WebCitz started working with this client in 2019
- Client: Hoops King
- Platform: BigCommerce
- Industry: Education, Retail / E-Commerce
- Services: Ecommerce, Maintenance / Support
The Challenge
HoopsKing isn’t just a retail store; it’s a customization hub. Their technical challenges included:
- Product Personalization: Selling custom jerseys and team gear requires a way for customers to input names, numbers, and logos directly on the product page.
- Theme Complexity: Their BigCommerce store utilized the “Stencil” framework, which required specialized developer knowledge to customize beyond the basic layout.
- App Interoperability: They utilized a variety of third-party apps for inventory, marketing, and customization that needed to “talk” to each other without breaking the site’s performance.
The WebCitz Solution
We provided the specialized coding and logic necessary to handle high-complexity sports retail:
- Custom Stencil Development: We performed extensive theme development within the BigCommerce Stencil framework. This included UI/UX improvements and the creation of custom page templates that aligned with their specific brand identity.
- Jersey & Apparel Personalization Solution: This was a core part of our work. We helped implement and refine a solution that allowed for complex product customization. We ensured that when a coach or player ordered a jersey, the personalization data (names, sizes, numbers) was captured accurately and passed through to the order fulfillment system flawlessly.
- Managed App Support: We oversaw the integration and troubleshooting of their various e-commerce apps. Whether it was a loyalty program or a sophisticated shipping calculator, we ensured these tools worked in harmony with the custom theme.
- General Technical Support: For several years, we provided a reliable “technical backstop.” Whenever a bug appeared or a new feature was needed to stay competitive in the sports equipment market, our team executed the fix or build.
- Shopify Transition Consulting: As the owner prepared to migrate to Shopify, we provided early-stage consulting. We offered strategic feedback on platform capabilities and how to replicate their custom BigCommerce logic within the Shopify ecosystem.
The Result
During our multi-year tenure, HoopsKing maintained a highly functional, high-conversion platform that successfully handled the complexities of custom team apparel. Our work on their Stencil theme and personalization logic allowed them to compete with much larger national retailers by offering a seamless “pro-level” ordering experience. While they eventually moved to Shopify independently, the foundation of their digital growth was built during our long-term technical partnership.
