Vitec Visual

Idea

Unico Swiss is a Swiss manufacturer known for premium outdoor furniture and handcrafted fire bowls built to last.
Until recently, sales were handled mainly within Switzerland through local channels and a small self built online shop.
With growing demand and a clear vision for global expansion, the company needed a new e commerce solution that could replace the old system, integrate seamlessly with ERP and CRM processes, and support international growth.
The goal was not only to sell products online, but to create a digital shop that reflects the quality, individuality, and craftsmanship of the brand while enabling sustainable revenue growth.

Solution

We rebuilt the entire shop on Shopify to leave the limitations of the old structure behind and establish a scalable foundation.
The solution combines a custom designed shopping experience with advanced product discovery, upselling logic, and analytics driven optimization.
A custom integration app connects Shopify with the customer's ERP and construction software, enabling synchronized product data, availability, and campaign management.
This system level approach allows Unico Swiss to operate and scale the shop efficiently while maintaining full control over products and processes.

Key components

Account management Product marketplace Shopping cart Favorites Upselling Cross selling ERP integration CRM integration Analytics

Development Process

Step 1

Requirements Analysis

Step 2

Product and Design Concept

Step 3

Implementation

Step 4

Quality Assurance

Step 5

Deployment

01Requirements Analysis

In a joint workshop, we analyzed the existing shop, its structure, and all integrations. Weaknesses and limitations were identified and translated into a clear MVP roadmap focused on scalability and conversion.

02Product and Design Concept

We developed a custom shop design that reflects the brand's craftsmanship and quality. The design supports all planned functions and avoids generic theme limitations.

03Implementation

The shop was developed in four structured sprints. Close collaboration enabled rapid feedback and continuous alignment with business goals.

04Quality Assurance

All flows were tested end to end, bugs were fixed, and refinements were applied to ensure a smooth launch experience.

05Deployment

The new online shop was launched successfully. We continue to support the platform to ensure stability and ongoing improvement.

Technology & Integration

Product Design

Figma for product redesign and design systems.

Website

Custom website development with modern frameworks and CMS solutions.

Back-End

Custom back-end development for business logic and integrations.

Admin Panel

Custom admin panel for managing the entire platform.

Integrations

ERP Integration
CRM Integration
Custom Integration App
Analytics Tools

Main Features

Marketplace

The marketplace presents products in multiple curated views that guide customers through discovery rather than simple browsing.
Experiences such as themed collections, recently viewed products, and personalized recommendations help users explore the range naturally.
Highlighted offers and featured products support faster decision making while maintaining a premium presentation that reflects the brand's quality and craftsmanship.

Account Management

The account system is designed for maximum convenience.
Customers can access order confirmations, invoices, and purchase history without requiring a password.
Account creation is optional, and purchases can be completed without registration.
This reduces friction while still enabling returning customers to manage their orders easily.

Shopping Cart

The shopping cart supports collecting and purchasing multiple products seamlessly. When the cart is empty, it intelligently highlights previously viewed items to encourage continued exploration.
This subtle guidance supports conversion without disrupting the shopping experience.

Favorites and Reviews

Customers can save products as favorites for quick access later.
After purchase, they are prompted to leave reviews via email or QR code.
This process generates authentic feedback that strengthens trust and credibility across the shop.

ERP and CRM Integration

Due to the high number of product variants, standard Shopify integrations were insufficient.
We developed a custom integration app that synchronizes ERP data, manages complex variants, and supports global campaigns such as targeted discounts and availability control.

Main Challenge

The biggest challenge was mapping the complexity of product variations, combinations, and customizations into a Shopify based system.
The ERP data structure and sheer number of variants made simple imports impossible, and pricing logic could not be managed on a standard variant level.
We had to design a solution that preserved flexibility while remaining maintainable and performant. Through detailed interface analysis, careful data modeling, and the development of a custom integration app, we successfully connected Shopify with the ERP system without compromising scalability or control.

What We Learned

We learned that standard e commerce platforms reach limits when product complexity increases.
Custom integrations and clear ownership of data structures are essential to avoid long term operational friction.

Why This Matters for Our Partners

These learnings enable partners to scale complex product catalogs without abandoning proven platforms. They reduce risk while preserving flexibility and growth potential.

Our Advice

If your product catalog includes complex variants or custom logic, validate platform limitations early and plan integrations explicitly instead of forcing standard solutions.

Most Special Step

The most special part of this project was creating a fully custom shop design that reflects Unico Swiss' craftsmanship and individuality.
Instead of relying on ready made themes, we designed the entire experience from the ground up.
This allowed us to transform an outdated shop into a refined digital brand stage where products are presented with clarity, emotion, and precision.
The result shows how a well designed e commerce platform can become more than a sales channel. It becomes a strategic growth asset that connects brand, product, and customer experience.

Unico Swiss

Unico Swiss - An E Shop Made of Steel

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Tobias Siegenthaler

Idea

Solution

Key components

Development Process