Composable commerce is reshaping the world of retail tech by giving retailers choice, flexibility, and control that allows them to meet shoppers’ ever changing needs.
It replaces rigid, all-in-one systems with modular, best-in-class tools - like OMS, POS, PIM, and iPaaS - that can be mixed and matched to create the ideal tech stack for your business.
In collaboration with our partners, OneStock, we’ve taken a deep dive into how composable commerce is shaping the future of retail. This white paper highlights the critical role of real-time data synchronization, AI-driven automation, and sustainability in creating agile, future-proof systems that allow retailers to operate way more smoothly and to always give shoppers what they want.
Here are the key takeaways for you:
1. The future is here…and it’s composable
Look, you don’t need us to tell you customers expect more than ever before, they are incredibly well informed, and they want convenience and choice above everything else. You also don’t need us to tell you that retail is hard and challenging and changes all the time. So what can we tell you?
If you want to overcome these challenges and deliver what your customers want when they want it, composable commerce is the way forward.
Think of composable commerce as building blocks for your retail tech stack. Rather than relying on a monolithic, one-size-fits-all system, composable commerce allows you to choose the best tools for every aspect of your business.
And while composable commerce isn’t a silver bullet to heal all your woes, it will put you in the best possible position to unify all your sales channels, adapt to changing customer behavior, and be ready for whatever the future throws at you.
Without it, you’ll only make life harder for yourself, your customers won’t be satisfied, and your business will struggle. Who wants that?
2. Flexibility-first is the way forward
Composable commerce has a lot going for it. Top of the list is flexibility. Forget about being locked into a single system or i having to rely on one expensive, time-consuming development every time you want to make a change. When you take the composable approach, you’re in control and the choice is always yours.
Unlike monolithic systems, where all functions are intertwined, composable architecture allows you to integrate the best tools for each function and scale them independently. This means you can adapt quickly to market changes or add new capabilities without overhauling your entire system.
Whether it’s launching a new sales channel, enhancing delivery options, or integrating AI tools, composable systems ensure agility and scalability. This adaptability is crucial in a world where consumer expectations and retail trends shift rapidly.
3. It’s time to get real-(time data)
Composable commerce enables real-time synchronization across all channels, ensuring consistent data on inventory, orders, and customer preferences. By integrating best-in-class tools, you can provide customers with accurate information and a much simpler and more rewarding journey.
For example, if a customer starts shopping on a website but completes the purchase in-store, a composable system ensures that all data - such as their cart, preferences, and loyalty rewards - is carried over. This level of omnichannel integration builds trust, improves satisfaction, and helps with loyalty.
4. Composable commerce will save you money
With a composable approach, you only pay for what you need, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional systems that often come packed with unnecessary features. This modularity also streamlines maintenance, as updates or changes to one component don’t disrupt the entire system. This approach also supports better budget forecasting, as costs align directly with usage and specific business needs. You also avoid having to pay huge fees to consultants which is often the case with monoliths.
5. AI is already here…and it’s only going to get bigger
AI-powered tools are already shifting the way retailers manage operations - and will continue to do so.
AI-powered tools in composable systems are transforming how retailers manage operations. From product categorization and dynamic pricing to personalized recommendations, AI reduces manual tasks and improved CX. For example, AI can flag inconsistencies in product data, suggest upsell opportunities based on customer behavior, or dynamically adjust inventory distribution based on demand patterns. This not only improves operational efficiency but also gives you a competitive edge by delivering tailored, data-driven experiences.
In summary
OneStock’s white paper lays out exactly why this approach is becoming the gold standard for modern retailers. From flexibility and cost savings to real-time data synchronization and AI-driven innovation, composable commerce puts you in control, making it easier to adapt, scale, and thrive in a world that never stops changing.
At the heart of this evolution is a promise: you can create seamless, unified experiences for your customers while staying ahead of the curve. So, whether you’re looking to enhance your operations, delight your customers, or build a sustainable, future-ready business, composable commerce is your next big move.
If you'd like to read the full white paper, download it here or contact us to learn how composable commerce can help your business stay ahead of the competition.
Last updated: January 20, 2025