In addition to the online bike shop, a team of around 100 enthusiastic cyclists runs ten bike shops throughout Switzerland with selected and tested bikes, e-bikes and bike accessories. In the Veloclinic – the Veloplus bike workshop – Veloplus offers bike repairs as well as safety checks and environmentally friendly bike cleaning. Veloplus develops its own products and bike parts under the name Veloplus Swiss Design.
Optimum range of services
… is the motto of Veloplus. This applies to the shops and workshops with personal advice as well as to the Veloplus online shop.
While new Veloplus shops and experiences have been created over time, the online presence has not changed fundamentally in recent years.
Forest path, field path – solution path
To meet the need for flexibility and integration, Panter proposed an API-first architecture based on Unchained Commerce. Unchained Commerce is a lightweight, modular open source eCommerce system used as an interface between the proprietary backend systems ERP and PIM and the front end. The proprietary backend systems such as ERP and PIM were connected via connector components.
A GraphQL API was set up opposite the front-end to provide all the other functionality, media and content for the storefront, in addition to the Unchained Commerce functionality. Thanks to the GraphQL API, it was possible to create a design completely tailored to the needs of Veloplus customers and an ideal user experience where content and shop functions can be freely combined. Veloplus also has the flexibility to add shop functionality and content to other channels and services such as microsites, theme stores, mobile apps, etc. via the API in the future.
The lightweight, decoupled architecture of the new Veloplus online shop results in significantly fewer errors and makes operation and maintenance much more cost-effective than conventional systems.
A steep climb
For some time now, growing environmental awareness has meant that bicycles are becoming increasingly popular and used by the general public. As a result, sales of bicycles and accessories are on the rise. Combined with e-commerce in the sports and outdoor sector, which has benefited from the pandemic, and thanks to the optimised new online shop launched at the end of October 2020, Veloplus has recorded encouraging sales figures since January 2020.
In addition to the strong increase in sales via the online shop, Veloplus recorded a drop in the bounce rate of -30 per cent and an increase of +124 per cent in visits to Veloplus.ch. The session duration per user increased by 15 percent, while the exit rate fell by 16 percent.
”Together, Panter and Unchained have developed a solution that perfectly meets Veloplus' needs. The collaboration was characterised by professionalism, creativity and mutual respect.
Jens KistlerProject leader Veloplus
