5 eCommerce Brands With the Best Online Shopping Experience

Over the past few years, people’s expectations for online shopping have really leveled up. Shoppers now want faster delivery, personalized product recommendations, and smooth shopping on their phones. In fact, a 2023 survey found that 12% of global consumers see faster delivery as their top priority for improving their experience. Mobile shopping is also booming, with over half of online sales happening on phones, according to Business Insider.

If you want to capitalize on these trends but aren't sure exactly how, then here are some examples of eCommerce brands that have the best online shopping experiences and how you can meet the same standards.

» Skip to the solution: AI-powered site search & merchandising technologies

Key Features of a Great Online Shopping Experience

• Easy-to-use navigation: Finding what you want should never feel like a treasure hunt. A clean, straightforward layout with clear categories makes all the difference. Think of Amazon’s setup, where everything’s organized so you can effortlessly jump between departments.
• Fast and smooth checkout: No one has time for a complicated checkout. Options like guest checkout, autofill for payment info, and multiple ways to pay, such as cards and digital wallets, keep it simple.
• Responsive customer support: When something goes wrong, quick help can save the day. Whether it’s live chat, email, or even a phone call, having a support option available builds trust.
• Mobile-friendly design: Most people shop on their phones now, so optimizing your website for mobile is essential. Companies like Walmart nailed this by making their mobile experience smooth and hassle-free.
• Tailored recommendations: People love feeling understood, and personalized product recommendations do just that. Using data to show shoppers what they’re likely to love works wonders.
• High-quality product images: Low-resolution or unclear images can turn customers away, as they can't accurately assess the product, while high-quality images give customers a clear understanding of what they're getting.
• Clear calls to action: If customers can't quickly see how to buy a product or sign up for a newsletter, they might just leave. Some sites bury their CTAs or make them hard to spot.

» Understand how to improve the shopping experience through eCommerce merchandising

1. NRS World



NRS World uses Fast Simon's AI-driven Search and Discovery to handle an extensive range of equestrian and ranch products. Their intuitive search functionality ensures customers can quickly find what they need, no matter how niche.

» See our guide to predictive search optimization

Key Features of the NRS World eCommerce Experience

• Effective categorization: NRS World categorizes products by use-case, brand, and type. The search bar features predictive text and dynamic filtering, which helps shoppers locate even niche items quickly and efficiently.
• UGC: NRS World also integrates customer product reviews and photos on product pages. These authentic insights build credibility, especially for high-ticket ranch and equestrian equipment, giving buyers confidence in their purchases.
• Customer support: NRS World offers real-time chat with ranching experts for personalized assistance. This immediate support addresses specific customer needs, enhancing trust and satisfaction during the shopping journey.
• Rewards program: The NRS Pro Rewards program incentivizes repeat purchases with points redeemable for discounts, fostering customer loyalty—especially among ranching professionals who make frequent bulk purchases.
• Streamlined checkout: A smooth checkout minimizes steps and integrates payment options like PayPal and credit cards. These measures decrease cart abandonment and boost conversions.

» Understand search better with our guide to eCommerce site search

2. Ally Fashion



FragranceBuy leverages Fast Simon’s synonym search capabilities, making their platform perfect for shoppers unfamiliar with specific product names. Customers searching for “perfume” instead of “fragrance” or “cologne” still receive accurate results.

» Learn about the importance of synonym search

Key Features of the Ally Fashion eCommerce Experience

• Natural language functionality: Fast Simon’s synonym search and natural language processing ensures users find products regardless of terminology differences. Filters by brand, scent family, and price further enhance product discovery.
• UGC: Verified reviews and ratings on each product page help buyers feel confident in their selections, especially when trying new scents.
• Customer support: FragranceBuy offers live chat support during business hours and email assistance for more detailed queries, building trust through quick response times.
• Loyalty program: Their VIP Rewards program offers points for every dollar spent with exclusive member-only discounts. This strategy keeps customers returning for repeat purchases.
• Mobile optimization: Mobile shoppers have a responsive design with touch-friendly navigation. The “fragrance match” quiz feature works seamlessly on mobile, offering personalized recommendations.

» Take control with these eCommerce site search best practices

3. Steve Madden



Steve Madden uses Fast Simon to deliver incredibly detailed search results, which are critical for a brand with a diverse product line. Features like dynamic filtering and real-time product suggestions make exploring their catalog easy.

Their use of synonyms in search also ensures customers find what they’re looking for, even with varied search terms, driving higher conversion rates and user satisfaction.

» Use Shopify? Here's all you need to know about using product filters on Shopify

Key Features of the Steve Madden eCommerce Experience

• Synonym search: With Fast Simon’s synonym capabilities, Steve Madden’s search makes sure you get results whether you’re looking for “heels” or “pumps.” They also organize products by trend, making it easy to stay on top of what’s hot without hunting through endless pages.
• UGC: Steve Madden integrates customer photos and Instagram posts right on their site. Seeing how other people style their shoes inspires buyers and builds a sense of community.
• Customer support: Their live chat isn’t just functional, but very friendly and knowledgeable. They also have detailed FAQs, while email support addresses post-purchase concerns. Real-time answers make it feel like you’re chatting with a personal stylist, not a faceless bot.
• Loyalty rewards: The SM Pass loyalty program provides exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and free shipping, cultivating long-term customer loyalty.
• Payment options: With multiple payment options, including installment plans via Klarna, Steve Madden makes checkout smooth and flexible.
• Mobile optimization: Their mobile site adapts seamlessly, with dynamic content, image scaling, and swipe-friendly navigation. Features like “shop the look” inspire purchases directly from mobile feeds.

» Here are the most common mistakes to avoid with Shopify search filters

4. FragranceBuy



FragranceBuy leverages Fast Simon’s synonym search capabilities, making their platform perfect for shoppers unfamiliar with specific product names. Customers searching for “perfume” instead of “fragrance” or “cologne” still receive accurate results.

This subtle but powerful feature makes their site approachable for new and seasoned buyers, setting a benchmark in customer-centric search optimization.

» Boost product discovery with irresistible product descriptions

Key Features of the FragranceBuy eCommerce Experience

• Synonym search and filtering: Fast Simon’s synonym search ensures users find products regardless of terminology differences. Filters by brand, scent family, and price further enhance product discovery.
• UGC: Verified reviews and ratings on each product page help buyers feel confident in their selections, especially when trying new scents.
• Customer support: FragranceBuy offers live chat support during business hours and email assistance for more detailed queries. This quick response time builds trust.
• Loyalty rewards: Their VIP Rewards program offers points for every dollar spent, plus exclusive member-only discounts. This strategy keeps customers returning for repeat purchases.
• Express payment and fast checkout: FragranceBuy integrates express payment options like Shop Pay and PayPal, with a one-page checkout that speeds up the buying process.
• Mobile optimization: Mobile shoppers have a responsive design with touch-friendly navigation. The “fragrance match” quiz feature works seamlessly on mobile, offering personalized recommendations.

» Leverage the benefits of mobile eCommerce best practices

5. Bright Minds



Bright Minds uses Fast Simon's personalization technology to tailor recommendations and offers, boosting revenue by 18%. Their platform analyzes customer preferences and purchasing patterns to suggest products that align with individual tastes.

This not only increases sales but also strengthens customer loyalty, as users feel understood and valued throughout their shopping journey.

» Learn more about personalization in online shopping

Key Features of the Bright Minds eCommerce Experience

• Tailored suggestions: Bright Minds uses Fast Simon to power its search, offering suggestions as you type and sorting results by relevance or popularity. Clear subcategories make it simple to find age-appropriate kits or specific educational themes.
• UGC: Parents and teachers often share reviews and photos of products in action, which Bright Minds prominently displays. This helps shoppers trust the products while giving ideas for how to use them.
• Customer support: Their live chat connects you with agents who genuinely understand educational products. They offer guidance on finding the right fit for your child or classroom—it feels like chatting with a knowledgeable friend.
• Loyalty rewards: The Bright Rewards program lets customers earn points for purchases, reviews, and referrals. It’s an easy way to encourage repeat visits while fostering a sense of appreciation.
• Streamlined checkout: Their one-step checkout process is user-friendly, with saved payment options for returning shoppers. It’s quick and hassle-free, reducing the risk of abandoned carts.
• Mobile optimization: The mobile site perfectly mirrors the desktop experience, with fast load times and touch-friendly mCommerce navigation. Even the educational resources are easily accessible, making it a breeze to shop and learn on the go.

3 Lessons eCommerce Businesses Can Learn From These Brands

Prioritize User Experience Over Flashy Features

You don’t need a massive budget to make your site easy to navigate. Focus on a clean design, clear product categories, and simple checkout. Brands like Warby Parker show that even minimalistic designs can deliver a premium feel. Customers care more about finding what they need easily than fancy animations or effects. Use affordable tools to test your website's usability and refine the experience.

» Make sure you know the difference between product categories and collections

Leverage Personalization With Free or Low-Cost Tools

eCommerce personalization isn’t just for big brands with deep pockets. Even smaller businesses can use free analytics or email marketing tools to understand customer behavior and send personalized product recommendations. A little personalization goes a long way in building loyalty and making customers feel valued.

Build Strong Customer Service Connections

You don’t need a huge support team to make customers happy. Brands like Chewy excel by focusing on human, responsive, and empathetic customer service. Use live chat, respond quickly to emails, or engage on social media. Even a small team can create a big impact when customers feel heard and valued.

» Here's how AI chatbots boost eCommerce customer support

Fast Track Your Brand to a Great eCommerce Experience

It goes without saying that having a great eCommerce experience is essential to surviving in the competitive world of online shopping. Thankfully, it doesn't take countless hours and bank-breaking tools to create a shopping experience that your customers will love. Simple elements like personalization, merchandising, and efficient site search are easily achievable and will go a long way in creating the best experience for your customers.

» Schedule a demo to learn more about Fast Simon's AI-powered eCommerce technologies