200%

growth in B2B sales

20%

increase in average order value (AOV)

Meet the Client

Soak & Sleep is a prominent UK-based online retailer. For more than a decade, they have been consistently ranked as one of the top eCommerce stores in the UK. The company was founded on the idea that manufacturers could provide high-quality items for up to 70% less than similar brands by selling directly to the consumer. In fact, it was this B2C model that initially launched Soak & Sleep into success.

After years of using Magento 1 to build a customized store, CEO Charlie Hunt realized a change was needed. The company had a unique opportunity to cater towards a growing online B2B marketplace. To meet the expectations of both B2B and B2C consumers, Soak & Sleep would require substantial changes to its website and business management tools. That’s when they wanted a Magento 2 platform upgrade.

Mockup of Soak & Sleep website after Magento 2 platform upgrade on three different devices.
Mockup of Soak & Sleep website after Magento 2 platform upgrade on three different devices.

Challenges

Soak & Sleep faced several challenges. The main limitation with their Magento 1 platform was its lack of built-in B2B functionalities or tools for retailers. The Soak & Sleep website required heavy customizations to cater to the needs of customers, and the numerous changes negatively impacted site speed and performance. Since slow loading times can be enough to dissuade a potential customer from staying on a website, it was critical to resolve this problem. The solution was a Magento 2 platform upgrade. An upgraded Soak & Sleep store must also be flexible and scalable so the site could continue to accommodate more traffic from both B2B and B2C buyers without affecting loading times. If these challenges could be mitigated, the store could begin selling to a global market. Previously, it catered specifically to local UK residents.

Soak & Sleep product page mockup after Magento 2 platform upgrade in landscape and portrait mode.
Soak & Sleep product page mockup after Magento 2 platform upgrade in landscape and portrait mode.

Client Requirements

The company needed an upgraded eCommerce platform that could:

  • Reduce the website load times.
  • Integrate enhanced B2B functionalities without extensive customizations.
  • Maintain high performance during peak traffic times, like Black Friday.
  • Expand to international markets with minimal operational disruptions.
Soak & Sleep product details page mockup after Magento 2 platform upgrade on desktop and mobile device.
Soak & Sleep product details page mockup after Magento 2 platform upgrade on desktop and mobile device.

Solutions

Soak & Sleep chose Wagento for Magento 2 platform upgrade. CEO Charlie Hunt was confident in Wagento’s ability to exceed expectations. This confidence was based on their history of success across a wide array of online stores. This confidence was critical as Soak & Sleep aimed to enhance both their B2B and B2C offerings.

 

Magento 2 KPIs

 

To gauge the effectiveness of the Magento 2 Commerce Cloud upgrade, Soak & Sleep and Wagento established several key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor:

  • The necessity for custom developments
  • Page loading speeds
  • Average Order Value (AOV)
  • Conversion rates

 

These KPIs were selected to assess impacts on both B2B and B2C segments. It ensured a comprehensive evaluation of the platform’s performance post-upgrade. The transition was completed in early November 2016. It allowed us to optimize their Black Friday operations and maintain enhanced service throughout the holiday season. Notably, Soak & Sleep recorded less than 10 minutes of downtime, a 20% increase in AOV, and significantly faster page loading times. The reliance on customizations was reduced by adopting a range of third-party integrations and extensions available through the Magento marketplace.

 

B2B Expansion

 

Along with this dramatic success, the merchant now had access to various unique B2B tools previously unavailable with Magento 1. The Magento 2 platform upgrade provided all the features needed for B2B expansion and success, including managing multiple B2C and B2B websites with different target markets, product types, and locations. Through Wagento’s Magento 2 platform upgrade, Soak & Sleep was able to quickly transition to a new B2B marketplace with tools like:

  • Backend integrations and extensions.
  • Increased self-service tools and management for client accounts.
  • Customized catalogs and pricing.
  • Detailed reports that can track growth in 75 different business areas.
  • A responsive, mobile-optimized website.
  • Multiple payment options and integrations.
  • Relevant and accurate marketing tools to meet the needs of B2B and B2C buyers.
  • Quick re-ordering capabilities.
  • Streamlined quote management tools for customized pricing deals with B2B clients.

 

Through these enhancements, Wagento facilitated a swift transition for Soak & Sleep into a competitive B2B marketplace, enabling them to efficiently manage multiple websites for diverse markets and product categories. This strategic upgrade not only improved operational efficiencies but also significantly boosted their market presence in both consumer bases.

Soak & Sleep homepage mockup after Magento 2 platform upgrade on desktop, mobile, and tablet device.
Soak & Sleep homepage mockup after Magento 2 platform upgrade on desktop, mobile, and tablet device.

Results

The Magento 2 platform upgrade led to remarkable improvements:

  • A 67% reduction in overall site load time.
  • An increase in Average Order Value (AOV) by 20%.
  • Enhanced site stability with less than 10 minutes of downtime during critical sales periods.
  • Expanded B2B capabilities with streamlined management tools and detailed business growth tracking.

Final Thoughts

The successful Magento 2 platform upgrade not only enhanced Soak & Sleep’s operational efficiency but also positioned the company to capitalize on the growing demand for online B2B services. Although 56% of B2B companies have eCommerce sites, only 11% of these online sellers had their own marketplace. There is still a great opportunity for online merchants to start catering to this growing demand for online B2B services. If you choose to take the plunge and expand to the B2B marketplace, your company can experience the same positive results and benefits as Soak & Sleep, including:

  • The ability to accurately determine the demand for new products and ideas.
  • The opportunity to establish your business as an industry leader and expert.
  • Unlimited customization for your website.
  • Improved site performance and enhanced security features.
  • Smart inventory management and order management solutions.
  • A way to set yourself apart from your competition through a convenient, modernized option that customers desire.

 

Experience the growth and efficiency that Magento 2 can bring to your online business. Contact Wagento today to explore the best strategies tailored to your needs and market demands.

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