Overview
WearNow is a German-based vintage clothing store specializing in curated collections from the 1950s to the 1990s. Their vision was to expand their local presence into the digital sphere, creating a website that reflected their unique aesthetic while serving as a comprehensive directory of physical stores where customers could purchase vintage clothing. As a freelance web developer, I had the privilege of developing their website to bring their vision to life.
Goals
-
Aesthetic Alignment: The website needed to mirror WearNow’s vintage ethos, featuring a design that feels nostalgic but modern enough to appeal to younger audiences.
-
User-Friendly Experience: With a wide range of customers, the site had to be intuitive for both tech-savvy users and those less familiar with online navigation.
-
Comprehensive Store Directory: A robust platform to showcase a large collection of physical vintage clothing stores with detailed information.
-
Scalability: The site had to be easily updatable to accommodate new store listings and seasonal campaigns.
The Development Process
Development
I chose CraftCMS as the content management system for its flexibility and scalability. Custom coding in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript allowed for:
-
Dynamic Store Filters: Visitors could search stores by decade, clothing type, or location.
-
Interactive Map: An integrated map displaying the locations of all listed stores with clickable pins for more details.
-
Localized Features: German and English language support to cater to both local and international visitors.
Testing & Launch
Before launch, I conducted extensive usability testing to ensure seamless navigation across devices. The site was optimized for speed and performance, ensuring quick loading times even with large store images and maps.
Key Features Delivered
-
Store Profiles: Each store had a dedicated page with detailed descriptions, photos, operating hours, and contact information.
-
Interactive Map: A visually engaging map to help users locate stores easily.
-
Integrated Blog: WearNow’s team could post articles about vintage fashion trends, store highlights, and shopping tips.
-
Admin-Friendly Interface: A back-end system that allowed WearNow’s team to add or update store listings effortlessly.
Results
Since its launch, the WearNow website has:
-
Attracted significant traffic, with 70% of visitors engaging with the store directory.
-
Increased foot traffic to listed stores by an average of 50%, as reported by participating retailers.
-
Received positive feedback for its design and usability, with a 4.8/5 average customer satisfaction rating.
Conclusion
Working on WearNow was a rewarding experience, blending creativity with technical expertise. The site not only achieved the client’s goals but also positioned WearNow as a central hub for vintage fashion enthusiasts. This project highlights the power of collaboration and thoughtful design in creating an impactful digital presence for unique brands.
