Revolutionizing E-commerce: How Oakywood Transformed Its Business with Shopify Plus.

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. The Challenge of Market Differentiation
4. A Decisive Shift: Moving to Shopify Plus
5. Real-World Impact: Results After Transition
6. Building a Sustainable Future
7. Conclusion: The Oakywood Experience as a Blueprint

Key Highlights:

• Oakywood experienced a significant 250% increase in sales of key products after migrating to Shopify Plus.
• The implementation of 3D AR technology resulted in a rise in custom orders, with 200-300 received monthly.
• Trustpilot integration bolstered customer trust, leading to an impressive overall rating of 4.7 in just two months.

Introduction

In today’s fiercely competitive online furniture market, standing out is essential for artisans and brands aiming for longevity and recognition. The Polish furniture maker Oakywood, known for integrating craftsmanship with modern technology, faced numerous challenges as it sought to distinguish itself from competitors and capitalize on its unique offerings. Founded by Mateusz Haberny, the brand is rooted in a rich heritage of artisanal woodwork, a tradition that has greatly influenced its design philosophy. This article explores how Oakywood overcame significant hurdles by adopting Shopify Plus, leading to transformative growth and enhanced customer engagement through innovative technologies, including 3D augmented reality (AR).

The Challenge of Market Differentiation

Prior to its transition to Shopify Plus, Oakywood relied on marketplaces like Etsy for sales. While these platforms provided initial visibility, they also posed limitations that hindered the brand's growth. The lack of ownership over its storefront meant that Oakywood struggled to create a distinct brand identity, often competing directly with similar offerings without a unique voice. Moreover, the process of custom orders was cumbersome, requiring customers to fill out elaborate forms without a clear visualization of the final product. This ambiguity led to hesitation in purchasing expensive bespoke items, negatively impacting conversion rates.

A Decisive Shift: Moving to Shopify Plus

Recognizing the urgent need for a robust platform, Mateusz Haberny made the strategic decision to migrate to Shopify Plus in 2017. The switch was not merely a technical upgrade; it represented a fundamental shift in how Oakywood approached its business model. Shopify Plus enabled the brand to create a standalone e-commerce site tailored specifically to its needs, thereby enhancing brand recognition and customer loyalty. In just hours, rather than weeks, Oakywood could establish an online presence that showcased the beauty and functionality of its products.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Customer Experience

One of the standout features that Oakywood utilized following its migration was Shopify's app ecosystem, notable for its integration of Trustpilot. This tool facilitated the collection of customer reviews, a crucial aspect for establishing credibility in the competitive UK market where Oakywood aimed to expand. Before Shopify, reviews were dispersed across platforms like Google Reviews and Stamped.io, resulting in fragmented customer feedback that lacked coherence. By centralizing this information through Trustpilot, Oakywood significantly enhanced its reputation, acquiring about 200 reviews and achieving a remarkable rating of 4.7 within two months.

In addition to bolstering customer trust, Oakywood's switch to Shopify Plus made it easier to respond to custom orders through Precismo, a 3D scanning tool that allows users to visualize custom furniture pieces in their own spaces. This technology revolutionized the shopping experience, enabling customers to create 3D models of potential purchases and visualize their selection within the context of their home environment. The natural representation provided by Shopify AR effectively addressed the previously cited issues regarding custom order ambiguity.

Real-World Impact: Results After Transition

The results of Oakywood's migration to Shopify Plus and adoption of AR technology were immediate and profound. The platform's international sales tools allowed Oakywood to effortlessly expand into global markets, significantly increasing average order values by 458% in Germany, 232% in Switzerland, and 84% in the UK. The previous struggle with custom orders transformed dramatically; the company began receiving two to three hundred custom orders monthly as customers embraced the ability to see and manipulate their potential purchases digitally.

As part of their growth strategy, Oakywood also rebranded their store, reinforcing their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The modernized design, combined with audience-centric features such as AR, created an engaging shopping experience that drew repeat customers. Mateusz attests, "Post-purchase, customers often reach out to say the AR model was a game changer that influenced their buying decision."

The Power of Global Reach

Historically, businesses in Poland often remain focused on domestic markets. However, Mateusz's vision for Oakywood transcended local boundaries. He embraced the notion of global sales, catalyzed largely by the ease with which Shopify Markets facilitates international transactions. As Oakywood positioned itself as a global brand, the incremental revenue from international sales served as a game changer, allowing the company to scale effectively without being bogged down by logistical challenges.

Building a Sustainable Future

Oakywood's ethos is rooted in a commitment to sustainable practices, which resonates well with modern consumers who are increasingly aware of environmental issues. By prioritizing quality craftsmanship and using sustainable materials, Oakywood not only enhances its product offerings but also aligns itself with consumer preferences that lean towards eco-conscious purchasing.

The migration to Shopify Plus represents a forward-thinking approach that not only addressed existing pain points but also automated and streamlined many business processes. As Oakywood continues to refine its operational strategies, the brand’s resilience and adaptability to market dynamics will likely be key drivers of its ongoing success.

Conclusion: The Oakywood Experience as a Blueprint

Oakywood’s journey illustrates the critical importance of platform ownership, the power of integrating customer feedback mechanisms, and the value of visual representation in enhancing customer experiences and conversions. The brand’s ability to pivot from a standalone marketplace to an independent e-commerce model via Shopify Plus serves as a powerful case study for small to medium-sized enterprises seeking effective growth strategies in the digital era.

FAQ

What is Oakywood known for?
Oakywood is recognized for its unique, sustainable wooden furniture and accessories that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

Why did Oakywood move from Etsy to Shopify Plus?
The move was motivated by the need for greater brand ownership and control, improved customer experience through streamlined processes, and enhanced capabilities for handling bespoke orders.

How has 3D AR technology impacted Oakywood's sales?
The introduction of 3D AR technology has significantly boosted customer engagement by allowing users to visualize custom products in their own homes, resulting in a surge of inquiries and increased sales.

What are the benefits of using Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus offers a wide array of features, including enhanced scalability, extensive app integrations, advanced customer insights, automation tools, and access to international sales channels, all tailored for businesses poised for growth.