# commerce guru > Independent e-commerce consulting at the intersection of strategy, technology and AI. Founded by Andreas Rieger. Based in Germany, working internationally from Cyprus. The site is fully bilingual (German and English). All editorial content follows an essayistic, fact-based approach (referred to internally as "Quiet Essay" style) without marketing rhetoric, bullet-point lists, or promotional language. commerce guru provides vendor-neutral advisory services for mid-market and enterprise e-commerce organisations. Core competencies include platform selection (with structured deep dives separating vendor claims from independent assessment), AI integration strategy, and operational transformation. The practice operates with a clear editorial philosophy: no hype, no alarmism, no simplified narratives. Articles are designed to provide orientation rather than prescriptions, acknowledging complexity rather than reducing it. Andreas Rieger brings experience from both agency and merchant sides of e-commerce, with particular depth in the DACH and European markets. The advisory approach emphasises structural readiness, governance, and architectural prerequisites over technology-first thinking. --- ## Homepage - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/ - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/ **Tagline (DE):** Klare Entscheidungen in komplexen E-Commerce-Realitäten. **Tagline (EN):** Clear decisions in complex e-commerce realities. **Services overview:** E-Commerce Consulting • Interim Management • Platform Selection • AI in E-Commerce **Positioning (DE):** Nachhaltiges Wachstum im E-Commerce entsteht dort, wo Strategie, Technologie und operative Realität zusammenfinden. Als E-Commerce Berater begleite ich Unternehmen bei genau dieser Verbindung – von der Plattformauswahl über den gezielten Einsatz von KI im E-Commerce bis zur Skalierung digitaler Geschäftsmodelle. **Positioning (EN):** Lasting growth in e-commerce happens where strategy, technology and operational reality converge. As an e-commerce consultant, I help organisations navigate precisely that intersection – from platform selection and the purposeful use of AI in e-commerce through to scaling digital business models. --- ## About Andreas Rieger - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/about - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/about - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/commerceguru/ ### Biography For more than 20 years, Andreas Rieger has worked at the intersection of e-commerce, digital transformation, and growth, with a strong focus on the fashion and lifestyle sector. His professional background spans international B2C and B2B environments, SaaS models, and the development and scaling of digital business models. In senior roles across agency, platform, and brand organisations, he has supported the international build-up of e-commerce operations, led market entries, and restructured complex operational setups. Throughout these experiences, one insight consistently stood out: technology only creates value when processes, decisions, and accountability are clearly defined. Based on this understanding, he founded commerce-guru. The goal is to support e-commerce organisations in a pragmatic, structured, and execution-focused way, particularly within the fashion vertical. With the growing relevance of artificial intelligence, it became clear that many organisations do not fail because of missing technology, but because of a lack of clarity in how AI should be applied. This led to the creation of his AI consulting venture, The Prompt Monk (https://www.thepromptmonk.com). Its focus is on designing meaningful, responsible, and effective AI applications for small and medium-sized businesses, within e-commerce and beyond. He has also condensed this perspective into his first book on AI and accountability (https://www.thepromptmonk.com/books), written for decision-makers who are not looking for tools, but for orientation and clarity in the current AI debate. Since 2021, he has been living and working remotely from Cyprus. Outside of his professional work, he focuses on photography (https://shop.andreas-rieger.com), design, architecture, and maintaining balance through running. ### Core Values - Passion for E-Commerce: Every digital strategy is developed with dedication - Continuous Learning: E-commerce is constantly evolving – and so is the advisory practice - Well-Founded Recommendations: Methods are field-tested and focused on decision readiness ### Core Competencies E-Commerce Strategy & Planning, Digital Marketing & CRO, Marketplace Management, B2B & B2C E-Commerce, International Expansion, Team Building & Leadership, Process Optimization **Guiding principle:** "Clear decisions in complex e-commerce realities." --- ## Services - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/services - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/services **Mission:** All services from commerce guru are designed to achieve decision readiness in complex e-commerce situations. Creating clarity, making consequences transparent, providing well-founded recommendations. ### E-Commerce Consulting E-Commerce Strategy development for sustainable growth. Digital Commerce consulting with AI in E-Commerce for future-proof solutions. Covers: E-Commerce Strategy Development, Digital Commerce Transformation, AI in E-Commerce & AI-powered Solutions, E-Commerce Growth Strategies. ### E-Commerce Interim Management Interim E-Commerce leadership for critical phases. Professional leadership to ensure continuity and growth. Covers: E-Commerce Interim Management, Digital Commerce Leadership, Change & Performance Management, E-Commerce Growth Optimization. ### E-Commerce Project Management Project Management for complex Digital Commerce projects. From strategy to launch with AI in E-Commerce. Covers: E-Commerce Project Management, Digital Commerce Platform Migration, AI-powered System Integration, E-Commerce Growth Launch Management. ### AI in E-Commerce Strategically leverage artificial intelligence in e-commerce. From personalized product recommendations and automated inventory planning to dynamic pricing optimization. Covers: Personalized Product Recommendations, Automated Inventory Planning, Dynamic Pricing Optimization, AI Content & SEO Automation. ### Platform Selection Well-founded decision-making for choosing the right e-commerce platform. Independent evaluation of Shopify, Shopware, commercetools and other systems. Covers: Independent Platform Evaluation, System Deep Dives & Comparisons, Migration Strategy, Total Cost of Ownership Analysis. ### Why commerce guru? - Independent Perspective: No commissions, no dependencies - Structured Clarity: Reducing complexity - Well-Founded Recommendations: Making consequences transparent --- ## Platform Selection (Detailed Service Page) - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/plattformauswahl - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/platform-selection **Headline (DE):** Die Wahl einer E-Commerce-Plattform ist keine IT-Entscheidung. **Headline (EN):** Choosing an e-commerce platform is not an IT decision. Neutral decision advisory for mid-sized retailers facing one of the most consequential technology decisions. ### The Real Problem Platform selection is not about features or tools, but about decisions with long-term organisational and economic consequences. Platform decisions are treated as technical projects in most organisations, where features are compared, demos are watched, and requirement documents are created. This approach overlooks that the real challenge is not technical at all, but lies in organisational capability, process maturity, and the honest question of what complexity a company can actually sustain over time. **Key insight:** E-commerce platforms are rarely built wrong. They are frequently chosen for organisations they were never designed for. ### Why Platform Decisions Fail Many companies overestimate their internal capabilities and systematically underestimate the IT competence, project management capacity, and change readiness a modern platform project actually requires. A platform migration is not merely a software upgrade but requires a fundamental reorganisation of processes, responsibilities, and competencies. Furthermore, decisions are often influenced by consultants, partners, or vendors who pursue their own interests – when the recommendation is tied to the subsequent implementation, objectivity becomes structurally compromised. **Key insight:** Technology is rarely what determines success. Decision readiness is. ### Decision Approach (Three Phases) **Phase 1 – Reality Check:** Focus on business model, organisational maturity, and operational constraints. Result: Well-founded exclusion of unsuitable platform categories. **Phase 2 – Strategic Scenarios:** Focus on long-term implications, dependencies, and strategic considerations. Result: Two to three realistic and viable options. **Phase 3 – Clear Recommendation:** Focus on transparent decision logic with documented risks. Result: A decision-ready recommendation for management. ### What commerce guru Explicitly Does Not Do - No implementation (work concludes with a well-founded recommendation) - No resale (no software or licences sold) - No commissions (not bound by partner programs) - No justification (no retroactive validation of decisions already made) ### Structural Independence commerce guru is not a partner of any platform provider, does not sell software, and does not earn from the subsequent implementation. Recommendations are based solely on what makes long-term sense for each individual company. ### Target Audience Decision-makers who seek clarity and are willing to hear uncomfortable truths. Mid-sized retailers with revenues between 10 and 100 million euros. Companies that understand that a thoroughly considered decision is worth more than a fast one. ### Not Suitable For Teams primarily looking for the cheapest implementation. Companies seeking retroactive justification for decisions already made. Projects with unrealistic timeframes. --- ## AI in E-Commerce (Detailed Service Page) - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/ki-im-ecommerce - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/ai-ecommerce **Headline (DE):** Künstliche Intelligenz im E-Commerce verstehen und einordnen. **Headline (EN):** Artificial Intelligence in E-Commerce – understand and contextualise. This service helps contextualise AI applications in e-commerce, realistically assess potential, and achieve decision readiness for meaningful implementations. ### AI Solutions Covered **Personalized Product Recommendations:** Boost revenue with AI-powered product suggestions tailored to each individual customer. Benefits: Higher Conversion Rates, Increased AOV, Enhanced Customer Experience. **Dynamic Pricing Optimization:** Maximize margins through intelligent pricing strategies that automatically adapt to market conditions, demand, and competition. Benefits: Optimized Margins, Competitive Pricing, Automatic Adjustments. **AI-driven Content Creation & SEO:** Automate creation of optimized product descriptions, SEO content, and marketing copy. Benefits: Scalable Content Production, Better Rankings, Time Savings. **Intelligent Inventory Planning:** Optimize inventory levels through precise demand forecasting using historical data, trends, and external factors. Benefits: Reduced Storage Costs, Avoid Stockouts, Optimized Cash Flow. **Automated Customer Service:** Enhance customer experience through AI-powered chatbots, automated email communication, and intelligent returns processing. Benefits: 24/7 Availability, Faster Response Times, Cost Efficiency. **AI Campaigns for Fashion & Lifestyle:** Automated creation of product images, campaign visualizations, and marketing content for fashion and lifestyle brands. Benefits: Faster Campaigns, Consistent Branding, Reduced Production Costs. ### Advisory Benefits - Realistic Assessment: Honestly evaluating potential - Structured Clarity: Reducing complexity - Informed Decisions: Making consequences transparent ### AI Audit Partnership In partnership with ThePromptMonk (https://www.thepromptmonk.com), commerce guru offers personalized AI audits to identify quick wins and develop tailored AI strategies for e-commerce businesses. --- ## Contact - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/contact - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/contact **Headline (DE):** Lassen Sie uns sprechen. **Headline (EN):** Let's talk. Open for exploratory conversations about e-commerce challenges and goals. Contact form available for direct inquiries (name, email, company, message). --- ## E-Commerce Insights: AI & Commerce ### AI Commerce Status Report Q1 2026 - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ai-commerce-status-report-q1-2026 - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ai-commerce-status-report-q1-2026 - Author: Andreas Rieger - Published: 2026-02-05 - Updated: 2026-02-16 - Category: AI & Commerce A fact-based status report on the state of AI Commerce at the start of 2026. What is in production, what is being implemented, and where does the gap between hype and reality lie? The report covers: conceptual clarification of "Agentic Commerce" across functional layers (agent-assisted interaction, agent-assisted selection, agent-integrated checkout, agent-based backend decision support, autonomous agentic execution); publicly verifiable production use cases; the channel shift thesis (AI as new access point rather than autonomous agent); dialogue-based experiences vs. organisational AI as distinct development paths; infrastructure prerequisites (protocols, payments, governance); rhetoric versus reality in public discourse; a curated overview of AI and agentic commerce initiatives by major market participants (Zalando, Shopify, Amazon, IKEA, Klarna, Lowe's, H&M, JD.com, JD Sports Fashion, Debenhams Group/PayPal, Brunello Cucinelli, PVH). Key finding: The direction is visible, the infrastructure under construction, the autonomy limited. The distinguishing factor between successful and unsuccessful initiatives lies in the ability to differentiate between verifiable reality, announced implementation, and speculative projection. Cross-reference: The report references a cross-industry structural analysis of AI productivity drivers published on ThePromptMonk: "Beyond Geography: The Structural Drivers of Productive AI Adoption" (https://www.thepromptmonk.com/ai-insights/beyond-geography-structural-drivers-ai-adoption). --- ### Agentic Commerce: A Sober Assessment for Online Retailers (2026) - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/agentic-commerce-ecommerce-realitaetscheck-2026 - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/agentic-commerce-ecommerce-realitaetscheck-2026 - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce What does Agentic Commerce really mean for online retailers? A calm, fact-based assessment without hype, without panic, with a clear view of 2026. Covers discovery mechanisms, control shifts, decision-making power, and realistic adoption timelines for the next 12-24 months. --- ### UCP vs ACP: Which Protocol Will Shape Agentic Commerce in 2026? - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ucp-vs-acp-agentic-commerce-2026 - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ucp-vs-acp-agentic-commerce-2026 - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce A neutral comparison of the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) for retailers in DACH and the EU. What is proven today, what remains hypothesis, and what prerequisites businesses must meet. Includes technical protocol flow diagrams (UCP vs. ACP) rendered as interactive SVG components. --- ### Shopping via ChatGPT - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/shopping-via-chatgpt - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/shopping-via-chatgpt - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce ChatGPT now enables direct purchasing through "Instant Checkout" within the platform. What does this mean for retailers, SEO, and the future of digital commerce? --- ### AI-Powered Shopping at JD Sports - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/jd-sports-ai-powered-shopping-commercetools - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/jd-sports-ai-powered-shopping-commercetools - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce JD Sports now enables purchases through AI platforms. This piece examines what truly lies behind the initiative, why it falls short of autonomous shopping, and what the case signals for commerce strategy. Analysis of the commercetools partnership. --- ### Agentic Commerce: Who Is the Customer When AI Shops? - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/agentic-commerce-customer - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/agentic-commerce-customer - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce AI agents are increasingly making purchase decisions. This development is fundamentally changing e-commerce, from product data to marketing to customer experience. Explores API-first architectures and machine-readable USPs as critical requirements. --- ### Personalised Product Recommendations in E-Commerce - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/personalisierte-produktempfehlungen-ki-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/personalisierte-produktempfehlungen-ki-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce A reality check for AI-powered product recommendations: Which KPIs can actually improve, what maturity levels exist, and why personalisation is not a plug-and-play solution. --- ### AI Campaigns for Fashion and Lifestyle - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ai-campaigns-fashion-lifestyle - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ai-campaigns-fashion-lifestyle - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce A realistic look at AI-powered campaigns in fashion e-commerce: When does automation work, where are the limits, and how do you scale performance without risking brand identity? --- ### Dynamic Price Optimization in E-Commerce - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/dynamische-preisoptimierung-ki-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/dynamische-preisoptimierung-ki-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce AI-driven price optimization promises higher margins and better competitiveness. But between automation and loss of control lies a fine line. A realistic assessment for e-commerce decision-makers. --- ### AI-Supported Content Creation and SEO in E-Commerce - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ai-content-creation-seo-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ai-content-creation-seo-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce AI-generated content is often framed as an SEO shortcut. But what can AI actually deliver, and where are the risks? An analytical assessment for marketing and e-commerce leaders. --- ### Automated Customer Service in E-Commerce - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/automated-customer-service-ai-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/automated-customer-service-ai-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce A realistic, service-quality and efficiency-focused deep dive into AI-supported customer service. Which KPIs can improve, where automation struggles, and what successful implementation requires. --- ### Intelligent Inventory Planning in E-Commerce - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/intelligente-bestandsplanung-ki-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/intelligente-bestandsplanung-ki-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce Inventory planning is one of the most capital-intensive and risk-heavy disciplines in e-commerce. AI is often presented as a silver bullet. This article provides a reality check for operations managers and CEOs. --- ### E-Commerce Automation Today - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ecommerce-automation-ai-processes - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ecommerce-automation-ai-processes - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce E-commerce automation is no longer a future topic. Today, it directly impacts scalability, efficiency, and competitiveness. Learn how to deploy automation strategically. --- ### Sell Before You Make - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/sell-before-you-make-ai-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/sell-before-you-make-ai-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce Artificial intelligence is transforming e-commerce. How top brands use AI to generate, test and validate products before they exist physically. --- ### Leading the AI Transformation in Fashion - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ai-transformation-fashion - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ai-transformation-fashion - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce AI has crossed the runway. Fashion brands must now disclose AI-generated content or face fines. How transparency turns EU AI Act regulation into competitive advantage. --- ### AI-Powered Pricing: Next-Generation Dynamic Pricing - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ai-pricing-in-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ai-pricing-in-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce Intelligent price optimization through AI enables e-commerce businesses to maximize margins while remaining competitive. --- ### AI Fashion Photography: How Brands Replace Traditional Photo Shoots - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/ai-fashion-photo-case-studies - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/ai-fashion-photo-case-studies - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: AI & Commerce Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing fashion content production. With virtual models, dynamic backgrounds, and rapid production cycles, leading brands are choosing AI over traditional photo shoots. --- ## E-Commerce Insights: Platform Strategy ### Unrealistic Project Proposals in E-Commerce - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/unrealistische-projektangebote-ecommerce - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/unrealistische-projektangebote-ecommerce - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: E-Commerce Strategy Why large price differences in e-commerce project proposals are a structural market problem, how commercial pressure on agencies and software vendors reinforces deal-oriented behaviour, and how merchants can make more informed decisions. Includes conservative mid-market TCO benchmarks. --- ## System Deep Dives (E-Commerce Platforms) Each deep dive follows a strict 9-module structure separating vendor claims (Section A) from independent assessment (Section B), including Red Flags, Decision Readiness scores, UCP/ACP maturity ratings, and actionable conclusions. No recommendations, only structured transparency. All deep dives include six standardised assessment segments: (1) Executive Snapshot, (2) Market & Distribution, (3) Governance & Operations, (4) Integration Ecosystem, (5) Rating Matrix (1–5 scores), and (6) Shortlist Recommendation. ### commercetools Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/commercetools-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/commercetools-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of the commercetools platform: What the vendor promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. commercetools was founded in 2006 by Dirk Hoerig and Denis Werner. The platform is a pioneer of the MACH (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless) architecture approach. --- ### Shopware Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/shopware-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/shopware-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of the Shopware platform: What the vendor promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. Shopware was founded in 2000 by Stefan Hamann. PayPal holds approximately 41% stake since 2025. --- ### Shopify Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/shopify-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/shopify-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of the Shopify platform. Includes assessment of Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) maturity and Agentic Commerce readiness. --- ### Salesforce Commerce Cloud Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/salesforce-commerce-cloud-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/salesforce-commerce-cloud-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of Salesforce Commerce Cloud: What the vendor promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. --- ### Adobe Commerce Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/adobe-commerce-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/adobe-commerce-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento): What the vendor promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. --- ### SCAYLE Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/scayle-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/scayle-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of the SCAYLE Commerce Engine (born from ABOUT YOU, now part of Zalando since 2025): What the platform promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. --- ### BigCommerce Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/bigcommerce-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/bigcommerce-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Published: 2026-02-17 - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of BigCommerce Enterprise: What the Open SaaS provider promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. Covers architecture (Stencil vs. Catalyst/Next.js), native B2B functionality, zero-transaction-fee policy, Multi-Storefront capabilities, Unified Commerce Readiness and Agentic Commerce Readiness (UCP/ACP). --- ### SAP Commerce Cloud Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/sap-commerce-cloud-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/sap-commerce-cloud-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Published: 2026-02-19 - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of SAP Commerce Cloud (formerly Hybris): What the vendor promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. Covers the Hybris heritage and SAP CX suite integration, Composable Storefront (Spartacus successor), enterprise-grade B2B and B2B2C capabilities, Industry Accelerators, PCM integration, and the tension between SAP ecosystem lock-in and composable ambitions. Includes Unified Commerce Readiness and Agentic Commerce Readiness (UCP/ACP) assessment. --- ### Spryker Deep Dive - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/spryker-deep-dive - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/spryker-deep-dive - Author: Andreas Rieger - Published: 2026-02-21 - Category: E-Commerce Platforms A critical analysis of Spryker Cloud Commerce OS: What the vendor promises, what independent sources reveal, and which prerequisites must be met for successful implementation. Covers the modular Packaged Business Capability (PBC) architecture, B2B marketplace capabilities, enterprise operating models, the Spryker App Composition Platform (ACP), funding history (including TCV and One Peak investment rounds), and the balance between architectural flexibility and implementation complexity. Includes Unified Commerce Readiness and Agentic Commerce Readiness (UCP/ACP) assessment. --- ## Column: Notes from the Digital Floor An essayistic column observing recurring behavioural patterns in the e-commerce discourse. Every industry has its rituals, its unspoken rules, its patterns hiding in plain sight. This column picks up on the ones that play out across feeds, stages and comment sections. The tone is essayistic, occasionally wry, never preachy. The pieces stand on their own and appear at irregular intervals. ### Notes from the Digital Floor 1: The Stage and the Buzzword - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-1-die-buehne-und-das-schlagwort - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-1-die-buehne-und-das-schlagwort - Author: Andreas Rieger - Published: 2026-01-26 On buzzwords, stages and whether urgency can ever be a substitute for strategy. Commerce is not a stage for rhetorical bravado. It is a system of dependencies, margins and trust. --- ### Notes from the Digital Floor 2: The Screenshot and the New Public Sphere - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-2-der-screenshot-und-die-neue-oeffentlichkeit - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-2-der-screenshot-und-die-neue-oeffentlichkeit - Author: Andreas Rieger On the quiet shift of authority in e-commerce discourse. When operational mishaps become public performances and visibility trumps responsibility. Digital commerce has created its own public sphere, one that operates by different rules than commerce itself. --- ### Notes from the Digital Floor 3: The Echo Chamber - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-3-der-resonanzraum - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-3-der-resonanzraum - Author: Andreas Rieger How buzzwords quietly harden into consensus without anyone raising an objection. On the machinery of mutual reinforcement in commerce, and why echo should not be mistaken for evidence. --- ### Notes from the Digital Floor 4: The Consultant as Brand - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-4-der-berater-als-marke - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-4-der-berater-als-marke - Author: Andreas Rieger Expertise alone no longer opens doors. Visibility has become a second currency. A look at where market logic and intellectual honesty quietly part ways in the consulting world. --- ### Notes from the Digital Floor 5: The Quiet Architect - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-5-der-stille-architekt - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/notizen-vom-digitalen-parkett-5-der-stille-architekt - Author: Andreas Rieger Public discourse belongs to those who speak loudest and move fastest. But spend enough time around commerce and you meet a different figure entirely, one who rarely takes the stage. --- ## Partner Network ### ThePromptMonk - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/partner/thepromptmonk - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/partner/thepromptmonk - External: https://www.thepromptmonk.com/ Professional AI Consulting and AI Audits for growth-oriented businesses. ThePromptMonk specialises in strategic AI consulting and comprehensive AI audits. With a pragmatic approach, they identify concrete automation potential in marketing, sales, and operational processes. The result: tailored AI roadmaps that can actually be implemented and deliver measurable ROI. **Services:** AI Audit in 3 days with personalised AI roadmap, Efficiency Score (quantified savings potential), Individualised AI roadmap with concrete pilot projects, Implementation plan with clear KPIs and tool recommendations, Live walkthrough presentation, ROI analysis. **AI Audit Process:** (1) Discovery Phase – 5-minute briefing on biggest challenges, identification of automation opportunities; (2) Analysis – deep process review and personalised AI roadmap, delivered as detailed PDF report plus live walkthrough; (3) Action Plan – concrete implementation plan with clear KPIs and tool recommendations for the first AI use case. **Ideal for:** E-commerce companies looking to unlock AI potential; SMBs with growth ambitions and efficiency goals; Marketing and sales teams wanting to automate processes; Leaders seeking clear AI roadmaps. **Partnership rationale:** AI is no longer optional – it is a decisive competitive factor in modern e-commerce. ThePromptMonk helps clients see AI not as an abstract buzzword but as a concrete business tool with measurable impact. Their structured AI audit process delivers clear answers in just 3 days. Also publisher of "Beyond Geography: The Structural Drivers of Productive AI Adoption" – a cross-industry framework analysing structural determinants of AI productivity. --- ### BrandMachine - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/partner/brandmachine - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/partner/brandmachine - External: https://brandmachine.shop/ AI-powered campaign creation for fashion and lifestyle brands. BrandMachine transforms how fashion and lifestyle brands create their visual campaigns. The platform uses advanced AI technology that deeply understands brand identity and generates brand-aligned content with professional quality – in a fraction of the time of traditional production processes. **Core features:** Brand understanding at a new level (AI that has internalised brand identity), Google's Nano Banana technology (world-class image quality), Shopify integration (seamless shop connection), minute-fast creation, guaranteed brand consistency, cross-platform support. **Ideal for:** E-commerce brands with high content demand; Marketing teams wanting to work faster and more efficiently; Shopify merchants in fashion and lifestyle; Brands wanting to elevate campaign quality. **Partnership rationale:** The combination of brand-specific AI and state-of-the-art image generation enables clients to launch campaigns faster, test more variants, and significantly reduce production costs. --- ### Brevo - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/partner/brevo - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/partner/brevo - External: https://www.brevo.com/ AI-powered all-in-one marketing and CRM platform. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) is a comprehensive marketing and CRM platform supporting businesses in optimising customer communication across channels. Trusted by over 500,000 businesses. **Platform features:** E-Mail Marketing (professional newsletters), Marketing Automation (AI-powered automated campaigns), CRM & Sales (central customer relationship management), WhatsApp & SMS (multi-channel communication), Live Chat (real-time support), Landing Pages (conversion-optimised pages without developers). **Key strengths:** Intuitive interface (no technical knowledge required), GDPR-compliant data storage on European servers, transparent pricing with generous free plan, German-language support, AI-powered features for better marketing performance, seamless e-commerce platform integration. **E-Commerce specific:** Abandoned cart campaigns, product recommendations, transactional emails, purchase behaviour segmentation. **Partnership rationale:** Email marketing and marketing automation are essential building blocks for successful e-commerce. Brevo offers a professional, scalable solution that is easy to use for beginners. The combination of comprehensive features, GDPR compliance, and fair pricing makes Brevo the ideal choice for e-commerce businesses of every size. --- ### Mollie - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/partner/mollie - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/partner/mollie - External: https://www.mollie.com/ Europe's leading payment platform for growing businesses. Mollie is one of Europe's leading payment service providers, offering a comprehensive solution for online and offline payments. From credit cards to local payment methods to modern solutions like Tap to Pay. **Payment solutions:** Online payments (all common payment methods), In-person payments (terminals and Tap to Pay), Optimised checkout (conversion-optimised purchase flow), Recurring payments (subscription management), Fraud protection & risk management, Payment links. **Key strengths:** Access to over 30 international and local payment methods, transparent pricing without hidden costs or fixed fees, fast integration with extensive API documentation, German-language support and GDPR compliance, flexible payout options and detailed reporting, scalable solutions from startup to enterprise. **Partnership rationale:** A smooth checkout process is decisive for e-commerce success. Mollie offers a reliable, secure, and future-proof payment solution that integrates seamlessly into any shop system. The combination of technical excellence, broad payment method coverage, and fair pricing makes Mollie the first choice for e-commerce projects. --- ### dasistweb - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/partner/dasistweb - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/partner/dasistweb - External: https://www.dasistweb.de/ Shopware agency for demanding e-commerce projects. dasistweb stands for high-quality e-commerce solutions that combine technology, strategy, and brand understanding. As an experienced Shopware agency, they develop tailored online shops for brands and retailers in B2B, D2C, and B2C. Over 14 years of experience. **Service spectrum:** Shopware 6 development (tailored shop solutions), E-commerce strategy (holistic consulting), Customer Experience (user journey optimisation for maximum conversion), B2B E-Commerce (specialised solutions for business customers), Process optimisation, Support & ongoing development. **Philosophy:** Excellence does not come from perfection but from relevance. This is achieved when technology, strategy, and brand understanding harmonise perfectly. **Clients include:** Melitta, ETERNA, Armedangels. **Partnership rationale:** dasistweb complements the portfolio perfectly with deep Shopware expertise and holistic e-commerce understanding. Ideal for complex shop systems, B2B solutions, or demanding integrations. --- ### Shape & Shift - URL: https://commerce-guru.com/partner/shape-shift - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/partner/shape-shift - External: https://shapeandshift.io/ AI integration and automation for future-oriented businesses. Shape & Shift specialises in integrating artificial intelligence and automating business processes. As a technology partner, they help companies leverage the full potential of modern AI solutions and optimise digital workflows. Focus on practical, measurable results that create real business value. **Core competencies:** AI integration (seamless implementation of AI solutions), Process automation (efficiency gains through intelligent automation), Workflow optimisation (digital transformation of work processes), Custom AI solutions (tailored AI applications), Technology consulting (strategic guidance for AI journey), ROI focus (measurable results and business impact). **Application areas:** Marketing and sales process automation, AI-driven data analysis and business intelligence, Chatbots and conversational AI for customer service, Predictive analytics for better business decisions, Machine learning integration into existing systems, Workflow automation for operational efficiency. **Partnership rationale:** AI and automation are decisive factors for future viability in e-commerce. Shape & Shift brings the technical expertise needed to successfully integrate AI technologies into business processes. --- ### Guest Post: Headless im E-Commerce, Architekturentscheidung oder Organisationsfrage? - URL (DE): https://commerce-guru.com/e-commerce-insights/headless-architektur-ecommerce-einordnung - URL (EN): https://commerce-guru.com/en/e-commerce-insights/headless-architektur-ecommerce-einordnung - Original: https://shapeandshift.dev/blog/headless-architektur-ecommerce-shopware-deep-dive - Category: E-Commerce Strategy - Published: 2026-02-24 A teaser summary of a guest post originally published on shapeandshift.dev. The article provides a strategic assessment of headless architectures in e-commerce, examining Total Cost of Ownership, organisational maturity as the key success predictor, and a practical decision matrix mapping maturity against complexity. It also addresses the AI dimension, noting that most AI use cases operate at the API level independently of frontend architecture. The full article is linked externally. --- ## Cross-Domain References ### Beyond Geography: The Structural Drivers of Productive AI Adoption - URL: https://www.thepromptmonk.com/ai-insights/beyond-geography-structural-drivers-ai-adoption - Publisher: ThePromptMonk - Referenced from: AI Commerce Status Report Q1 2026 A cross-industry framework analysing the structural determinants of AI productivity across mid-sized and mid-market enterprises. Examines infrastructure density, capital logic, governance architecture, and data maturity as drivers that extend beyond the retail sector. This analysis provides the structural context for the commerce-specific findings documented in the AI Commerce Status Report Q1 2026. --- ## Legal & Compliance - [Impressum / Legal Notice](https://commerce-guru.com/en/impressum): Legal information and company details. - [Data Protection / Datenschutz](https://commerce-guru.com/en/dataprotection): Privacy policy and data processing information. GDPR compliant. - [Accessibility Statement](https://commerce-guru.com/en/accessibility): Commitment to digital accessibility.