Customer Case Study

A First Storefront, Built on Trust

Texas HVAC wholesale distributor Shearer Supply launched its first eCommerce site on the CX1 Platform, backed by CX1 PIM content, growing online adoption to about 20% of its customer base.

Request a Demo Read the Story

Industry

HVAC Wholesale Distribution

Location

Farmers Branch, TX

Products used

CX1 Platform CX1 PIM

Executive Summary

Shearer Supply, a family-run HVAC wholesale distributor serving the northern half of Texas and surrounding states, partnered with Unilog to launch its first eCommerce website on the CX1 Platform. Backed by trusted, enriched product content from CX1 PIM, the site transformed how the company does business, driving steady customer adoption and online order values double those of its offline orders.

20%of customer base using the eCommerce site

2xhigher average order value online vs. offline

Great Service, No Digital Channel

Shearer Supply built its reputation on great service, from a strong line of HVAC products to extensive contractor training and dedicated support. To bring more value and efficiency to its customers, the company decided in 2017 to enter the digital side of HVAC distribution and build its first eCommerce website.

The distributor recognized its digital transformation was five to 10 years behind most B2C trends, and that launching online would shift how both staff and customers did business.

Shearer Supply — CX1 storefront on a laptop

Trusted Content, Distributor Tools

Shearer Supply partnered with Unilog and implemented the CX1 Platform, Unilog’s connected suite of product content and digital commerce solutions, gaining a powerful eCommerce website and distributor-specific tools.

The site is backed by robust, up-to-date product content the company subscribes to and manages through CX1 PIM, Unilog’s product information management solution, providing access to a nearly unlimited catalog of enriched HVAC SKUs with the latest specifications, descriptions, images, documents, and pricing. Shearer Supply also used the platform’s flexible CMS and open architecture to customize its entire storefront and integrate an AHRI Product Matchup parts-finder tool.

20% Adoption, Double the Order Value

The CX1 Platform reshaped Shearer Supply’s business inside and out:

Customer adoption

With ongoing training and internal advocacy, about 20% of the total customer base now uses the eCommerce site.

Analytics insight

The company’s online average order value is double that of its offline AOV, proving the site’s value to investors.

Internal adoption

The site saves the sales team time, serves as a modern replacement for the paper catalog, and lets reps send customers direct links to their own pricing and availability.

Customization

An integrated AHRI parts-finder tool now resolves replacement-part searches instantly that once required lengthy phone calls and research.