The megatrend of "headless commerce": Why it is the future of e-commerce.

Headless commerce is the future of e-commerce. This technology allows companies to optimize their online presence and provide customers with an even better experience. But what exactly is headless commerce? What advantages does it offer companies? We explain!

Finding the perfect commerce software is challenging. From all-in-one solutions to customizable enterprise applications, the options are endless. However, requirements are changing ever more rapidly. Retailers and shop operators want to test or implement new concepts, and customers expect better shopping experiences.

The term “headless commerce” describes an architectural approach in IT in which the front end of an online shop is developed independently of the back end.

Headless commerce is one of the current megatrends. It involves setting up additional systems or interfaces, known as storefronts, around a core application independently of the shop system. This means that either the front end comes from a different provider than the core shop, or it is newly developed specifically for the application, which many customers find interesting.

Greater flexibility is the trend

There is a clear trend toward more and more software manufacturers relying on open APIs and headless systems. Unlike closed systems, these can work together with other systems and thus respond flexibly to customer requirements. Closed systems are therefore becoming obsolete.

Composable Commerce

The term “headless” is now somewhat outdated. The next evolutionary step is called “Composable Commerce.” Composable Commerce combines different software solutions and applications into a single composition. All solutions interact so seamlessly that the user doesn't notice anything; it appears as if it were all from a single source.

When companies apply the best-of-breed principle, they can select the solution that best suits their own individual requirements for each subarea. This allows them to expand their digital offering in a targeted and flexible manner. Typical applications that are “composed” are, for example, tax or shipping solutions.

Headless projects with Spryker

TOWA relies on technologies from Spryker GmbH for complex B2B projects, which impress with their flexibility and scalability. Spryker Commerce OS is an open-source e-commerce framework that offers a modern API-first and headless solution for creating and operating modern online stores. The framework uses a microservice-based architecture that allows individual components of the system to be changed independently of each other.

The modular architecture has many advantages: On the one hand, certain components can be changed without affecting others. On the other hand, many modules are available that greatly facilitate collaboration with other enterprise systems such as ERP, PIM, or CMS. The customer journey can thus be flexibly adapted at any time and changes can be implemented easily. The future-oriented architecture enables a fast, modern shopping experience with a scalable structure.

The future of e-commerce

The future of e-commerce lies in the use of headless and composable technologies. These technologies enable companies to adapt more quickly to constantly changing customer needs and thus remain future-proof.

Anyone who wants to be prepared for the future should therefore invest in an online store with open, modern architecture.

Customers increasingly want more touchpoints and options, not only in B2C but also in B2B. Integrating new touchpoints is becoming increasingly important. If the response is anything other than, "That would be good, but it's not so easy for us to implement," then it's time for a fresh start.

Three factors make the difference:

• Flexibility and openness of shop and IT systems have become decisive success factors. Due to ever-increasing competition in the market, it has become increasingly important for companies to adapt their systems to meet the needs of their customers. This can only be achieved through close cooperation between shop and IT teams. Only in this way can systems be developed to meet customer requirements.

• It is important for companies to continuously develop the customer journey. By constantly improving the customer experience, companies can maintain their long-term success in the market.

• When rolling out new functionalities, speed is more important than completeness. Proof of concept (PoC) and minimum viable product (MVP) are the best indicators of a new feature's success, not concept papers and strategies.

Go headless & composable

Headless commerce enables companies to design their online presence flexibly and thus respond individually to the needs of their customers. Composable commerce also enables companies to easily expand their e-commerce platforms and adapt them to the growing demands of their business.

The trend toward headless and composable commerce technologies continues unabated and will continue to accelerate in the coming years. E-commerce companies that recognize this trend early on and switch to the new technologies will be able to continue their business successfully and remain competitive. Become headless and composable and secure the future of your online website!