challenge
Essentially, we needed to figure out how to dramatically amplify the client’s ecosystem without causing instability or performance issues.
The project team focused on the following challenges:
- Scalability. One of the initial hurdles was ensuring scalability without introducing unnecessary complexity. Adding storefronts increases server load due to the higher volume of API calls and database queries. Effectively managing version control across multiple stores in GitHub to prevent merge conflicts during deployments was another key consideration.
- Data Silos. We had to address inventory conflicts, preventing catalog duplication, and accommodating variations in tax and shipping rules, along with implementing more complex business logic. Data synchronization proved complex, particularly when balancing shared resources with store-specific customizations and ensuring proper data isolation.
- Customization & Brand Consistency. Maintaining both customization and brand consistency across multiple Salesforce D2C Commerce storefronts.
- Salesforce D2C Product Novelty. The project was made even more challenging due to the scarcity of documentation and the minimal community support available for Salesforce D2C.
Solution
In order to quickly establish multiple sales-driving storefronts, thereby amplifying sales channels and improving distribution quality for the client, Grinteq leveraged the expertise of seasoned, certified Salesforce developers. We did the following:
- Multi-storefront Development. Over six months, we successfully developed and implemented three customized Salesforce D2C Commerce storefronts. We then launched four more stores in the following three months, leveraging the initial three sites' customizations. By utilizing Salesforce multi-storefront features, we employed a scalable, low-risk multi-store architecture that minimized backend disruption.
- Data Management and Migration. To ensure seamless continuity and support the client's unique business processes, we migrated their historical data into customized D2C storefronts accordingly.
- Customization and Templates. We built unique UI/UX experiences by combining basic Salesforce Storefront templates and modern Lightning Web Runtime (LWR) templates, reusing Lightning Web Components (LWC), and leveraging modules and template inheritance for customization. This approach minimized code duplication and bloat.
- Integrations, Apps, and packages. Grinteq successfully integrated essential third-party services with Salesforce D2C:
Payment services, such as PayPal and Braintree, were seamlessly integrated using AppExchange apps.
Taxation systems, like Tax Compliance software Avalara, were also incorporated.
Shipping services, including FedEx, were connected to the web stores.
For Gtag (gtag.js, a JavaScript tagging framework and API), we developed custom components to receive data and send events to Google Analytics, Google Ads, and other Google products.
Impact
By deploying seven D2C storefronts over the client's Salesforce CRM, we significantly streamlined post-purchase processes, reduced maintenance costs, and accelerated time to market. This new multi-storefront architecture increased reach, and scalability, enabling easy adaptation to market changes and ultimately leading to higher conversion rates for the client.
