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Headless e-commerce and composable architecture

This article was based on the interview with Jim Tattersall of Rotate by Greg Kihlström for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:

Headless e-commerce allows for a composable architecture, where brands can customize their technology stack to meet their specific needs. In traditional commerce platforms, such as Shopify, the system handles every aspect of the customer experience, from the front end to the back end logic. However, with headless commerce, brands have the flexibility to break down their architecture and compose it based on their unique requirements.

Composable architecture is like building with Lego blocks, where brands can choose different services for different functionalities. For example, one service might handle email communications, while another might handle discounting. This modular approach allows brands to select the best tools and services for each specific aspect of their business, rather than being tied to a monolithic platform that does everything.

Headless commerce specifically refers to separating the front end user experience from the backend logic. This means that brands can have a separate system for managing the customer-facing interface, while still integrating with various backend systems for inventory management, order processing, and other functionalities. By decoupling the front end from the backend, brands can have greater flexibility and agility in delivering a seamless and personalized customer experience.

The benefits of headless e-commerce and composable architecture are numerous. Firstly, brands have the freedom to choose best-of-breed solutions for each aspect of their business. They can select the most suitable tools and services that align with their specific requirements and goals. This allows for greater customization and optimization, resulting in a more tailored and efficient customer experience.

Secondly, headless commerce enables brands to adapt and scale more easily. With a modular architecture, brands can add or replace components as needed, without disrupting the entire system. This flexibility is particularly important in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, where brands need to quickly respond to market trends and customer demands.

Additionally, headless commerce allows for seamless integration with other systems and channels. Brands can easily connect their commerce platform with other marketing and customer experience tools, such as CRM systems, content management systems, and marketing automation platforms. This integration enables brands to create a unified and consistent experience across all touchpoints, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.

Headless commerce enables a composable architecture, where brands can customize their technology stack to meet their unique needs. By decoupling the front end from the backend, brands have the freedom to select the best tools and services for each aspect of their business. This flexibility and agility allow brands to deliver a more personalized and efficient customer experience, while also enabling seamless integration with other systems and channels. Headless commerce is revolutionizing the way brands approach e-commerce, empowering them to build and scale their digital presence with greater control and adaptability.

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