9 Ecommerce Business Examples: What You Can Learn from Successful Online Stores

May 15, 2023

Ecommerce Business Examples What You Can Learn from Successful Online Stores ecommerce business examples

Are you looking for an edge over your competition? Learning from successful ecommerce businesses can be one of the best ways to gain valuable insights into effective strategies.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top successful ecommerce business examples and share their secrets to success that’ll help you develop your own innovative and effective tactics to exceed your business goals.

#cta-visual-pb#<cta-title>Build a better Shopify store<cta-title>Make your store look and feel as unique as your brand by customizing with the best page builder for Shopify.Start building for free

9 Top ecommerce business examples to inspire you

Whether you’re just starting your ecommerce journey or looking to improve your existing online store, get inspired by other successful ecommerce stores.

We’ve rounded up 9 of our top ecommerce business examples that exemplify excellent design, functionality, and revenue, to serve as your inspiration.

From eye-catching design to optimized user experience, you’ll see what’s possible and gain insight into their strategies.

1. Allbirds: Design and sustainability for ecommerce success

allbirds 2 ecommerce business examples

In the world of footwear ecommerce, one brand is soaring above the rest.

By combining exceptional design with a commitment to sustainability, Allbirds has achieved remarkable success in a relatively short time.

With a reported revenue of $297.8 million as of December 2022, Allbirds has captured the hearts of consumers worldwide.

So, what sets Allbirds apart?

  • Unwavering focus on sustainability. From using renewable materials like wool and eucalyptus tree fiber in their products to committing to carbon-neutral shipping, Allbirds has made environmental responsibility a central part of their brand.
    • Key takeaway: Make sure to communicate your commitment to your company’s values through an About Us page or a clear mission statement to show your customers that your brand resonates with their ethics.
  • Exceptional design. Allbirds prioritizes exceptional design, melding form and function to create beautiful and comfortable footwear products. By using sleek, minimalist designs for their online store design, they echo their sleek and minimalist shoe design.
    • Key takeaway: Use your store-front design as a reflection of your brand.
  • Direct-to-consumer. By bypassing traditional retail channels and selling their products exclusively DTC through their website and brick-and-mortar stores, Allbirds has been able to maintain control over its brand and customer experience, track sales, and make predictions about future product demand.

2. The Bombas success story: innovative design and philanthropic mission

bombas 1 ecommerce business examples

Bombas’ unique success story lies in carving out a niche in the sock industry by offering high-quality, comfortable socks while positively impacting society.

Bombas has achieved remarkable success with an estimated net worth of $100 million as of 2022, according to MarketRealist.

Bombas donates a pair of socks to someone in need for every pair sold, addressing the significant demand for clean, comfortable socks among homeless people. Their philanthropic mission is central to their brand and has resonated strongly with their customer base.

What makes Bombas a success story?

  • Innovative product design. Bombas took a fresh approach to sock design, focusing on comfort, durability, and functionality. Their signature features, such as the honeycomb arch support system and seamless toe, set them apart from traditional socks and resonate with consumers seeking enhanced comfort and performance.
    • Key takeaway: Find ways to innovate and differentiate your product that meet your customer’s needs—and leave your competitors behind.
  • Philanthropic mission. By donating a pair of socks for every pair sold, Bombas has created a compelling brand story and fostered a sense of purpose and social impact among their customer base. This philanthropic mission is central to their brand and has resonated strongly with their audience.
    • Key takeaway: Incorporating your mission into your brand helps tell a compelling brand story and resonate strongly with your audience.
  • Strong brand identity. Bombas has built a strong and recognizable brand through thoughtful storytelling, engaging content, and community involvement. By connecting with their customers on an emotional level and showcasing the positive change their purchases support, Bombas has cultivated a loyal following.
    • Key takeaway: Connect with your audience (and potential customers!) and show your brand personality on social media.

3. ColourPop: Affordable glamor and engaging online presence for ecommerce success

Screenshot of Colourpop.com

ColourPop, an ecommerce beauty brand, has taken the cosmetics industry by storm with its affordable yet high-quality makeup offerings.

While specific revenue figures for 2022 and 2023 are unavailable, they’re estimated to range between $250 million and $500 million on a gross merchandise value basis, according to PipeCandy.

So, what makes ColourPop unique?

  • Engaging online presence. ColourPop excels at leveraging social media platforms to engage with its audience, collaborate with influencers, and create buzz around its products. ColourPop has successfully built an online community of beauty enthusiasts, fostering brand loyalty and word of mouth marketing, appealing to a broad yet loyal customer base.
    • Key takeaway: Engage on social media and build communities around brand-relevant topics.
  • Affordable glamor. ColourPop’s success lies in its ability to offer affordable yet glamorous makeup products. Providing accessible pricing without compromising on quality and expanding your product offerings can help grow your customer base.
  • Extensive product range. ColourPop continuously launches new and innovative products, staying ahead of trends and providing customers with an extensive range of options. Their ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer demands has contributed to their success.
    • Key takeaway: Find out what your customer values in choices, and update your product offering to stay ahead of trends to keep them on your site and their shopping cart full!

4. Gymshark: Strategic partnerships and a community-centric approach

gymshark ecommerce business examples

Gymshark, a renowned fitness apparel brand, has experienced remarkable success, generating a revenue of 437.6 million GBP in 2021.

Ben Francis started Gymshark while studying at Aston University. Frustrated with the lack of suitable gym clothes, he sketched out ideas and launched the Gymshark brand.

Gymshark understands the value of marketing channels, including collaborations with social media influencers, to increase brand visibility and drive growth.

What did GymShark Do Right?

  • Strategic partnerships. By collaborating with relevant partners such as Gold’s Gym, Gymshark has been able to reach wider audiences and expand its offerings to meet customer needs. This has helped Gymshark tap into new markets, building brand recognition and loyalty.
    • Key takeaway: Harness your network and partner with relevant industries, businesses, influencers, local charities!
  • Strong online presence. Leveraging social media distribution fostered a loyal following and fueled growth. By consistently engaging with its audience across various platforms, Gymshark has built brand awareness, generated buzz, and kept its customers engaged.
    • Key takeaway: Keep your website and social media updated and streamlined with integrations.
  • Community-centric approach. Involving customers in decision-making and creating a sense of inclusivity has driven the success of Gymshark’s brand. Gymshark values customer opinion, feedback, and suggestions, and incorporates them into the development of new products and initiatives.
    • Key takeaway: Take advantage of feedback forms, loyalty programs, testimonials, and surveys to gather customer feedback and increase brand transparency.

5. Heatonist is spicing up the world of hot sauce ecommerce

heatonist ecommerce business examples

In the spicy world of condiments, one brand has turned up the heat and blazed a trail above the competition.

Heatonist has made a name for itself by offering an unrivaled selection of high-quality, craft hot sauces from around the world.

They have generated a cult-like following among hardcore spicy food enthusiasts, who value the unique flavors and heat levels that Heatonist offers.

So, what sets Heatonist apart?

  • An unmatched selection of craft hot sauces. Heatonist offers a carefully curated collection of unique and flavorful hot sauces from every corner of the globe. From sweet and tangy to outright dangerous, their collection has something for every level of heat-seeker.
    • Key takeaway: Offer an exclusive selection of products that cater to your target audience’s specific interests and preferences.
  • A commitment to local and craft producers. Heatonist sources its hot sauces from small, independent producers who use unique and high-quality ingredients. They support local artisan food makers and give visibility to people who are passionate about making great hot sauce.
    • Key takeaway: Consider partnering with local and craft producers to offer unique products that can help differentiate your online store from bigger retailers.
  • Exceptional customer service. Heatonist understands that its customers are passionate about their hot sauces and prides itself on its exceptional customer service. They promptly respond to inquiries and follow up on any concerns.
    • Key takeaway: Prioritize customer satisfaction by offering outstanding customer care and support.

#cta-visual-pb#<cta-title>Your store could look this good<cta-title>Try Shogun for free and start building out your perfect store to create a totally unique customer experience.Start building for free

6. Kith: Disrupting fashion with streetwear swagger

kith ecommerce business examples
Kith has made a significant impact on the US fashion market, with a reported revenue exceeding $20 million in 2022.

Ronnie Fieg, the visionary founder of Kith, holds a multifaceted role that goes beyond just being a retailer. His true talent lies in creating a captivating vibe that resonates with customers.

Through curated product offerings, immersive store experiences, and strategic collaborations, Kith has established itself as more than just a shoe store—rather a lifestyle brand.

Ronnie’s innate understanding of creating an enticing atmosphere has propelled Kith’s growth and cemented its position as a prominent industry player.

Take inspiration from Kith’s success story by prioritizing these key factors in your ecommerce business:

  • Streetwear swagger. Kith embraces streetwear culture instead of conforming to traditional high-fashion norms. Their urban-inspired style resonates with fashion rebels who crave a fresh, edgy look.
    • Key takeaway: In your brand, consider how you can flip the fashion game and differentiate yourself from competitors.
  • Weekly mic drops. Kith keeps us on our toes with their weekly drops of mouth-watering fashion goodness. Forget about predictable seasons–it’s like waiting for your favorite artist to release a new banger, but instead, you’re snagging limited-edition threads that turn heads on the streets.
    • Key takeaway: Consider offering limited edition products or weekly drops to keep customers engaged and excited about your brand.
  • Collab craze. Kith knows how to make friends in high places. Their epic collaborations with Off-White, Nike, Coca-Cola, and Moncler are the stuff of legend. By teaming up with these industry giants, Kith creates fashion fireworks that leave us begging for more.
    • Key takeaway: Consider strategic collaborations that can expand your brand’s reach and appeal to new audiences.

To create stunning product pages like Kith’s streetwear offerings, use Shogun’s intuitive Page Builder design tools. Take inspiration from Kith’s disruptive approach to fashion and apply it to your ecommerce business to stand out in a crowded market.

7. Leesa Sleep: Delivering better sleep through innovation and sustainability

Screenshot of Leesa.com

Leesa Sleep is at the forefront of the mattress industry, dedicated to providing an exceptional sleep experience through innovative designs and technology.

Leesa Sleep’s commitment to comfort, sustainability, and convenience has disrupted traditional mattresses and impacted how people sleep. In 2021, they reported $150M in revenue, one of the highest for a mattress company in the United States.

Leesa Sleep recognizes the limitations of traditional mattresses and set out to create the perfect sleep surface.

Through meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, they design mattresses that provide unparalleled comfort, relieving pressure points and promoting deep, restorative sleep.

  • Innovative sleep technology. Leesa Sleep’s success stems from its commitment to innovative sleep technology. It uses cutting-edge materials and advanced design techniques to create exceptional comfort and support mattresses.
    • Key takeaway: Consider investing in research and development to continue improving your products and stand out in your industry.
  • Sustainable approach. Leesa Sleep’s strong focus on sustainability sets it apart, using recycled and responsibly sourced materials while adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes appeals to conscious consumers.
    • Key takeaway: Incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable practices into your business model can appeal to conscious consumers, increase brand loyalty and help reduce your environmental impact. Consider using recycled or responsibly sourced materials and/or adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes in your product design and production.
  • Exceptional customer experience. Leesa Sleep prioritizes the customer journey, offering a seamless online shopping experience, hassle-free delivery, and generous trial periods. This approach ensures customer satisfaction and builds brand loyalty.
    • Key takeaway: Prioritize customer satisfaction by making the shopping experience as seamless and convenient as possible. Consider offering hassle-free delivery, generous trial periods, and easy-to-use online shopping features.

8. MVMT: Disrupting the watchmaking industry with a direct-to-consumer model
Screenshot of mvmt

MVMT has established itself as a prominent Shopify store in the watchmaking industry, offering stylish quartz watches, sunglasses, and accessories.

Since its establishment in 2013, MVMT has experienced remarkable growth and success, leading to its acquisition by Movado in 2018.

Let’s dive into the key takeaways from MVMT’s success story:

  • Direct-to-customer model. MVMT owes a substantial part of its success to its disruptive DTC model. By sidestepping traditional distribution channels and selling high-quality and competitively priced products directly to customers online, MVMT effectively appealed to a broader consumer base, enabling MVMT to cultivate a robust brand identity, boost profit margins, and attract customers seeking premium yet affordable products.
  • Distinct brand identity. MVMT boasts a distinct brand identity and captivating marketing campaigns. Their minimalist designs, sleek aesthetics, and influencer collaborations have resonated with their target audience, fueling brand awareness and customer engagement. MVMT’s branding strategy and marketing campaigns have been crucial in standing out from the competition and building customer loyalty.
    • Key takeaway: Implement a clear and distinct brand identity, minimalist design, and sleek aesthetics, along with strategic influencer collaborations. By leveraging captivating marketing campaigns, you can increase brand awareness and customer engagement, ultimately standing out from the competition and building customer loyalty.
  • User experience first. MVMT prioritizes user experience by providing a seamless online shopping journey. They ensure website navigation is intuitive, product pages are visually appealing, and the checkout process is convenient. By prioritizing user experience, MVMT has successfully increased customer satisfaction and stimulated brand loyalty.
    • Key takeaway: Prioritize user experience by investing in intuitive website navigation, visually appealing product pages, and a seamless checkout process to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.

9. Nomad Goods: Crafting accessories with a purpose and a place

Screenshot of nomad.com

Consumer electronics accessory brand Nomad Goods is paving the way for quality and style to fill the niche of the “digital nomad”.

From portable smartphone chargers to rugged iPhone cases, Nomad Goods’ products are both sleek and functional. They’ve been incredibly successful over the years, largely due to their focus on quality, innovation, and customer service.

Nomad Goods’ sleek and stylish branding and product design has been a critical factor in attracting customers.

They’ve successfully created a brand identity that resonates with tech-savvy customers who value premium quality and design.

Nomad Goods’ success can be seen in its impressive sales growth, experiencing a 10x increase in revenue in just four years from 2016 to 2020, with 50% of total sales made in the last 12 months alone. Additionally, their customer base has grown by 780% from 2017 to 2020.

So, what sets Nomad Goods apart?

  • A focus on quality. By using high-quality leather and durable materials that withstand daily wear and tear, Nomad Goods has created products that aren’t only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last.
    • Key takeaway: Create products that are both visually appealing and durable, prioritize high-quality materials that withstand daily wear and tear. By investing in quality, you can create products that not only delight customers but are built to last, ultimately enhancing their satisfaction and perception of your brand.
  • A commitment to sustainability. Nomad Goods doesn’t just focus on providing high-quality products—it also focuses on being socially responsible. By offering eco-friendly products made from recycled materials, Nomad Goods is making a positive impact on the environment.
    • Key takeaway: Consider incorporating eco-friendly options into your product lines to appeal to socially-conscious customers.
  • A seamless online shopping experience. Nomad Goods offers a clean and user-friendly online store design, making it easy for customers to navigate and find the products they are looking for. They also offer free shipping on all orders over $50 and a 2-year warranty on all products.
    • Key takeaway: Invest in your website design and user experience to keep customers engaged and coming back for more.

#cta-paragraph-pb#Figure out what to sell by checking out our big guide to trending products for Shopify.

What you can learn from ecommerce business examples in a nutshell

The world of ecommerce is constantly evolving, and businesses need to stay up-to-date with the latest strategies and trends to remain competitive.

With these and other successful ecommerce business examples, you can gain insight into what works and what doesn’t, and apply these lessons to your own online store.

From customer acquisition and retention to branding and marketing, there are countless strategies that can help businesses thrive in the ecommerce landscape.

By staying innovative and adaptable, you can build a strong, sustainable ecommerce business that delivers consistent growth and success.

Shogun has helped countless ecommerce managers unlock the potential of their stores by leveraging customized pages, optimization techniques, and tailored checkout processes.

With Shogun as your guide, it’s easier than ever to grow your ecommerce store and be among the best-in-class ecommerce business examples!

#cta-visual-pb#<cta-title>Build awesome Shopify & BigCommerce stores<cta-title>DIY your store design with the best page builder tool by creating stunning store pages and landing pages that drive conversions.Start building for free today

Erin Johnsen

Erin is a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of expertise. Bringing a wealth of experience and industry insights for technology and marketing, Erin has honed her skills in crafting compelling content that captivates audiences and drives business growth.

The latest ecomm tips sent to your inbox

share this post

You might also like

Advanced Multi-store Discounts

Number of Stores
  • 1 Store
  • 2 Stores
  • 3 Stores
  • 4 Stores
  • 5 Stores
  • 6 Stores
  • 7 Stores
  • 8 Stores
  • 9 Stores
  • 10+ Stores
Annual Discount
  • 20%
  • 20%
  • 25%
  • 25%
  • 30%
  • 30%
  • 35%
  • 35%
  • 40%
  • 45%
We use cookies to store data for analytics, marketing and personalization to give you a better experience while visiting our website. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent.
We use cookies to store data for analytics, marketing and personalization to give you a better experience while visiting our website. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent.

Cookie Settings is not available. Cookie Consent is disabled or is just disabled for your country.