Due to the many projects, we were a bit behind on the case studies. This project has been around for a while now, the new shop went live at the beginning of 2023, but it is still definitely worth a case study. It was a major operation and while I was working on this case I realized that so much has changed in just a year. Moving shops is now going a lot smoother than in 2022. Read along!
MostCutest.nl is a kawaii webshop, set up in 2008 by Marjet. After many years with the same online store software, it was time, as with so many online store entrepreneurs in recent years, for the 'big switch' from Mijnwebwinkel to Shopify . Marjet ended up at SYSO and we happily moved her webshop, including products, to a Shopify webshop . Here you can read and see the result.
What is MostCutest.nl?
MostCutest.nl is a webshop that specializes in kawaii products, which is Japanese for 'cute'. The shop offers a unique selection of products that are difficult to find in Europe, such as Japanese candy from the Popin' Cookin brand, kawaii stationery, sweets and snacks from Japan, and various craft supplies. In addition, MostCutest.nl sells plushies, squishies, kawaii accessories, and regularly organizes live shopping events. The range is constantly expanded with new, cute products.
Result
The MostCutest.nl webshop was created with Shopify , the SaaS e-commerce software that we always use. It is a solution that grows with the company and is equipped with many automatic marketing options as standard. We opted for an extensive, flexible and fun separate theme that we could go in any direction with. This shop has thousands of products that are clearly visible due to the smart categorization and the super extensive menu. Previously, the range seemed 'hidden', but now as a visitor you immediately see that there is a lot to choose from, without being overwhelmed.
Moving is now easier
Moving is now easier because we can make a better connection between the old and new shop. A few years ago, some software made it difficult, sometimes almost impossible, to get a product feed from the system. This process has now been gradually improved by ourselves. The products are now complete, including (all) images, and they are tagged and placed in a new categorization structure. This means the shop is as good as ready when the products are left. As a shop owner you only have to do a check round and off you go!
We asked Marjet from MostCutest.nl a few questions
When and why did you start your business?
I started MostCutest.nl in 2008 because I have always had a great love for everything that is cheerful and cute. My fascination with unique, colorful items with cute faces and figures led me to the discovery of the Japanese term 'kawaii'. Inspired by this concept, I decided to order a box of stuff and start my own webshop, without expecting it to grow into something as big as it is now.
What do you think is the best product (category) from the range?
Popin Cookin ! That is the Japanese homemade candy. I started making videos of it on YouTube in 2010/11 and it was a great success! This is really timeless and really attracts attention if, for example, you sell it at an event with the videos. But of course I really like all the products, otherwise they wouldn't come into the shop 😊
What made you decide to hire SYSO?
I have “known” Mariko since Applepiepieces, where the items sometimes/also had a kawaii atmosphere. When you stopped, I continued to follow you and attended several master classes, and also went to the Make it Happen live day in The Hague! Super fun and interesting. It is nice to take on such a project with someone with the same experience and at the same level.
What are you most happy with when it comes to the new webshop?
When I think of something nice; a special promotion, nice discount or something like that, I need a popup, or whatever I want to implement; then it can always be implemented with an app or it is already in Shopify. That was not possible in my previous system.
May I ask you what the future plans are?
In the coming year I will first see to what extent I can grow in the Netherlands but also abroad; Germany, France and other surrounding countries, and then I'll look again! My plans never reach that far 😉
Would you recommend SYSO?
Of course! Mariko thinks along with you and puts herself in the customer's shoes, so that together you are sure to achieve a great end result!
Thank you Marjet!
We LOVE kawaii and really enjoyed working on your kawaii shop. It's been a while, but I still look back on it fondly. Your own vision and enthusiasm are infectious and are absolutely reflected in the great company you have created. We will continue to follow (and order ;)) and wish you lots of success and fun spreading all that cuteness!
Happlify, your happy shopping guide
Such a beautiful shop should of course not be missing from the best happy shopping guide in the Netherlands and Belgium: Happlify! And so MostCutest got a nice spot with the Happlify Crew .
Happlify is a fast-growing, high-quality shopping guide for women (30+ years) who are looking for a fresh and familiar place where they can get acquainted with fun, special and safe web shops. On the blog they will find inspiring articles about lifestyle, positivity, fun outings and recipes. Do you also want to become visible to a larger audience with your webshop? You can find more information here: Happlify collaboration and advertising.
