ways, he introduced the idea of proactive assistance in a digital workspace—a concept that has since evolved dramatically.

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing—don’t panic! There’s still time to make quick, impactful adjustments to your eCommerce site that can help you handle the holiday rush like a pro. 🎁 With these last-minute tips, you can boost site speed, optimize your checkout process, and leverage social media to drive more traffic and sales. Let’s dive into the tweaks you can implement right away to get your site holiday-ready.

The industrial goods sector has seen a significant shift toward eCommerce in recent years, with businesses increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase tools, machinery, and raw materials. However, selling industrial goods online comes with unique challenges—ranging from large and complex product catalogs to diverse customer needs, such as procurement managers, engineers, and technicians seeking highly specific items. In this evolving landscape, AI personalization in industrial goods eCommerce is becoming a key driver for success, as buyers now expect tailored product recommendations, custom pricing, and seamless navigation through large inventories.

In the rapidly evolving world of automotive eCommerce, data-driven decision-making is no longer just an advantage—it's a necessity. With the rise of online vehicle shopping, managing customer expectations, inventory, and competitive pricing has become increasingly complex. Automotive eCommerce managers need more than just intuition to succeed in this environment; they require the power of data to make informed decisions that drive growth and enhance customer experiences.

Generative AI is quickly revolutionizing eCommerce, transforming how businesses engage with customers, optimize operations, and drive growth. For enterprise-level eCommerce players, the challenge is no longer just about adopting AI but effectively scaling it to maintain competitiveness and deliver exceptional customer experiences. This article explores how generative AI can be scaled within eCommerce enterprises, the challenges involved, and the strategies that can lead to success.

Industrial Goods B2B buying is experiencing a significant transformation. As manufacturers strive to meet the evolving needs of their buyers, they are faced with unprecedented complexities in the sales process. Traditional sales channels are rapidly evolving, and the demand for a seamless, one-stop-shop experience is at an all-time high. To stay competitive, Industrial Goods (IG) manufacturers must embrace technology as a critical tool for managing these complexities and delivering the streamlined experience their customers expect.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of B2B commerce, the buying journey is becoming increasingly complex. As companies strive to engage with clients on a more personalized level, the challenge lies not just in understanding individual customer needs but in tailoring experiences that resonate across entire accounts. In 2024, the digital B2B buying experience has reached a tipping point where personalization is no longer a luxury but a necessity, and those who master it are poised to lead their sectors.

Personalization has emerged as a key strategy for differentiation in aftermarket parts eCommerce. Encompassing a vast range of products, from brake pads and tires to high-performance enhancements this industry is characterized by its complexity, driven by the need for a wide variety of parts that cater to different makes, models, and years of vehicles. Customers in the aftermarket parts industry seek tailored solutions that meet their specific business needs. Personalization can significantly enhance the aftermarket parts buying experience by delivering relevant product recommendations, customized pricing, and personalized content, thereby improving satisfaction and loyalty.

Pulling off an exceptional customer experience (CX) in aftermarket parts eCommerce can be the key to differentiating your business and fostering long-term customer loyalty. For customer experience managers, marketing professionals, eCommerce platform developers, and product managers, understanding and implementing effective CX strategies is crucial.

Halco Lighting Technologies is recognized for its energy-efficient solutions and extensive product range in the lighting industry. Serving both B2B and B2C markets with over four decades of experience and a commitment to quality, Halco is committed to deliver innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of their customers and drive sustainable growth.

In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, user experience (UX) can make or break a business. A smooth, engaging, and intuitive user experience not only attracts customers but also keeps them coming back for more. But what exactly sets apart a stellar UX from a mediocre one? The answer often lies in the details—specifically, in microinteractions.

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. Recent developments have shed light on new opportunities and challenges within this dynamic field. A glimpse behind the curtain has provided us with a deeper understanding of how Google possibly evaluates and ranks content, underscoring the importance of adapting our strategies to align with these newly uncovered criteria. However, Google does caution against making assumptions based on potentially outdated or incomplete information contained in these documents.

Echidna Partners with Jessup Manufacturing to Redefine eCommerce User Experience

Whether you're looking to revamp your current site or build a new one from scratch, understanding the key elements of effective website design can significantly impact your business's success. Keep reading to learn about the key elements of B2B sites needed to set a solid foundation for online growth, plus the top advanced B2B eCommerce website design elements and features your team should consider before you even get started.

In the digital marketplace, first impressions are everything. Your eCommerce website acts as the frontline ambassador for your brand, and its design directly influences consumer behavior and sales outcomes. This is where an expert eCommerce web design agency steps in, transforming standard online storefronts into captivating, user-friendly experiences that drive sales and customer loyalty.

Unlocking Digital Success: Echidna Partners with HubSpot to Create a Best-in-Class Experience for Specified Technologies, Inc.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, enterprise eCommerce platforms are constantly looking for ways to improve how they serve their customers online. This is where a web development company comes into play, offering specialized skills to enhance digital customer experiences. This article explores 8 digital customer experience strategies that are crucial for the growth and efficiency of enterprise eCommerce operations.

Echidna's recent collaboration with Continental Battery Brands and Battery Sharks stands as a testament to our eCommerce expertise. This partnership showcases how strategic thinking and technological innovation can transform eCommerce operations.

In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B eCommerce, user experience (UX) has emerged as a critical factor that can make or break a company's success. As businesses increasingly rely on their digital storefronts to engage with clients, a seamless and intuitive UX becomes paramount.

In the dynamic world of eCommerce, composable commerce is rapidly emerging as the key to success. It's not just about keeping pace, but staying ahead. At Echidna, we recognize that the core of contemporary digital commerce lies at the crossroads of innovative technology and outstanding user experience (UX). This article delves into how composable commerce and these critical elements are reshaping the commerce landscape, setting new benchmarks for success.

In the digital era, starting an eCommerce business with the support of a skilled eCommerce agency opens doors to the global market. Online shopping allows customers to easily buy a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to specialized items. Thanks to the rise of user-friendly tools provided by eCommerce agencies, setting up an online store has become a more accessible and attractive venture for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the importance of user experience (UX) cannot be overstated. A UX site audit emerges as a critical tool in this regard, serving as a comprehensive evaluation of a website's usability, accessibility, and overall user satisfaction.

The task of choosing an eCommerce marketing agency, a concept barely considered five years ago, has become a pivotal decision for businesses aiming to excel in the digital marketplace. The agency you partner with plays a crucial role in your online performance, influencing everything from traffic growth and sales enhancement to brand strengthening.

In today's fast-moving digital world, businesses are increasingly leaning on paid marketing to stay ahead of the competition and reach their target customers. Whether it's Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or display ads, paid marketing has become a go-to tool for driving traffic, generating leads, and boosting revenue. But there's one thing many businesses overlook: the importance of regular paid marketing audits. This guide will walk you through why these audits are essential and how they can unlock your business's full growth potential.

Navigating eCommerce user experience is complex, but one thing remains clear: it is the backbone that holds an online store's success together. Customers weigh eCommerce user experience (UX) heavily when deciding whether to trust a website with their time and money. Once you've conducted a site audit of your current UX, the path to improvement becomes a journey easier to navigate.

In an increasingly competitive online marketplace, the customer experience isn't just important – it's paramount. As an experienced eCommerce agency, we understand that whether you're an established brand or an emerging online retailer, delighting customers at every touchpoint is the key to success. Bad customer experiences don't just disappoint; they can significantly impact brand loyalty, repeat business, and revenue.

Throughout 2022 and early 2023, there was an explosion of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that captivated business leaders, investors, and society as a whole with its impressive ability to create new and seemingly human-made text and images.

There has been somewhat of a reluctance to look down the road and see what the new generation of B2B buyers want. However, it has become apparent in the past couple years the importance of having some sort of digital purchasing experience for your buyers.

These next few months have become peak season for many eCommerce sites. Whether B2B, B2C, or DTC, taking a proactive approach to prepare for peak season creates an excellent opportunity to jump-start brand growth and sets a solid foundation moving forward.

Optimizing the online customer experience is an ongoing challenge for both B2B and B2C companies. As digital adoption has accelerated, the result in people's expectations continues to grow. By embracing a customer-first approach, merchants will not only be able to work towards creating the modern commerce experience their customers desire but gain a truly competitive edge.

Evolving technology has now made building an online marketplace within reach for many companies. With a variety of strong marketplace solutions available, many are no longer joining them but working towards creating their own.

How many clicks does it take a new visitor to find what they need on your website? The #1 annoying feature of a website is improper or confusing navigation that leaves your user lost and wondering what to do next in order to find what they need.

Google has officially switched to mobile-first indexing for all websites. This means Google is first looking at your mobile site and using that to based on how it will rank your desktop site according to the information given.

Poor eCommerce user experience continues to be a top main reason businesses are failing to hit their digital growth goals. From drops in conversions, increasing bounce rates or cart abandonment, and overall low sales, a poor UX can do major damage. Echidna's user experience (UX) team has provided actionable insights and recommendations to remedy these issues and more for our clients. By leveraging data and applying best practice user experience and usability principles, you can start to identify key pain points and areas of opportunity.

You can feel the opportunity to differentiate your brand's online presence. But how? Visitors are finding your site and even going through the steps to put items in their cart. But they suddenly stop short at clicking purchase. Optimizing your conversion, increasing revenue, and improving engagement is literally clicks away from your reach. So what's stopping them- your user flows, too many usability errors, something else?

The coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented challenge for eCommerce merchants. The long-term impact of COVID-19 will have on digital commerce is unknown, but for some, it means near-term planning to keep afloat while others are thinking about once the crisis has passed and what the new normal will look like. We recognize the difficulties merchants are facing to pivot their business strategies with little or no staffing and stay-at-home orders nationwide. So how do you navigate what’s next when the news is changing at a rapid pace?

If your website or mobile app is continually underperforming, it means it is time for a UX Site Review. With organizations taking on a customer-centric approach, this is one of the most important tools you can have to make sure you are putting your customer's needs first.

Distributors and manufacturers, it’s go time. Many of you have eCommerce sites, many are working towards getting it up. But is your on-site search box ruining your customer experience? The search box continually ranks #1 as the top thing that frustrates buyers with the B2B user experience.

Have you ever clicked onto a website searching for a specific item, but you just can’t seem to find it? Beyond that, you want to ask for help and it takes digging around the site to find their service contact section. Frustration sets in as you circle around the site trying to find the right page and you finally end up leaving the site to make a purchase elsewhere. Beyond that, maybe your loyalty to the company dissipates because they aren’t easily able to serve your needs. More often than not, clients nowadays associate their negative user experience with the company or product.As more B2B buyers shift from sitting behind a desk all day to doing tasks in the field, during commutes, between meetings or after regular hours with their mobile devices the need for an intuitive B2B mobile user experience is becoming more apparent. Whether you choose to go with a native app, progressive web app or simply a responsive website (or a combination of these)- making sure the customer is able to easily navigate and complete their tasks with ease is imperative to the success of the mobile strategy.

Last week we starting discussing how taking on a customer centric approach should include reviewing your user experience and what that means for your e-commerce growth going into the 2020 and beyond. When a customer centric approach is taken in user experience, you will be able to see an improvement in understanding your user behaviors, increased opportunities to innovate because of user interactions and a return on your user experience investment. By following user centric design, you can better create user personas, site maps and customer journeys to start to craft your ideal user experience. Now we understand that precisely mapping out key user tasks, understanding the core processes and watching actual user behavior fulfills one piece to the user experience puzzle, but what’s next? This week, we are discussing how wireframes, prototypes and design concepts play and important part in the user experience.

Starting with a customer-centric approach and aligning your user experience with this mindset is a key puzzle piece to eCommerce growth going into 2020. If your user experience is focused on the customer and properly executed you can expect three main goals to be accomplished.

We often discuss the differences in catering commerce for B2C and B2B experiences at Echidna. We are always trying to find advantages for our clients, regarding conversion improvements, driving more loyal customers, and keeping them engaged with relevant content and offers. One focus that is dear to our hearts is ensuring their customers continue to build bigger baskets. Why? Because the fact remains that every 2 additional minutes a shopper spends looking for his or her first product reduces the total basket size by a whole product. From a B2C user experience perspective, there are many metrics and standardized levers and functions that we rely on to ensure that customers are getting their fill of products and/or services by the time they checkout. But what about your B2B e-commerce experience?

Pivoting into a modern and future-ready B2B commerce organization is complicated by both business process and technology, as there are many approaches and options. Possibly the greatest competitive differentiator in the digital age is the experience you create for your customers both on and offline, known as your user experience.

The user experience you create is the greatest competitive differentiator in the digital age for your customers. With 61% of US online adults stating they are unlikely to return to a website that does not provide a satisfactory experience¹ and the growing statistics in both B2B and B2C about the amount of people using digital commerce and preferring screens to calling or in-person conversation, the user experience can not simply be putting features, tools, and capabilities in a neatly packaged site anymore. In both B2B and B2C commerce, user experience is about focusing on the individual person to ensure they stay your customer.

Simply put, the “customer journey” encompasses each step of a person’s interaction through an experience with a business. Mapping the journey means looking at the customer’s needs, thoughts, feelings, and motivations - from initial contact, through the process of engagement, and into long-term relationships with the business. Individual journey maps may focus on a particular part of the story, or may give an overview of an entire experience.

From meeting your brand goals of multi-channel offerings, to strong personalized targeting, and the never to be forgotten site performance - the facets to review and understand when preparing for the holiday season are endless. And right now is a critical time to start planning and executing various aspects of your holiday planning. This doesn’t necessarily mean a complete website re-design or total back-office overhaul of systems. Instead, build on your existing merchandising and marketing to cater to holiday shoppers, offering them easy-to-find gifts for others (or themselves) with ease and convenience. Echidna calls attention to a few pieces of the digital puzzle to ensure our clients are planning not only for Summer or Fall, but for what many merchants call their bread and butter - holiday shopping season. Here are four hot topics to consider when planning for a strong digital holiday season.

This is the first of a three-part series on -- you guessed it -- mobile apps and your brand. In part one, we’re going to be taking a look at when it makes sense to build an commerce-focused mobile app, along with some best practices in the app space.

“The cobbler’s children have no shoes.” You’re probably familiar with the phrase. If not, it means that a shoemaker is often so busy making shoes for customers that his or her own children are neglected and end up running around barefoot.

Each year the holiday season brings new excitement and challenges for merchants. This year is a bit different. This is the start of an era in commerce where we will see the marketer evolve fully into the merchant role, and the consumer will be faced with what they have always wanted and seemingly feared: infinite choice. With infinite choice, it is more important than ever for merchants to take control of the experience being delivered to the consumer by their brand. If they don’t, the consumer will craft their own assumptions, which may or may not lead to a purchase and future brand loyalty.

Theresa Kuske, Digital Marketing Manager at Ergodyne, was kind enough to sit down with us to talk about why Ergodyne is such a cool brand, the constantly evolving digital marketing landscape, and how Echidna transformed Ergodyne’s commerce.

Get ready UXers, it’s time to get up close and personal with virtual reality. As a UX practitioner, I’ve been closely watching the mainstreaming of VR and how it’s evolving. I’m particularly interested in how user interface design methods and principles will have to adapt to this immersive, three-dimensional world. Particularly, the mainstreaming of VR technologies in industries such as gaming, home theater, and live event broadcasting will open up new environments that UXers must master. commerce will soon follow, leading to a new revolution of truly adaptive design. As an commerce expert, I’m also keenly interested in how UX designers can elegantly expose common design patterns to enrich VR experiences — patterns such as search, browse, refinement, purchasing, and so on.

UX through the past, present, and future. Josh Webster and Martin Ostrem are both on the UX team here at Echidna. In this interview, we were able to catch up with them on the topic of UX -- where it's been, where it is, and where it's likely to be going in the near future. Read on for the full interview.

We sat down with Joshua Webster, a UX Lead here at Echidna, to get his thoughts on some of the latest trends related to user experience and commerce. The questions and his answers appear below.

Shoppable images are both immersive and contextual in ways that digital has never seen before. Whether it’s shoes, apparel, and accessories on a model or the latest living room setup, people want to be able to visualize how a product will fit into their own style and environment. Shoppable images are turning that idea into a reality for customers of all kinds. From the company’s perspective, shoppable images present a great opportunity to share the story of your brand – they allow you to naturally tell a story as users are browsing through products in a way that hasn’t been possible through traditional commerce.

Let’s perform a quick, slightly uncomfortable experiment. Open your company’s B2B buying portal. Now, open the last app you used to buy a pair of shoes, order a pizza, or book a flight.If the gap between those two experiences feels like the distance between a Tesla dashboard and a 1985 filing cabinet, you have a problem. And in 2026, that problem isn’t just "bad design"—it’s a catastrophic leak in your balance sheet.For years, B2B companies hid behind the excuse of "complexity."

Congratulations. You’ve built a B2B business that actually works. You’ve bypassed the startup graveyard, survived the great "digital shift" of the early 2020s, and you’re currently sitting on a respectable pile of revenue.But there’s a problem. The needle has stopped moving. You’re hovering around that $10M mark, and no matter how many more LinkedIn ads you buy or how many "urgent" emails your VP of Sales sends, the growth has flattened.

While AI agents and immersive mobile apps grab the headlines in the Shopify Editions Winter 2026 release, the real heroes for Operations Directors and CTOs are the structural upgrades in Shopify POS.The "RenAIssance" isn't just about flashy new features; it's about removing the technical ceilings that have historically limited high-volume merchants.As a Shopify partner, Echidna guides Shopify customers to leverage its rebuilt operational core and support massive scale.

If the last few years were about AI generation—writing emails, creating images, and suggesting code—2026 is the year of AI agency.With the release of Shopify Editions Winter 2026, titled "The RenAIssance," Shopify has fundamentally shifted the role of Artificial Intelligence in ecommerce. It is no longer just a tool you use; it is a workforce you deploy.As a Shopify partner, Echidna guides its enterprise clients on this critical distinction.

If 2025 was the year of "mobile-first," 2026 is the year of "mobile-native." As a Shopify Partner, Echidna walks clients through this shift. Customers aren't just browsing mobile websites anymore; they are living in apps. Specifically immersive commerce with the Shop Minis through the Shop app.The Shopify Editions Winter 2026 release acknowledges this shift by aggressively expanding the capabilities of the Shop App—Shopify’s consumer-facing marketplace—and opening the floodgates for developers to build inside it Shop Minis.

For years, B2B eCommerce was synonymous with "clunky." While DTC brands enjoyed sleek, one-click experiences, wholesale buyers were often forced into rigid portals that felt like spreadsheets with a "Buy" button.With the release of Shopify Editions Winter 2026, that gap has officially closed.This release of , part of the broader "RenAIssance" theme, introduces a suite of Shopify B2B features Winter 2026 designed to treat wholesale buyers like first-class customers.

With the release of Shopify Editions Winter 2026, titled "The RenAIssance," Shopify has declared that the era of AI-assisted commerce is over—and the era of Agentic Commerce has begun.For enterprise merchants and high-growth brands, this edition represents a critical inflection point in the Shopify roadmap 2026. It moves beyond simple chatbots and text generation into a world where AI agents actively manage operations, where B2B buying rivals the best DTC experiences, and where mobile commerce becomes immersive rather than transactional.

Choosing a Shopify partner shouldn’t feel like speed‑dating agencies with identical pitch decks. You need measurable outcomes, bulletproof integrations, and a team that can say “yes” to speed and “no” to unnecessary complexity. This guide demystifies what a great Shopify (and Shopify Plus) partner actually does, when Shopify isn’t the right answer, the questions that separate a good agency from the right one, and the realistic timelines and budgets mid‑market leaders should expect.

The fastest way to make a Shopify program painful is to treat integrations as an afterthought. The fastest way to make it delightful is to design the flow of truth—which system owns which data, how events move, how failures are handled—before anyone opens a code editor. This article lays out the Shopify integration strategies we deploy for mid‑market B2B teams, with reference architectures, data models, event cadences, and the governance that keeps everything stable under peak traffic.

Shopify B2B features have grown up—price lists, company profiles, roles, and checkout flows give mid‑market teams a solid foundation. The art is knowing what to configure natively, when to bring in well‑chosen apps, and where small, targeted custom work unlocks scale without creating a maintenance nightmare. This guide lays out the patterns we deploy for complex pricing, segmented catalogs, approvals, and sales‑rep workflows—plus the guardrails that keep performance snappy and governance tight.

B2B on Shopify works beautifully when your architecture respects the realities of contracts, complex catalogs, and legacy systems. This article gives you a field‑tested Shopify Implementation for B2B plan—how to structure your stack, integrate ERP/PIM/OMS (and friends), migrate messy data without losing SEO equity, and launch inside a realistic 12–24 week window. The emphasis throughout: minimum viable complexity, maximum business impact.

For enterprises operating at scale, eCommerce is no longer a project—it’s an operating model. Standard platforms can launch a site; they rarely unlock growth across multi-brand portfolios, dealer networks, and global supply chains.

In the fast-moving world of eCommerce, “good enough” doesn’t stay good enough for long. Whether you’re running on Shopify, a homegrown solution, or another enterprise eCommerce platform, there comes a point when your current system can’t keep up with the scale, complexity, or expectations of your business. That’s where Shopify Plus enters the conversation—not just as an upgrade, but as a launchpad for growth.

In the fast-paced world of digital commerce, companies often chase innovation by adding new tools, apps, and platforms to solve short-term problems. But over time, this patchwork of solutions becomes exactly that—a patchwork—with growing complexity, siloed data, and rising IT costs.

For years, B2B manufacturers have relied on clunky portals, ERP extensions, or custom-built systems to support digital ordering. These platforms got the job done—barely. But as buyer expectations evolve and the need for operational efficiency grows, legacy systems are showing their cracks. Enter Shopify B2B—a modern, flexible, and increasingly powerful way to deliver the seamless, scalable experience today’s B2B customers demand.

In the race to deliver better, faster, more personalized digital experiences, businesses are learning a tough truth: monolithic eCommerce platforms can’t keep up. Rigid architectures, bloated tech stacks, and expensive replatforming cycles are draining budgets and throttling innovation. In 2025, the pressure to adapt is even higher. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to tear everything down to build something better.

As digital commerce moves deeper into modular, API-first ecosystems, the complexity of delivering fast, stable, and scalable experiences has increased. Developers and digital leaders are under pressure to move quickly without compromising quality—a tricky balance in today’s composable world.

We’ve all heard the saying: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But in the digital wild, where agility wins and consumer expectations evolve daily, “not broken” can still mean dangerously outdated.

In 2025, Shopify has leveled up from a user-friendly eCommerce platform into an AI-fueled powerhouse. With tools that streamline everything from store creation to inventory planning and fraud prevention, Shopify Magic is supercharging productivity for merchants of all sizes.

In the B2B world, digital transformation isn’t just about spinning up an online storefront or launching a flashy new product configurator. It’s about architecting a scalable, flexible digital ecosystem—one that meets the rising expectations of today’s B2B buyers while adapting to tomorrow’s unknowns.

Magento Open Source has long been the go-to platform for small to mid-sized businesses wanting flexibility without the price tag. But as Adobe shifts focus toward its enterprise solution, many eCommerce brands are reevaluating their future. Is it time to move beyond Magento Open Source and invest in an Adobe Commerce implementation?

Let’s be honest—manufacturing isn’t just about production lines anymore. It’s about experience. In today’s digital-first economy, your customers expect more than quality products. They expect fast, transparent, and self-directed access to services and information long after the sale is made.

Boosting ROI & Cutting Costs: Real Client Results with Echidna as an Adobe Commerce Partner

In the fast-evolving world of digital commerce, flexibility, scalability, and speed are non-negotiables. If you're an enterprise considering a pivot—or a first dive—into Shopify's ecosystem in 2025, understanding Shopify pricing isn't just about comparing numbers. It's about choosing a foundation that will scale with your growth, simplify operations, and ultimately power your brand’s next leap.

Magento Open Source has long been a go-to platform for growing eCommerce brands. But in 2025, the shift toward SaaS-first, fully integrated platforms is accelerating—and Adobe is making it clear where the future lies: Adobe Commerce Cloud.

eCommerce site performance is more than just a technical metric—it’s a direct driver of customer experience, conversion rates, and long-term revenue. For enterprise-level businesses with high traffic volumes, complex integrations, and global user bases, maintaining optimal site performance is both a challenge and a necessity.

As your eCommerce business scales, your platform needs to scale with it. At Echidna, we help brands implement flexible, high-performing Shopify solutions that support long-term growth. One of the most common questions we hear is: When does it make sense to upgrade from Shopify to Shopify Plus?

The digital commerce landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. For enterprise organizations, eCommerce implementation is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. Whether your goal is to expand market reach, streamline operations, or enhance customer experience, a well-executed eCommerce platform can be a game-changer.

The Adobe Summit 2025, taking place March 17-20 in Las Vegas, is the premier event for digital commerce leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. With Adobe Commerce continuing to push the boundaries of omnichannel, personalization, and AI-driven commerce experiences, this year's sessions promise insights and strategies for businesses ready to scale.

The eCommerce world moves at lightning speed, and if your digital strategy is still stuck in 2022, you’re already behind. For eCommerce trends in 2025, customers expect seamless, AI-powered experiences, personalized interactions, and frictionless buying journeys—whether they’re shopping for jelly beans, batteries, industrial components, or aerospace technology (more on that mix later).

Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento Commerce, is a powerful and flexible eCommerce platform designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. With its cloud-based infrastructure and rich feature set, it offers seamless scalability, personalization, and advanced business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) capabilities. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Adobe Commerce, from its key features to implementation best practices.

As ecommerce continues to evolve, marketplaces have emerged as a dominant force in both B2C and B2B spaces. With about 50% of global online sales occurring on marketplaces—and this number expected to grow—businesses can no longer afford to overlook the opportunities presented by these platforms. VTEX commerce solutions provide tools and frameworks for businesses to explore and manage marketplace models effectively. This article explores VTEX marketplace capabilities and how they support businesses in a competitive digital landscape.

The eCommerce world is gearing up for a landmark year in 2025, where growth, innovation, and disruption converge to reshape how businesses sell and customers shop. Post-pandemic consumer behaviors have solidified, sustainability concerns are influencing purchasing decisions, and advancements are propelling eCommerce technology into a new frontier.

In today’s digital world, making your website accessible to all is not just a legal obligation but also a smart business strategy. Accessibility opens the door to a wider audience, ensures compliance with regulations, and fosters inclusivity. Conducting a web accessibility audit is the first step in identifying and fixing barriers that may prevent users with disabilities from fully experiencing your website. This guide breaks down the steps to ensure compliance with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and create a more inclusive online experience.

Seamless system integration has become foundational for success in B2C and B2B eCommerce. As companies shift to digital-first strategies to remain competitive and responsive to client demands, integrating systems like ERP, CRM, and inventory management is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Once upon a time, the most advanced digital assistant many of us knew was Clippy—the quirky, ever-helpful paperclip in Microsoft Office. For all his flaws, Clippy was groundbreaking: the first mainstream, interactive UX assistant that tried to understand what users were doing and offered guidance (even if often unrequested). Though Clippy fell short in many ways, he introduced the idea of proactive assistance in a digital workspace—a concept that has since evolved dramatically.

As the holiday season approaches, eCommerce brands have an unparalleled opportunity to drive traffic, increase sales, and boost brand awareness. But in today’s competitive digital landscape, a successful holiday campaign isn’t just about running a few ads or posting on social media. It’s about having a well-integrated omni-channel digital marketing strategy that amplifies your message across all platforms, engages customers at every touchpoint, and delivers a seamless, connected shopping experience.

In the fast-evolving world of eCommerce, it’s easy to think of digital transformation as a sprint—a race to adopt the latest tech and check off all the boxes that signal you’re “future-proofed.” But in reality, digital transformation is much more like an ongoing marathon, where businesses need to pace themselves for long-term success.

Choosing the right eCommerce platform is one of the most critical decisions for enterprise organizations today. With the growing complexities of digital commerce—ranging from managing vast product catalogs to supporting global operations—the platform you choose will shape your long-term success.

In the competitive world of executive recruitment, managing relationships, data, and processes efficiently is key to staying ahead. For Protis Global, a leader in talent acquisition for consumer brands, this meant taking their marketing and operations to the next level. By partnering with Echidna and leveraging the power of HubSpot’s CMS and CRM, they successfully streamlined their workflows, automated manual tasks, and transformed their business.

HubSpot offers incredible potential for businesses aiming to streamline their marketing, sales, and customer service. However, like any robust platform, implementing it effectively requires overcoming certain hurdles. At Echidna, we specialize in guiding businesses through these challenges, ensuring that their HubSpot implementation becomes a powerful asset.

In today's competitive B2B landscape, personalization isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. The ability to tailor experiences and communications to the unique needs and preferences of each client can be a game-changer. Businesses that master personalization can expect to see increased engagement, loyalty, and ultimately, sales. However, achieving personalization at scale, especially on a global level, is no small feat.

In today's data-driven world, the eCommerce landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. According to a recent study by McKinsey, companies that leverage customer behavior data outperform peers by 85% in sales growth and more than 25% in gross margin. This statistic underscores the transformative impact of data analytics in eCommerce, enabling businesses to make informed decisions that drive success.

The automotive industry is undergoing a major shift, driven by rapid advancements in digital technology. This transformation is reshaping how vehicles are manufactured, marketed, sold, and serviced. From AI-driven manufacturing processes to sophisticated online sales platforms, automotive eCommerce is becoming the backbone of modern automotive operations. This shift is not just a trend but a necessity for survival and growth in an increasingly competitive market.

B2B eCommerce personalization is not just a luxury; it’s a critical strategy for enhancing customer satisfaction and streamlining complex sales processes. As digital technologies evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are emerging as pivotal tools for transforming the traditional B2B transaction landscape into a more intuitive and responsive experience.

In today's competitive eCommerce landscape, selecting the right technological foundation and partnership can dictate the success of your online business. Kibo Commerce, known for its flexibility and omnichannel capabilities, is a preferred choice for businesses aiming to innovate and excel in digital retail. However, the key to truly unlocking Kibo Commerce’s full potential lies in partnering with the right service provider in the USA. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of selecting a partner who not only understands the technical nuances of Kibo Commerce but also aligns with your business vision.

Unlocking Digital Success: Echidna Partners with HubSpot to Create a Best-in-Class Experience for Specified Technologies, Inc.

In the ever-evolving world of eCommerce, headless commerce emerges as a source of innovation, offering brands the agility and creative freedom to redefine the online shopping experience. Understanding the intricacies of headless commerce becomes crucial for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the digital race this year and beyond.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the eCommerce sector, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses to understand their customers, enhance interactions, and streamline crucial operations.

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing services, SEO for eCommerce is undergoing a transformative shift. This evolution is not just about algorithms and rankings; it's about aligning more closely with the user's journey, ethical content creation, and leveraging technological advancements. Today, SEO is increasingly user-centric, delivering a seamless, engaging online experience that meets users' needs with precision and integrity.

In 2024 making a significant impact for your business requires more than just keeping pace with technology—it demands leading the charge. Among the multitude of advancements, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force in eCommerce.

In today's world, where digital storefronts are as crucial as physical ones, choosing the right platform to power your online business is key. Adobe Commerce Cloud, known for its robust features and flexibility, stands out as a top choice. However, to truly unlock its potential, finding the right Adobe Commerce partner in the USA is essential. This guide will help you navigate this decision, ensuring your eCommerce venture thrives.

Echidna's recent collaboration with Continental Battery Brands and Battery Sharks stands as a testament to our eCommerce expertise. This partnership showcases how strategic thinking and technological innovation can transform eCommerce operations.

In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B eCommerce, user experience (UX) has emerged as a critical factor that can make or break a company's success. As businesses increasingly rely on their digital storefronts to engage with clients, a seamless and intuitive UX becomes paramount.

In the dynamic world of eCommerce, composable commerce is rapidly emerging as the key to success. It's not just about keeping pace, but staying ahead. At Echidna, we recognize that the core of contemporary digital commerce lies at the crossroads of innovative technology and outstanding user experience (UX). This article delves into how composable commerce and these critical elements are reshaping the commerce landscape, setting new benchmarks for success.

In the digital era, starting an eCommerce business with the support of a skilled eCommerce agency opens doors to the global market. Online shopping allows customers to easily buy a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to specialized items. Thanks to the rise of user-friendly tools provided by eCommerce agencies, setting up an online store has become a more accessible and attractive venture for aspiring entrepreneurs.

When considering a VTEX partner for your eCommerce needs, it's essential to align with a team that employs an agile methodology, ensuring the delivery of world-class digital experiences. The ideal partner is characterized by their ability to offer reliable and repeatable execution, delivering viable products within predictable timelines and budgets. This approach is crucial in building your platform right the first time, fully leveraging the capabilities of the VTEX platform to meet both current and future growth goals.

In today's eCommerce landscape, selecting the right platform is critical for any business. Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) is renowned for its robust features and scalability, has emerged as a top contender. This article explores the intricacies of Magento implementation, helps you understand the what platform is right for you, and guides you through the journey of harnessing the full potential of the technology for your online venture.

In the rapidly changing world of B2B commerce, businesses are facing a new set of challenges and opportunities. As a leading B2B eCommerce agency, Echidna has seen firsthand how the traditional models of B2B sales and marketing are being reshaped by digital transformation, changing customer expectations, and a more interconnected global economy.

In the ever-evolving world of eCommerce, VTEX has emerged as a powerful and agile platform. With VTEX Connect Live 2024 coming up after NRF 2024 Day 2,  this guide is designed for businesses contemplating or preparing for a VTEX implementation in the upcoming year. It's also a valuable resource for guiding other eCommerce technology implementations.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, B2B eCommerce is not just keeping up—it's leading the charge. The year 2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment for the industry, with trends emerging that promise to redefine the way businesses interact and transact online.

The difference between maintaining a customer and losing one often comes down to the effectiveness of your ecommerce fulfillment and shipping strategies. It's no secret that today's consumers expect rapid, reliable, and transparent delivery of their online purchases.

Security and user experience are two crucial pillars of eCommerce development and payment solutions. On the one hand, businesses face security threats such as fraud, which accounts for approximately 1.4% of online orders according to CyberSource. On the other hand, 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned due to complicated payment processes.

The auto parts industry is not just surviving; it's thriving. With a market size expected to reach $755 billion by 2026, the potential for growth is enormous.

In today's digital age, customer experience is more than just a buzzword; it's a business imperative, especially in eCommerce development. Companies that excel at delivering an optimized digital customer experience not only stand out from the crowd but also enjoy increased brand loyalty and revenue.

Echidna eCommerce agency is celebrating October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

In a world where digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity, eCommerce has become a battleground for innovation and customer engagement. While pre-packaged eCommerce website development solutions may offer the allure of ease and quick setup, they often fall short when faced with the distinct and evolving needs of individual businesses.

In today's hyper-competitive eCommerce landscape, turning visitors into buyers is more critical than ever. Companies need to take advantage of every tool available to them to maximize conversions. For those brands using Oracle Commerce Cloud to power their digital storefront, the technology provides an array of innovative tools designed to enhance conversions.

In an increasingly competitive online marketplace, the customer experience isn't just important – it's paramount. As an experienced eCommerce agency, we understand that whether you're an established brand or an emerging online retailer, delighting customers at every touchpoint is the key to success. Bad customer experiences don't just disappoint; they can significantly impact brand loyalty, repeat business, and revenue.

In the fiercely competitive world of eCommerce, where over 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine, success hinges on visibility and choosing the best Magento development company. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn't just a marketing buzzword; it's the strategic key that unlocks higher rankings, drives organic traffic, and builds brand credibility.

There is no denying that digital commerce has emerged as a driving force for success. As an eCommerce agency, we partner with businesses to include this sales channel and eCommerce development efficiency becomes paramount for their success. To stay competitive, companies need to embrace tools that streamline the process, from initial planning to continual optimization.

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, eCommerce platforms have emerged as the cornerstone of success. They enable businesses to reach beyond geographical boundaries, connect with global audiences, and provide seamless shopping experiences.

When looking for one of the best web development companies their capabilities in user experience and design should not be overlooked. In the fast-paced world of digital commerce, a well-designed storefront can make all the difference between meeting sales KPIs and missing opportunities. In fact, according to a study from Baymard Institute 88% of online consumers report that they are less likely to return to a site after having a negative experience.

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the success of an online business hinges on many factors, and one of the most crucial decisions a company can make is selecting the right eCommerce platform. As a leader in implementing eCommerce technology, our digital agency has witnessed firsthand how this choice can significantly impact business growth and customer satisfaction.

In today's competitive digital landscape, establishing a strong online presence is essential for ecommerce success. VTEX, a leading eCommerce platform, has emerged as a popular choice for businesses seeking a fully integrated platform for marketplace, OMS, and commerce.

In the fast-paced world of digital commerce, accurate demand forecasting and efficient inventory management are critical to success. Traditional methods often fall short of meeting dynamic customer demands and supply chain complexities. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play.

The world of B2B eCommerce presents its own unique set of challenges when it comes to product discovery and search. With the vast number of products and complex requirements involved in business-to-business transactions, finding the right products efficiently and effectively can be a daunting task.

In the rapidly evolving world of commerce, businesses are constantly striving to meet the changing expectations of buyers while staying ahead of the competition. One approach that holds immense promise is composable commerce, a concept that leverages a composable architecture underpinned by MACH principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless).

Throughout 2022 and early 2023, there was an explosion of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that captivated business leaders, investors, and society as a whole with its impressive ability to create new and seemingly human-made text and images.

You know that providing a seamless, personalized experience to your customers is the key to success. With online purchases on the rise and the growing popularity of omnichannel retail, chatbots have become the go-to tool for businesses looking to improve customer service and increase sales.

In last week's article we shared a variety of use cases around B2B conversational commerce. But it's important to note that conversational commerce is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The success of a conversational commerce strategy depends on factors such as the complexity of the transaction, the nature of the product or service, and the preferences of the target audience.

Conversational commerce has rapidly gained popularity in recent years. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the shift to digital channels, eCommerce businesses have been increasingly turning to conversational commerce to provide a more seamless and personalized shopping experience for their customers.

eCommerce is rapidly transforming the way B2B companies do business. As more and more buyers shift their purchases online, B2B sellers are adopting eCommerce platforms that offer a seamless buying experience in order to keep up with the changing landscape. However, with the increased volume of transactions and interactions, it can be difficult to keep up with customer demands, anticipate their needs, and maintain efficiency. That's where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in.

Back in 2017, Andrew Ng, a prominent computer scientist and co-founder of the online learning platform Coursera, famously compared AI to the transformative power of electricity. Just as electricity revolutionized society over a century ago, AI is now rapidly transforming our personal and professional lives in ways we couldn't have imagined before.

The eCommerce landscape is constantly changing, and with it, the technology used to run online stores must also evolve. This can often lead to a need for replatforming, as businesses grow and their needs change.

Composable commerce represents a major shift in the way that businesses build and operate e-commerce systems, and it has the potential to transform the way that commerce is conducted.

There has been somewhat of a reluctance to look down the road and see what the new generation of B2B buyers want. However, it has become apparent in the past couple years the importance of having some sort of digital purchasing experience for your buyers.

With eCommerce sales doubling in the past five years and markets expected to almost double again by 2026, companies are making sizable investments in their eCommerce capabilities.

The peak season for eCommerce is almost upon us. Are your site's technology ecosystem and team prepared to take full advantage of this critical sales period?

Many eCommerce brands are seen as leading adopters of the technology. With a low barrier to entry, using artificial intelligence (AI) is allowing companies to eliminate a variety of manual activities. The power of AI is not only being used to meet the needs of consumers, but to improve operational efficiency. It is imperative businesses approach the technology with an open mind and create a long-term strategy. Continue reading as we explore several of the benefits of using AI in eCommerce.

When many of us imagine the future of eCommerce we tend to think about it in a functional sense, but what about the possibility of fun? Marrying technology with customer experiences in special ways allows a company to not only make their eCommerce functional but can allow the user to break away from the conventional definition of online shopping and enter an immersive shopping experience, something our users have been waiting for.

With COVID-19 and its ongoing repercussions, it has changed the way people around the globe shop and use technology. eCommerce is booming and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Merchants leveraging Adobe Commerce Cloud need to be preparing for the Magento 2.4.4 release (Adobe Commerce Cloud 2.4.4). Available starting in March, this upgrade includes a robust feature set, addresses security vulnerabilities, significantly improves site performance, and offers easier overall maintenance. With End-of-Life (EOL) dates approaching for both the 2.3 line and versions 2.4.0 to 2.4.3 in 2022, it is important to upgrade to version 2.4.4 or higher by November 2022.

Managing a large number of SKUs while still offering a personalized and seamless online shopping experience for every visitor is a challenge. However, for those merchants able to embrace a strategy and overcome the complexities, the reward is a better understanding of your customer with insights that can drive improved innovation and endless opportunities.

Technology is the great equalizer. Large or small companies are directly impacted by their competitors introducing innovative technology and digital conveniences that lure customers away.  It’s time to flip this fear on its head and become the disruptor.

As many brands are working towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made them review their processes. How can a brand quickly pivot to meet the needs of customers? In order to meet the needs of the buyer, along with ever-changing market demands that will only continue, many are looking for a more flexible commerce architecture going into the future.

Echidna Inc. is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with VTEX, the world’s first and only fully integrated commerce platform ready for the next age of digital innovation.

There are many reasons manufacturers come to Echidna looking to add or update their eCommerce capability. From limiting technology, product complexities, improving customer experience, or freeing up internal resources - the list can go on. No matter what the reason your organization is looking to implement eCommerce technology, choosing a platform built for the complexity and challenges unique to manufacturers is imperative for the ability to scale and find new opportunities.

eCommerce sales skyrocketed in 2020. In fact, the pandemic accelerated the shift toward eCommerce close to five years, according to a recent study by IBM.

Both B2B and B2C companies shifted gears to cater to COVID-19. Many were forced to find new ways to reach and serve their customers. This meant being flexible and rethinking on how to use technology to help the business deliver.

If your brand sits in that sweet spot—north of $10M, south of $5B—social shouldn’t just be “posting and hoping.” In 2025, social is a performance channel, a customer research lab, a talent magnet, and for many categories, a storefront.

Let’s be honest: digital marketing budgets are under more scrutiny than ever.

When it comes to showing up in search, your site isn’t just competing for attention—it’s fighting for relevance. And in 2025, the rules of SEO are sharper, smarter, and more user-focused than ever. If you want better rankings, more organic traffic, and a website that actually converts, it starts with a solid on-page SEO audit.

Unlock Better PPC ROI with the Right Strategy and Execution

Why eCommerce Platform Implementation Matters

A Strategic Approach to SEO and Digital Marketing for Sustainable Growth

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing—don’t panic! There’s still time to make quick, impactful adjustments to your eCommerce site that can help you handle the holiday rush like a pro. 🎁 With these last-minute tips, you can boost site speed, optimize your checkout process, and leverage social media to drive more traffic and sales. Let’s dive into the tweaks you can implement right away to get your site holiday-ready.

Imagine this: A small eCommerce business invests $500 in a PPC campaign and, within a month, sees a return of $2,000 in sales. That’s a whopping 300% return on investment (ROI). This scenario isn’t a fairy tale but a real possibility when PPC campaigns are executed effectively. However, achieving such high ROI isn’t just about luck; it’s about leveraging data to drive decisions.

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. Recent developments have shed light on new opportunities and challenges within this dynamic field. A glimpse behind the curtain has provided us with a deeper understanding of how Google possibly evaluates and ranks content, underscoring the importance of adapting our strategies to align with these newly uncovered criteria. However, Google does caution against making assumptions based on potentially outdated or incomplete information contained in these documents.

The boundaries between social media and eCommerce are becoming increasingly blurred. Today's buyers expect not only to interact with brands through social platforms but also to make purchases there without skipping a beat. This shift has given rise to a new phenomenon known as social commerce, a fusion of online shopping and social media that is transforming the way brands interact with their customers.

The digital marketing world is undergoing a seismic shift with the gradual disappearance of third-party cookies. For over three decades, cookies have been the cornerstone of targeted advertising, enabling marketers to track and analyze consumer behavior online. However, with growing privacy concerns and regulatory changes, the era of third-party cookies is coming to an end. This transition poses challenges but also opens up opportunities to embrace a more secure and reliable source of data: first-party data.

In the fast-paced world of digital commerce, a robust and scalable e-commerce platform is crucial. Magento, known for its flexibility and extensive features, stands out as a leader in the arena.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, the role of eCommerce PPC (Pay-Per-Click) has become increasingly pivotal. Recent trends suggest that PPC can significantly enhance online visibility, with studies indicating that PPC visitors are 50% more likely to make a purchase than organic visitors. This shift underscores the growing importance of selecting the right eCommerce PPC agency.

When it comes to eCommerce, getting visitors to your site is just the first hurdle. According to a study by the Baymard Institute, the average online shopping cart abandonment rate is nearly 70%. This means that 7 out of 10 visitors who add an item to their cart will leave without completing a purchase.

In today's digital age, a strong social media strategy for eCommerce is essential for success. With billions of users across various platforms, social media offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with customers and drive sales.

The Ultimate Guide to a Comprehensive eCommerce SEO Audit

In today's digital landscape, businesses place a strong emphasis on two fundamental facets of marketing: getting people to know your brand and making them trust it. These elements play pivotal roles in shaping a company's identity, market positioning, and overall success in a hyper-competitive environment. An SEO audit can be a valuable tool in this context, helping to optimize your online presence for both visibility and credibility.

In the fiercely competitive world of eCommerce, where over 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine, success hinges on visibility and choosing the best Magento development company. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn't just a marketing buzzword; it's the strategic key that unlocks higher rankings, drives organic traffic, and builds brand credibility.

In the fast-paced world of B2B digital marketing services, the landscape has witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of social media. No longer just for reaching consumers, data is increasingly showing that buyers are heading to social to research and engage with vendors. In fact, 75% of B2B buyers use social media to support their purchase decision, according to recent data.

Google Universal Analytics (UA) is set to stop collecting data on July 1st, 2023, which means that companies need to start planning for the move to GA4 (Google Analytics 4) now. While UA will still be available for six months after that date, historical data won't be available. This means that it's crucial for companies to start planning for the migration to GA4 now to ensure that they don't lose any valuable data.

Remember just ten years ago when on any given Saturday people filled malls to socialize and shop all day? Shoppers of today have shifted gears in how they like to socialize and shop, and it’s no shock to learn that social media is the preferred outlet. And while the effects of Covid might have jump-started this process, it will have a lasting effect on future consumer shopping habits.

Pay-per-click (PPC) is a moving target and one that can no longer be ignored by merchants. Without having a PPC budget you are leaving growth opportunities and a competitive advantage on the table, something that can’t afford to be done this year. On the flip side, with an effective and optimized PPC strategy, your brand will reap the benefits of improving your larger ongoing strategy which can lead to increased sales, brand recognition, and improved customer loyalty.

You know that search engine optimization (SEO) matters. If you’ve been reading our Roadmap to SEO Success Series, Part 1 and Part 2 lay a foundation for getting your brand where you want it in terms of ranking optimally for the correct keywords.

Organic traffic has never been easy but is especially difficult for eCommerce. However, if you have read our article, What to Expect With an Enterprise SEO Audit, and took advantage of our eCommerce SEO Audit service you already have better insight into what your site needs to do in order to improve search engine rankings. But how can you execute on those findings?

SEO complexity is constantly evolving as brands dive deeper into digital commerce. Beyond the normal technical and content requirements, now many companies require access to deep analytical abilities in order to understand the issues that arise from dynamically built sites. It is more important than ever to be able to quickly identify upward trends in searches and gaps. Many SEO experts also find themselves in the position to educate across multiple business units in order to receive buy-in and show value. Having a consistent strategy, regular implementation and optimization are key to long-term success with SEO- but sometimes that can be easier said than done.

Staying connected during stay-at-home orders means more people than ever are logging into social media. They are looking for your brand to communicate, inspire, and educate them. Shifting through all the social media marketing trends and all the social data you compile can seem overwhelming, but with the right team, technology, and strategy in place, you can start winning at social media marketing.

It is recommended that you perform an SEO audit of your site every six months. This means auditing your rankings, backlink profile, existing content… anything that could be hindering your search performance. We understand SEO can be extremely daunting. This post will break down a basic, but powerful DIY SEO audit to find top issues with your site, and don't forget to use our free SEO audit tool online.

Customers are more savvy than ever, with the ability to find what they perceive they want, when they want it. If your marketing pillar can focus on aligning itself with your organizations other pillars to gain important customer insights and move towards a strategy that treats customers as profiles not simply personas, to create a truly individualized experience, you will suddenly be able to perceive what these customers want before they do. And that is where your edge on the competition and ticket to customer loyalty is.

Theresa Kuske, Digital Marketing Manager at Ergodyne, was kind enough to sit down with us to talk about why Ergodyne is such a cool brand, the constantly evolving digital marketing landscape, and how Echidna transformed Ergodyne’s commerce.

With Facebook becoming increasingly pay-to-play for brands, the significance of analyzing brand performance has only gained importance. Facebook Page Insights provides multiple metrics and pieces of analytics data to help drive strategic marketing decisions. If you have admin access to your business page, then you can access regular Facebook Insights by navigating to the “Insights” tab in the Page Manager (note that a minimum of 30 likes is required for you to get Facebook Insights for your page).

On January 1st, 2015, Facebook changed its algorithm, which affects what shows up in users’ news feeds. These changes have had a tremendous impact on brands that were using Facebook as a medium to promote their products and services.

In today’s economy, amidst tremendous growth of online shopping, merchants are evaluating different approaches to acquire highly valued customers, convert shopping carts to purchases, retain customers, drive repeat purchases and create stronger customer loyalty... and the solution is this: Personalized commerce. Brick-and-mortar retail stores have an advantage over online stores in that they can offer personalized service. In-store sales persons can interact with the customers to find out wants, needs, and preferences, and can then suggest additional items to complement the existing items.

A site redesign could ruin all your SEO efforts in an instant. Digital marketers put so much time and effort into SEO, it would be a shame to throw it away overnight. But if you’re not careful, then a site redesign poses some serious threats that could end up causing that to happen. Usually, a site redesign is taking place for a reason and will be beneficial in the long run, but how can you make sure you don’t kill your SEO in the process?

Shoppable images are both immersive and contextual in ways that digital has never seen before. Whether it’s shoes, apparel, and accessories on a model or the latest living room setup, people want to be able to visualize how a product will fit into their own style and environment. Shoppable images are turning that idea into a reality for customers of all kinds. From the company’s perspective, shoppable images present a great opportunity to share the story of your brand – they allow you to naturally tell a story as users are browsing through products in a way that hasn’t been possible through traditional commerce.

March 2025: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

February 2025: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

January 2025: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

The NRF 2025 Big Show is packed with innovation, inspiration, and strategies to shape the future of retail. With so many sessions to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to focus your attention. That’s why we’ve rounded up three of the most exciting, game-changing sessions you simply can’t miss. These discussions bring together retail leaders, digital visionaries, and industry disruptors who are reshaping the way we do business.

December 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

November 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

October 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

September 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

August 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

July 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

The automotive industry is undergoing a major shift, driven by rapid advancements in digital technology. This transformation is reshaping how vehicles are manufactured, marketed, sold, and serviced. From AI-driven manufacturing processes to sophisticated online sales platforms, automotive eCommerce is becoming the backbone of modern automotive operations. This shift is not just a trend but a necessity for survival and growth in an increasingly competitive market.

June 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Halco Lighting Technologies is recognized for its energy-efficient solutions and extensive product range in the lighting industry. Serving both B2B and B2C markets with over four decades of experience and a commitment to quality, Halco is committed to deliver innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of their customers and drive sustainable growth.

May 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

April 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

North Chappaqua, NY – Echidna, a leading digital agency, is excited to announce its Gold Sponsorship at the upcoming Kibo Connect: Client Summit 2024. This event is set to take place on April 23-24 at The Pittman Dallas Hotel, 2551 Elm St, Dallas, TX, is a cornerstone for commerce innovation, bringing together technology enthusiasts, brands, and industry experts.

March 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Adobe Summit 2024 is set to take place from March 25 to March 28, both in Las Vegas and online. This year's summit promises an unparalleled opportunity to learn from leading brands, discover the future of generative AI, and gear up for experience-led growth. Whether you're planning to join in person or tune in online, the event is designed to offer valuable insights, networking opportunities, and inspiration for everyone in the digital experience ecosystem.

In recent years, sustainability has transitioned from a niche concern to a global imperative, and the eCommerce sector is at the forefront of this shift. Consumers increasingly make purchasing decisions based on a brand's environmental impact and sustainability practices.

February 2024: Your Monthly Digest of Top Digital Commerce Insights

Over the past 7 years, the retail sector has witnessed a monumental shift towards digital transformation. This period of rapid change has highlighted the necessity for retailers to adapt or risk falling behind. Unified commerce has emerged as a comprehensive solution to these digital transformation challenges. By offering a seamless shopping experience that aligns with modern consumer expectations, retailers can gain a competitive edge.

Choosing the right eCommerce development service agency isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. Every business is different, and finding an eCommerce agency that fits your specific needs is crucial for boosting sales. From handling the number of sales you make, getting more people to buy, and dealing with visitors from different places there is a lot to consider.

The landscape of B2B sales is undergoing a seismic shift, with eCommerce digital transformation at its core. However, many B2B digital sales experiences lag, failing to meet buyers' evolving demands. In this context, the Minimal Viable Product (MVP) approach emerges as a pivotal strategy in eCommerce digital transformation, offering a pathway to more agile, customer-centric, and efficient digital sales experiences.

Client Spotlight: Powering Up eCommerce Excellence for Continental Battery

Echidna's recent collaboration with Continental Battery Brands and Battery Sharks stands as a testament to our eCommerce expertise. This partnership showcases how strategic thinking and technological innovation can transform eCommerce operations.

In the digital era, starting an eCommerce business with the support of a skilled eCommerce agency opens doors to the global market. Online shopping allows customers to easily buy a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to specialized items. Thanks to the rise of user-friendly tools provided by eCommerce agencies, setting up an online store has become a more accessible and attractive venture for aspiring entrepreneurs.

10 B2B Commerce Trends to Watch for in 2024

Celebrating 14 Years of Winning Together!

October 2023 Digital Commerce Trending News and Insights

September 2023 Digital Commerce Trending News and Insights

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience isn’t just a perk; it’s a necessity. This mantra holds true for the automotive industry, where the B2B landscape is transforming rapidly to accommodate ever-changing customer needs. The shift towards digital commerce, fueled by marketplace business models, is accelerating the automotive industry's growth like never before.

Designing an Digital Commerce Storefront that Sells: Top Tips and Best Practices

Continental Battery Systems Partners with Echidna to Launch Modern Commerce Channel for Battery Sharks

The continued collaboration between Continental Battery Systems and Echidna has driven the launch of another innovative modern commerce channel, solidifying the company’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service and bolstering their position as a customer-centric industry leader.

Modern Commerce is Here. What Do You Need to Know?

Exploring Opportunities with Generative AI

How Construction Specialties Built a B2B Buying Experience to Meet Customer Expectations

Meeting B2B Buyer Expectations in eCommerce

From Search to Sales: A Comprehensive Guide to B2B Search

Teaching & Mentoring Clients to "Win Together"

What to Know Before Choosing an eCommerce Technology

Echidna Builds Modern B2B eCommerce for AirBorn Manufacturing

Echidna Builds Modern Manufacturing eCommerce Site for AirBorn Manufacturing

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The modern manufacturing eCommerce solution brings a unified experience that provides best-in-class B2B purchasing.

We are delighted to announce the launch of Halco Technologies modern B2B eCommerce site! The new site features a best-in-class shopping and self-service experience for customers leveraging the Adobe Commerce Cloud platform.

Halco’s transformative investment positions its business as a leader in digital commerce and offers a best-in-class shopping and self-service experience to customers.

eCommerce expert insights to guide your digital commerce success.

eCommerce expert insights to guide your digital commerce success.

eCommerce expert insights to guide your digital commerce success.

Echidna Inc. is pleased to announce its partnership with Spryker, a modern cloud-native platform-as-a-service solution offering the most flexible and agile commerce software on the market today.

eCommerce expert insights to guide your digital commerce success.

Combining eCommerce technology and design expertise, Echidna enhanced the customer experience and simplified back-end operations for Continental Battery brands.

Echidna Inc. is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with accessiBe, the #1 AI-powered web accessibility solution that makes websites accessible to people with disabilities and compliant with the WCAG, ADA, and other accessibility legislation.

Greetings from Echidna! Are you ready to set the stage for B2B or DTC eCommerce expansion? Many of our clients come to us for guidance on how to transform and adopt modern strategies to compete in today’s evolving digital economy. This month’s newsletter is focused on sharing our thought leadership around how specifically the building materials and automotive industries can deliver an eCommerce site that delivers exponential value for customers and internal teams alike.

As a leading digital agency that provides expertise around strategic consulting, user experience, and eCommerce systems, we are delighted to announce the addition of Nathan Schatz to our team. Nathan is no stranger to Echidna, previously working as a Digital Solution Strategist to build and launch our client Frontpoint Security’s initial eCommerce solution. He now joins our leadership team to serve as Chief Technology Officer as we strive to strengthen our technology service to clients.

Greetings from Echidna! As purchasing online continues to trend upward, merchants able to provide a superior digital shopping experience will find themselves positioned for a competitive edge. This month’s newsletter provides guidance around strategy for building a B2B marketplace, optimizing pay-per-click, and improving eCommerce technology performance. Also, learn how several merchants partnered with Echidna to evolve their mobile commerce in order to meet B2B and B2C buyer demands.

Greetings from Echidna! As customer demands continue to change amongst all industries and age groups, many companies find themselves having to make decisions and investments now to define whether they are able to meet future needs. With this in mind, February's edition offers insight into growing trends, evolving technology, and how our clients are navigating their next phases of growth and innovation.

Happy New Year from Echidna! Our commitment to Win Together with our clients continues to inspire our success. Looking back, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and to strive for those successes on their behalf. Looking ahead to the new year, we continue our mission of service and will continually seek new opportunities to help our clients innovate and serve their digital customers.

Greetings from Echidna! In this last month of 2021, we look back and can see just how much the pandemic has expedited digital commerce and customer expectations over the past two years. The shift in mindset opened many up to new digital shopping experiences. Echidna continues to help our clients make the most of these opportunities while focusing on finding the best solutions for them, regardless of technology and trends.

Greetings from Echidna! eCommerce continues to evolve at a rapid pace and Echidna is partnering with our clients to not only keep up but maintain a competitive edge. One of the ways we do this is through a strategic ecosystem of partners. Echidna is proud to announce our newest partnership with VTEX, the world’s first and only fully-integrated commerce, marketplace, and OMS solution. Are you prepared for what’s to come in 2022? This month’s newsletter includes details on our partnership with VTEX, articles about current trends in eCommerce, and how the digital B2B buyer has changed this year.

Echidna Inc. is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with VTEX, the world’s first and only fully integrated commerce platform ready for the next age of digital innovation.

Greetings from Echidna! A large part of growth strategy in 2022 includes digital sales channels. Oftentimes, B2B companies come to us feeling constrained by the limitations of their eCommerce platform and need guidance to streamline their online sales experience. Echidna is with our clients every step of the way, this month sharing insight into understanding the modern-day B2B buyer and what companies should consider when growing their digital sales channels.

Greetings from Echidna! Your team has likely been preparing to welcome a queue of customers to your virtual storefront come November 26th. This month our newsletter is sharing critical areas to focus on for a successful online holiday shopping season + helping brands create a foundation for digital growth and opportunity when we ring in the new year.

Greetings from Echidna! With less than 16 weeks until Black Friday, brands are heads down preparing for yet another highly anticipated digital holiday shopping season. From improving search engine visibility to orchestrating a seamless buy online, pick-up in-store experience- Echidna is with our clients every step of the way. This month’s newsletter showcases various ways to use digital in order to access exponential value creation for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.

Greetings from Echidna! Making order out of the chaos 2020 brought is proving to be a challenge for brands across the globe. In order to realize the opportunity that supporting a wide, strong digital model and buyer journey brings will require an updated strategy and the ability to execute efficiently. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to sharing guidance on digital commerce strategy and how one health and wellness retailer pivoted to meet dynamic market changes head-on.

Greetings from Echidna! Are you ready to set the stage for your brand's eCommerce growth? In this month’s newsletter, we are covering several areas to consider when looking to grow your digital sales and sharing how one company doubled product revenue by streamlining its online sales experience.

Greetings from Echidna! We’ve all watched the growth of eCommerce over the years, and undoubtedly COVID-19 accelerated that growth dramatically. This is true whether you are a retailer selling to consumers or a manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor selling to businesses. With this sudden shift, we focused our May newsletter on sharing several ways your business can find success in eCommerce.

Greetings from Echidna! We are at a pivotal time of disruptive change for all markets. Many leaders are looking to innovate and rethink their online experiences in order to exceed customer expectations and outpace their competitors. This month’s newsletter is focused on eCommerce innovation and sharing ways you can improve and grow your online storefront experience.

Greetings from Echidna! As many of us approach 2021 with cautious optimism, continual innovation is more critical than ever. Part of this is rethinking how to use technology to help your business deliver. Many leaders find themselves considering a new eCommerce solution based on how inflexible their current solution proved to be in 2020. For that reason, we are dedicating this month’s newsletter to focus on the topic of eCommerce development.

Flashback to early 2019, Jessup Manufacturing found itself using eCommerce, but not how it envisioned. What was once innovation, was now antiquated. Between the inability to grow due to numerous restraints its eCommerce platform created and its site’s less than friendly user experience, Jessup Manufacturing knew it needed a change in order to evolve and meet customer demands.

Happy New Year from Echidna! As we start 2021 many of us are in a period of transition. Business leaders working towards making a company stand out in new ways; much shifting attention from offline to online operations. Remember that working towards something genuinely unique isn't always easy, but it can be greatly rewarded.

As we wrap up 2020 we have seen a lot of change in how customers shop. However, the shift from offline to online doesn’t mean that customers will tolerate any less of a shopping experience. Delivering an excellent CX, no matter what device is being used, is crucial. Our team remains committed to helping you eliminate pain points in every step of the customer journey.

In our latest client case study, we go behind the scenes of the digital commerce success achieved by a global manufacturer for adhesive coated and laminated materials and photoluminescent films and sheets- Jessup Manufacturing.

Working together while working apart has become commonplace and will continue to be more important than ever these upcoming weeks and even months. Thousands of in-office workers are experiencing their first foray into the world of remote working as businesses try to manage the threat of COVID-19 by asking their employees to stay home. Since Echidna’s founding, we’ve served many companies as a virtual extension to their teams- building a proven practice of team collaboration, project governance, and reliable delivery whether team members are in the office or distributed far-and-wide. We’ve put together this informative blog and free downloadable resource to help you navigate remote teams' best practices.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented challenge for eCommerce merchants. The long-term impact of COVID-19 will have on digital commerce is unknown, but for some, it means near-term planning to keep afloat while others are thinking about once the crisis has passed and what the new normal will look like. We recognize the difficulties merchants are facing to pivot their business strategies with little or no staffing and stay-at-home orders nationwide. So how do you navigate what’s next when the news is changing at a rapid pace?

There has been no slowing down since Adobe announced its acquisition of Magento Commerce back in 2018. With Magento Commerce joining the Adobe Experience Cloud, they are now bringing the Imagine Conference community to join forces with the Adobe Summit at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from March 29 through April 2. This co-location will allow Magento Commerce experts and pioneers the ability to expand their learning and networking opportunities, along with giving access to all Adobe Summit keynotes, events, and well over 400 sessions and labs. So what’s in store for those attending Magento Imagine 2020 @ Adobe Summit, and where can you find Echidna? Read on to find out.

Echidna, a Gold-level member of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN), is pleased to announce that Construction Specialties (CS) chose Oracle Commerce Cloud to replace legacy systems and collaborated with Echidna to implement the technology to improve their overall user experience.

Echidna is gearing up to join hundreds of fellow industry experts and merchants at the 2019 Adobe Summit in Las Vegas, NV. This year should prove to be extra exciting as our client, Frontpoint Security, as been announced as a finalist for the Best Commerce Experience category at the Adobe Experience Maker Awards. With so many reasons to attend Adobe Summit we have narrowed down the top 3 moments we are most looking forward to this year.

Omni-channel personalization is something brands are quickly looking to implement into their digital strategies if they have not already. Echidna is excited to announce our partnership with data and predictive analytics platform, 4-Tell, who is an innovator and pioneer in the space. Through this partnership, Echidna will be able to further offer our clients the customer loyalty, engagement, and the superb user shopping experiences they require to stay competitive.

Echidna, a leading digital agency that provides expertise around building digital strategy, user experience and e-commerce systems, has announced the promotion of Michael Braun to the newly-created role of Chief Experience Officer effective January 1, 2019. Michael has been with Echidna since its inception in 2010, during which time he has held positions as the Director of Experience and Vice President of User Experience.

Echidna, a leading digital agency and e-commerce service provider, is pleased to announce their continued partnership with Magento Commerce as a Magento 2 Trained Professional Solutions Partner and Diamond Sponsor for the 2019 Magento Imagine Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Echidna, a leading digital agency that provides expertise around building digital strategy, user experience, and e-commerce systems announced today that they are accepting meetings from companies interested in improving their e-commerce operational efforts.

Ergodyne has been pioneering the development of products that make workplaces safer since 1983. With 124 global patents and 104 trademarks, they contacted our team at Echidna to help them improve their overall digital commerce experience and move them over to Magento Commerce.

Echidna is excited to announce our partnership with ShipStation. ShipStation is the leading web-based shipping software that helps online retailers streamline their order fulfillment, wherever they sell and however they ship.

On May 21, 2018, Adobe, a multinational leader in digital technology solutions, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Magento Commerce, a market-leading platform for open commerce innovation that offers digital commerce, order management and business intelligence to enable both B2B and B2C shopping experiences across the customer journey.

We’ve all been invited to a networking happy hour at some point in our careers. Lately, you will find they are all held at some hip Minneapolis brewery where you might meet a few like-minded folks, but conversations don’t run very deep.

It’s that time of year again. For the eighth year, the Magento ecosystem gathers under one roof for three days of networking and education with like minded peers. Even looking back to this time last year to where we are today in digital commerce; it is an exciting time. From finding viable solutions to making B2B Commerce work for enterprises most challenging operation requirements to having innovative personalization tools at our fingertips- it is going to be a great conference to connect with over 3000 merchants, Magento partners, developers, and commerce experts. Depending on what your goal is attending Magento’s Imagine 2018, your day may vary, but here are three not-to-be-missed items you will want to make room in your schedule for.

If the retail world can agree on one thing, it is that in order to stay relevant you have to constantly be evolving.

“Ecosystem” has become a buzzword within the commerce industry, so the team at Echidna thought it was time to shed some light on the subject. First, we did some hard-core research (i.e.: Wikipedia the definition). This is what comes up:

With less than two months to go, Echidna is gearing up to join over 2,500 Magento experts and pioneers at the 2017 Imagine Conference in Las Vegas, NV. As a Magento 2-trained Professional Solutions Partner with over 100,000 hours of Magento experience - from re-platforming to custom extension building and integrations to UX design expertise and accelerated site launch capabilities - we have become the preferred partner for our clients and one of the industry’s most trusted commerce partners. So what’s in store for those attending Imagine 2017, and where can you find Echidna? Read on to find out.

At Echidna, we’re always looking grow our partner ecosystem in order to bring more value to our clients. As we look to the future of commerce and retail more generally, we’re constantly evaluating new opportunities to help our clients stay ahead of their competition. So we’re happy to announce our latest partnership with Mirakl, one of today’s leading commerce marketplace platforms.

VOLT® Lighting is an industry-leading source for high quality, factory-direct lighting products for both pros and everyday consumers. We had the chance to catch up with Andrew Krasner, Director of commerce and Marketing at VOLT® Lighting, to talk about the company's new website, which is powered by Kibo, was implemented by Echidna, and launched at the beginning of the month. Read on for the interview.

“The cobbler’s children have no shoes.” You’re probably familiar with the phrase. If not, it means that a shoemaker is often so busy making shoes for customers that his or her own children are neglected and end up running around barefoot.

You’re almost there, Retailers. No, we’re not referring to the end of the holiday season, but to the kickoff of NRF’s Big Show. Happening January 15-17 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, this show is the retail industry’s flagship event. This year’s three-day extravaganza is toting over 3,300 retail companies, 510 exhibitors, and 300+ industry speakers, all descending upon New York City to discuss the latest trends, innovations and their very own successes and failures. Talk about an amazing community to network with like-minded industry peers!

For the second year in a row, Echidna’s work with Kohl’s has earned us another Vendor Appreciation Award! Our Kohl’s project team covers the web storefront and kiosk efforts for Kohl’s and Kohl’s Digital. Amzed Hussain, Senior Director of Technology and Innovation at Echidna, reflected on the award:

On October 17, 2016, Kibo, a leader in cloud-based omnichannel commerce solutions, announced its acquisition of Mozu, a cloud-based enterprise commerce platform designed to help brands manage their entire online presence — commerce, branding, customer engagement and publishing — in a single, powerful and enjoyable experience.

Theresa Kuske, Digital Marketing Manager at Ergodyne, was kind enough to sit down with us to talk about why Ergodyne is such a cool brand, the constantly evolving digital marketing landscape, and how Echidna transformed Ergodyne’s commerce.

Echidna is excited to announce Gold status as an Oracle Commerce Cloud implementation partner. It only makes sense that Echidna would be partnering with Oracle Commerce Cloud. The combination of our record of experience with Oracle, our leadership in the cloud-based SaaS commerce world, and the way Oracle Commerce Cloud complements our current service offerings made it a simple decision.

Echidna is proud to announce that we are officially ISMS certified. Echidna recently received ISO 27001:2013 certification. Read on to find out exactly what that means, why it's important, and how it’s going to benefit our clients.

We recently had the chance to speak with Theresa Kuske from Ergodyne. Ergodyne -- based in nearby St. Paul, Minnesota -- is a leading manufacturer of workplace safety gear and, coincidentally, a client of Echidna's. Okay, so it's not really a coincidence -- that's the entire reason we spoke in the first place. Anyway, though, read on to get a firsthand account of what it's like to work with Echidna.