The Challenge:
Breaking Free from an Outdated System
Polyvinyl Records had been relying on a cumbersome, custom-built CMS for years. Over time, the system became cluttered, slow, and difficult to update, forcing the team to rely on inefficient workarounds for even basic ecommerce functions. Managing artist pages, tracking sales data, and running promotions had turned into a frustrating process.
The label needed a modern, scalable ecommerce platform that could handle both D2C and B2B sales while maintaining their commitment to supporting artists. But finding the right Shopify Partner—one that truly understood the music industry—was just as crucial as the platform itself.
The Solution:
A Shopify Migration Tailored for an Indie Label
Softlimit, led by founder Ben Lord—a musician with deep ties to DIY music culture—was the perfect fit for Polyvinyl. Understanding the label’s artist-first philosophy, Softlimit developed a migration plan that balanced modern ecommerce tactics with Polyvinyl’s independent spirit.
By transitioning to Shopify, Polyvinyl gained:
- Faster load times for a smoother shopping experience
- Express Checkout & Shopify Payments for seamless transactions
- A native content management system to power newly designed Artist Pages
- Advanced analytics in a single dashboard, replacing outdated reporting tools
- Direct integrations with existing email marketing tools
- Customized product recommendations and personalized shopping experiences
The Results:
A Faster, Smarter, More Profitable Storefront
With Shopify, Polyvinyl Records quickly saw measurable improvements. Their new site delivered faster load speeds, allowing fans to browse and purchase with ease. Real-time analytics provided the team with actionable insights, improving their ability to make data-driven decisions. The label also experienced a 3% increase in AOV within the first week, along with a 10% lift in conversion rates.
With Shopify, Polyvinyl Records saw results fast:
- A 3% AOV increase in the first week
- 10% lift in conversion rate
- Faster, more reliable site performance
- Unified D2C & B2B sales on one platform
Thanks to Softlimit’s deep understanding of the music industry and expertise in Shopify, Polyvinyl Records now has a modern, scalable ecommerce solution—allowing them to better support their artists and grow their business for years to come.
