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Building Seamless Omnichannel Commerce Using commercetools

Written by Mahesh Yampally | Oct 6, 2025 7:01:16 AM

A customer starts browsing for running shoes on her laptop during lunch. She adds a pair to her cart but has not purchased them yet.

Later that evening, she opens the brand’s mobile app. The app greets her by name and shows the exact shoes she saved earlier. She quickly checks available colors and sizes, then reserves them for in-store pickup.

The next day, she visits the brand’s flagship store. A sales associate greets her and brings out the shoes in her preferred size and color because the in-store POS system is already synced with her online account.

She tries them on, makes the purchase, and instantly receives an email receipt with loyalty points added to her account. Her app updates to recommend matching running gear for her next session.

That smooth journey across laptop, mobile, and store is the essence of omnichannel commerce. It feels natural to the customer, but it requires strong technology and integration behind the scenes. B2B omnichannel commercetools solutions help businesses deliver this connected approach.

Understanding Omnichannel Commerce

Omnichannel is more than having multiple sales channels. It connects them into one continuous journey so that customers never feel disconnected.

Key elements of a true omnichannel approach include:

  • Shopping carts that sync across app and website.
  • In-store staff who see online preferences and history.
  • Promotions that remain consistent across platforms.
  • Inventory data that updates in real time.

Omnichannel commerce is built on continuity, consistency, and personalization. Enterprises leveraging composable commerce omnichannel models can respond to customer behavior faster and maintain a unified experience across touchpoints.

Traditional Commerce vs Omnichannel Commerce

Enterprises that rely on outdated commerce models struggle with fragmented systems and disconnected touchpoints. By contrast, an omnichannel model creates a unified experience.

Traditional Commerce  Omnichannel with commercetools 
Each channel maintained its own backend. All channels connect to a shared backend via APIs.
Inventory updates were delayed and inaccurate. Inventory, pricing, and promotions update instantly.
Customers had to repeat details when switching channels. Customers experience seamless and personalized interactions.
Returns and exchanges were inconvenient. Returns and exchanges are managed across touchpoints with ease.

Why commercetools is the Backbone of Omnichannel

commercetools is designed on MACH principles that support flexible and future-ready commerce:

  • Microservices: Each commerce function (cart, checkout, catalog) runs independently.
  • API-first: Every component integrates through APIs for interoperability.

  • Cloud-native: Reliable and adaptable infrastructure.

  • Headless: Frontend and backend are separate, allowing tailored designs for each channel.

This approach supports enterprises in building a true omnichannel commerce solution, connecting multiple touchpoints, integrating third-party platforms, and expanding into new markets without technical roadblocks.

Key Capabilities Supporting Omnichannel

Delivering an omnichannel journey requires certain capabilities to work together. commercetools supports these through its architecture and integration.

  • Unified Product Information: A single catalog ensures product details remain consistent across systems.
  • Real-time Inventory Updates: Customers see accurate stock levels and avoid frustration from unavailable products.
  • Consistent Pricing and Promotions: Discounts and offers stay aligned across channels, improving trust.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Insights from online and offline activity guide tailored product suggestions.
  • Cross-device Checkout: Customers can begin checkout on one device and finish on another without disruption. 

Omnichannel in Action Across Industries

Different industries are already applying omnichannel strategies with commercetools to improve customer journeys.

Healthcare

Healthcare providers use omnichannel to improve both product sales and patient services.

Example: A patient books a health check-up online. The system sends reminders via SMS and app notifications. At the clinic, staff already have booking details. Test results are uploaded directly to the patient portal and synced with the app. Payments process instantly, and receipts are emailed.

With commercetools, healthcare providers can:

  • Sell wellness products and medicines with integrated inventory.
  • Offer unified patient profiles across telehealth, clinics, and pharmacies.
  • Provide subscription services for chronic medication refills.

Retail

Retailers are leading adopters of omnichannel commerce.

Example: A customer buys a shirt online but chooses in-store pickup. At the store, staff suggest matching trousers in the customer’s style. Loyalty points update instantly in both the app and printed receipt.

With commercetools, retailers can:

  • Synchronize inventory across stores and warehouses.
  • Offer flexible fulfillment: home delivery, curbside, or in-store pickup.
  • Run promotions consistently across all touchpoints.

Automotive

Automotive brands use omnichannel to support complex buying journeys.

Example: A customer configures a car online, choosing color, engine, and features. This configuration syncs with the dealership system. When the customer visits the showroom, the sales rep accesses the exact configuration and schedules a test drive.

With commercetools, automotive brands can:

  • Offer online booking for test drives and service appointments.
  • Sell spare parts and accessories across digital and physical channels.
  • Sync vehicle customization tools across all platforms.

Business Benefits of Omnichannel with commercetools

Adopting an omnichannel model delivers tangible business value.

  • Customer satisfaction: Seamless experiences build stronger loyalty.
  • Higher conversions: Smooth journeys reduce cart abandonment.
  • Actionable insights: Enterprises gain a complete view of customer behavior.
  • Operational efficiency: Integrated systems reduce errors and duplication.
  • Market growth: Businesses can launch new channels quickly and expand into new regions.

Risks of Operating Without Omnichannel

Organizations that avoid omnichannel strategies face growing challenges:

  • Disconnected systems that create data silos.
  • Inconsistent inventory and pricing across channels.
  • Slow rollout of new features.
  • Poor customer satisfaction due to fragmented experiences.

commercetools addresses these challenges by centralizing commerce logic and connecting any number of touchpoints through APIs.

Steps to Build an Omnichannel Strategy with commercetools

Enterprises planning to adopt omnichannel commerce should approach it in structured steps.

  1. Map customer journeys to identify all touchpoints.
  2. Integrate backend systems such as ERP, CRM, POS, and eCommerce.
  3. Adopt headless architecture for channel-specific frontends.
  4.  Use APIs to synchronize data in real time.
  5. Test continuously and optimize using data insights.
Explore how Accion Labs helps enterprises execute omnichannel strategies in Digital Engineering. 

Future Trends in Omnichannel

Emerging technologies will continue to shape how businesses deliver omnichannel journeys.

  • Voice commerce: Purchases through voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • Augmented reality shopping: Virtual product trials.
  • Hyper-personalization:  AI-driven recommendations in real time.
  • Unified loyalty programs: Rewards integrated across brand touchpoints.

commercetools offers the flexibility to adopt these trends quickly.

Conclusion

Today’s customers expect seamless recognition and continuity across every touchpoint, whether online, in-store, or through digital assistants. Meeting that expectation requires the right technological foundation and a disciplined approach to integration.

commercetools provides the flexibility and connected architecture enterprises need to deliver unified journeys. At Accion Labs, our work with omnichannel adoption has shown that success comes when strategy and technology align. Enterprises that move in this direction build stronger customer trust and long-term business value.

Omnichannel is already shaping today’s commerce, and with the right foundation, businesses can deliver it effectively now.

Not sure where to start with composable commerce? Schedule a consultation and get expert advice for phased and risk-managed adoption.