Transforming E-commerce: How RunDTC is Leading Digital Evolution in Retail

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Navigating Legacy Tech Challenges
4. Modernizing B2B E-commerce
5. Streamlining B2B Ordering Processes
6. Driving Growth Through Digital Transformation
7. The Future of E-commerce Transformation
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• RunDTC, under the leadership of CEO Paul Zaengle, has achieved remarkable growth, reporting a 96% increase in overall agency performance and a 14% average revenue boost for clients post-launch on Shopify.
• The agency specializes in large-scale digital transformations for both DTC and B2B brands, helping clients modernize their tech stacks and streamline operations.
• Successful case studies include Steve Madden's unification of 30 brands on Shopify and Manduka's shift to a self-service ordering system for B2B clients.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, businesses face the dual challenge of keeping pace with technological advancements while meeting the ever-changing expectations of consumers. The need for robust and adaptable digital solutions has never been more pressing. RunDTC, an e-commerce technology services agency led by former retail executive Paul Zaengle, is at the forefront of this transformation. With nearly 25 years of experience in high-profile retail environments like Ralph Lauren and Lululemon, Zaengle brings a wealth of knowledge that informs RunDTC's mission to empower brands to thrive in the digital landscape.

At its core, RunDTC is not just another agency; it is a catalyst for digital change, specializing in comprehensive solutions that extend beyond mere tech stack adjustments. The agency focuses on equipping both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and business-to-business (B2B) brands with the tools they need to modernize operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately drive growth. This article delves deep into RunDTC's innovative approach, notable successes, and the significant impact they are making on the e-commerce industry.

Navigating Legacy Tech Challenges

Legacy technology systems often pose significant hurdles for e-commerce businesses, hindering efficiency and stifling growth. RunDTC identifies two primary categories of challenges among its clients. The first group consists of brands that have adopted Shopify but struggle with optimizing their setup. These businesses often find their platforms cluttered with excessive apps and overly customized code, leading to performance issues. RunDTC addresses these concerns through meticulous audits, simplifying technical implementations to enhance usability and conversion rates.

Conversely, the second group comprises businesses yet to embrace Shopify. For these companies, RunDTC offers strategic guidance on modernizing their technology stacks, assessing how Shopify aligns with their growth ambitions. A critical component of this process involves identifying complementary software solutions, such as order management systems, that can bolster operational efficiency. Zaengle emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs: "That's what we stay really locked in on: how do we help our customers grow their business?"

Modernizing B2B E-commerce

The B2B landscape has historically lagged in e-commerce sophistication compared to its DTC counterpart. Many brands still rely on outdated order placement methods—phone calls, emails, and faxes—that hinder efficiency. Recognizing this gap, RunDTC has capitalized on opportunities to modernize B2B processes, particularly for brands looking to transition to more streamlined, online systems.

Zaengle notes the inherent inefficiencies in traditional wholesale practices, stating, “The wholesale business is still very inefficient.” By migrating brands to Shopify, RunDTC helps them adapt to modern shopping behaviors, making it easier for wholesale buyers to interact with brands in a manner similar to their personal shopping experiences. This shift not only improves customer satisfaction but also enhances operational efficiency.

Case Study: Steve Madden's Digital Transformation

A prime example of RunDTC's transformative capabilities is its partnership with Steve Madden, a global leader in fashion footwear and accessories. Despite already utilizing Shopify, the brand faced challenges due to decentralized management across its numerous local teams, resulting in inconsistent brand experiences and suboptimal site performance.

RunDTC stepped in to overhaul Steve Madden's Shopify environment, consolidating their operations into a unified platform across 30 brands. By customizing a new theme within Shopify's Liquid architecture, RunDTC ensured that each brand's unique needs were met while maintaining a cohesive brand experience. This strategic approach not only resolved existing issues but also empowered local teams with enhanced content management capabilities.

The outcome was significant: a 16% increase in conversion rates and a scalable platform that improved customer interactions while providing Steve Madden with centralized control. Zaengle proudly states, “Steve Madden has 30 sites across five brands. And they’re global. That just shows how Shopify can handle large enterprise brands.”

Streamlining B2B Ordering Processes

Modernizing B2B e-commerce is not just about technology; it's also about rethinking customer experiences. RunDTC's work with Manduka, a premier yoga brand, exemplifies this philosophy. Manduka sought to streamline its operations by unifying thousands of studios under a single Shopify system. The goal was clear: replace cumbersome manual ordering processes with a self-service online platform that would enhance the customer experience.

This transition marked the beginning of a revolution in B2B ordering, as Manduka's clients could now place orders independently, reducing reliance on outdated practices. The results were immediate and impactful, showcasing the power of e-commerce technology in transforming traditional business models.

Zaengle highlights the creative opportunities that exist within B2B. For instance, a high-end New York fashion brand approached RunDTC with a unique request: to create an exclusive shopping experience for select customers, including employees and influencers. Leveraging Shopify's B2B capabilities, RunDTC developed a gated site that facilitated a high-volume, limited-time sale, demonstrating the platform's versatility and potential for innovation.

Driving Growth Through Digital Transformation

RunDTC's commitment to helping businesses navigate their digital transformation journeys has yielded impressive results. With a 96% increase in overall agency growth and an 87% expansion in headcount, the agency is on the rise. By focusing on enterprise and B2B customers, RunDTC has positioned itself as a leader in the e-commerce technology space.

Zaengle attributes much of this success to the partnership with Shopify, praising the platform's rapid innovation and user-friendly approach. "Shopify has innovated at a pace that I've never seen in this industry," he remarks. This innovation translates into efficiency gains for brands, particularly in terms of the total cost of ownership. RunDTC's clients benefit from lower operational costs and enhanced functionality, resulting in improved conversion rates.

Real-World Impact: Client Success Stories

The agency's success stories reflect its strategic approach to digital transformation. For instance, customer revenue increased by an average of 14% after launching on Shopify, a testament to the effectiveness of RunDTC's methodologies. As brands embark on their digital journeys, RunDTC provides the expertise and support necessary to maximize their investment in e-commerce technology.

One notable project involves transitioning a premium cigar company's platform from a legacy homegrown B2B solution to Shopify. This undertaking not only highlights the agency’s commitment to tackling complex digital transformations but also underscores the increasing demand for modern e-commerce solutions across diverse industries.

The Future of E-commerce Transformation

As e-commerce continues to evolve, businesses must adapt to stay competitive. RunDTC's focus on digital transformation positions it well to meet the needs of brands navigating this dynamic landscape. The agency's holistic approach—combining technology solutions with operational improvements—ensures that clients are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

With a strong emphasis on customer-centric solutions, RunDTC is at the forefront of redefining the e-commerce experience. By leveraging advanced technology, streamlined processes, and innovative strategies, the agency enables brands to not only survive but flourish in the digital marketplace.

FAQ

What is RunDTC, and what services do they provide?

RunDTC is an e-commerce technology services agency that specializes in large-scale digital transformations for both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and business-to-business (B2B) brands. They focus on modernizing tech stacks, enhancing customer experiences, and driving growth through tailored solutions.

How has RunDTC achieved its impressive growth rates?

RunDTC has experienced a 96% increase in overall agency performance and an 87% growth in headcount by focusing on enterprise and B2B customers. Their partnership with Shopify has also significantly contributed to their success, enabling them to provide innovative solutions that drive client revenue.

Can RunDTC help my business modernize its tech stack?

Yes, RunDTC assists businesses in evaluating their current technology infrastructure and identifying opportunities for modernization. They provide strategic guidance on how to integrate Shopify and other complementary software solutions to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.

What are some examples of successful projects RunDTC has completed?

RunDTC has successfully transformed businesses like Steve Madden by unifying their brand experiences on Shopify and enhancing their operational efficiency. They also helped Manduka transition to a self-service ordering system, significantly improving the B2B customer experience.

How does RunDTC address the unique needs of each client?

RunDTC believes in a personalized approach to digital transformation, focusing on the specific goals and challenges of each client. They create tailored migration plans and implementation strategies that minimize disruption while maximizing impact.