Westminster Book Store
Rigorous, Bible-Based Theological Education
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The Brand
Westminster Theological Seminary is a prominent theological education institution based in Philadelphia, PA. Dedicated to providing rigorous, Bible-based academic programs, Westminster Theological Seminary has built a reputation as a leader in theological education, offering both online and in-person programs to students around the world.
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The Brand
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At a Glance
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At a Glance
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The Challenge
Westminster Theological Seminary needed to modernize their ecommerce platform by migrating their existing site from a legacy system to Shopify Plus. The primary challenge involved migrating extensive content, product listings, and historical data—including customer accounts and past orders—while maintaining SEO integrity.
Additionally, Westminster needed a custom theme setup, integration of specific functionalities, and the development of both a retail and wholesale interface to meet their diverse customer needs.
Additionally, Westminster needed a custom theme setup, integration of specific functionalities, and the development of both a retail and wholesale interface to meet their diverse customer needs.
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What We Did
Our scope of work for Westminster Theological Seminary included the following key services:
Data and Content Migration
We managed the migration of all product listings, content, customer accounts, and historical back-end data from the legacy system to Shopify Plus. This included approximately 10,000 product SKUs, 160,000 customer accounts, and 550,000 past orders. The migration also encompassed promo code data, gift cards, and wishlist information. Each piece of data was reviewed for integrity, and a collaborative effort between both teams ensured data accuracy throughout the process.
SEO Maintenance and 301 Redirects
To preserve SEO performance during the migration, we implemented a comprehensive 301 redirect strategy. Tools like Google Webmaster Tools, SEO Powersuite, and Shopify’s Transportr app were used to ensure all existing URLs were properly redirected, thereby mitigating any risk of SEO degradation. An updated sitemap was submitted post-launch to facilitate ongoing search engine visibility.
Custom Theme Design and Development
We developed a custom Shopify Plus theme that replicated the design of the existing Westminster website, adding enhancements for better usability and branding consistency. The design process involved creating mockups for key pages—including the cart, checkout flow, and account pages—while incorporating upsell opportunities, wishlist features, and motivator bars for shipping thresholds. Once approved, the mockups were used to guide the theme development, ensuring alignment with Westminster’s unique identity.
Wholesale and B2B Support
In addition to the main store, we set up a wholesale store on Shopify Plus to support Westminster’s B2B customers. This involved creating a password-protected interface, implementing multiple price tiers for different customer groups, and providing exclusive access to specific collections. This setup enabled Westminster to efficiently manage wholesale operations alongside their retail business.
Store Setup and Custom Functionalities
We configured the Shopify store, setting up checkout processes, payment gateways, automated tax calculation, and real-time shipping estimates. We also added key custom functionalities such as wishlist integration, product bundling, upsell functionality, and quantity-based pricing breaks. Additionally, we integrated live chat using Olark and implemented a predictive search feature to enhance site navigation.
Integration with Ordoro
To streamline order fulfillment, we integrated Shopify with Ordoro, an inventory management system. This integration ensured efficient synchronization between the store and Westminster’s order management system, enhancing backend operations and providing better control over inventory and shipments.
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The Result
- Westminster Book Store Team
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Next Steps
We continue to support Westminster Theological Seminary with the following initiatives:
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Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
We are conducting ongoing CRO initiatives, focusing on improving key landing pages, optimizing the checkout process, and enhancing the overall user experience to increase conversions.
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Advanced Marketing Automation
We are integrating advanced marketing automation tools, such as Klaviyo, to drive personalized email marketing campaigns and improve customer engagement.
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Design Updates and Enhancements
We are working with Westminster on updating their branding to align more closely with the Seminary’s broader visual identity, including subtle adjustments to colors and fonts.
Revitalizing Digital Operations for Theological Education
Through our partnership with Westminster Theological Seminary, we have successfully migrated their ecommerce platform to Shopify Plus, developed a custom store design, and set up a dedicated wholesale store to cater to both retail and B2B customers. By providing tailored solutions, including custom functionalities and enhanced design elements, we have helped Westminster modernize their digital presence while preserving their unique identity.
Moving forward, our continued collaboration will focus on enhancing user engagement, optimizing the ecommerce experience, and ensuring that Westminster remains a leader in providing theological resources. By staying customer-centric and embracing digital transformation, Westminster Theological Seminary is well-positioned to support students and customers around the world in their theological studies and spiritual growth.
Written by Renka
Community Manager
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