European companies win Magento Imagine Excellence Awards

Imagine Commerce was held last week, bringing together over 2,500 Magento merchants, partners, developers and retail experts. Imagine Excellence Awards were handed out for exceptional creative, innovative and successful merchants across the global Magento ecoystem. Several European companies went home with such an award.

Imagine was started six years ago, with the goal to connect the global ecommerce ecosystem. Now, thousands of merchants, agencies and technologies providers from all over the world come together in Las Vegas during a day that’s all about Magento. In nine different award categories, Magento announced the winners of the Excellence Awards 2016 and most of them are based in Europe.

Best Omnichannel Experience
Frankfurt Airport was awarded the Best Omnichannel Experience. According to the jury, the travel hub has created a first-of-its-kind omnichannel commerce experience for customers. “Now, travelers easily shop on the aircraft or taxi, purchase, and quickly schedule home or gate-side delivery or pick up as they speed through the airport mall area.”

Most Innovative Brand
BabyNes from Swiss food company Nestlé was recognized as the Most Innovative Brand. It delivered an immersive omnichannel experience through Internet of Things connectivity. The smart baby nutrition system, which works similar to Nestlé’s Nespresso, is integrated across web, mobile app, point of sale and social channels and serves customers in the US, Europe and China.

Great Explorer Award for International Expansion
UK company Screwfix went home with the Great Explorer Award for International Expansion, which it deserved after successfully launching new international business operations in Ireland and Germany. The multi-channel retailer of trade tools, accessories and hardware products also delivers goods from its online business to over 20 EU markets.

Best Web Design
French company Le Creuset won the Best Web Design award for its new website that is rolling out to more than 29 countries worldwide. “The new website balances compelling content and crisp design with a user experience carefully tailored to reduce bounce rate while maximizing sales and average order value”, the jury explains.

Best Mobile Experience
British clothing company Sunspel earned the award for Best Mobile Experience due to its usability and design on a mobile device. About one in two of Sunspel’s customers shop at the website using a tablet or smartphone. After launching a new and responsive website, revenue has almost doubled year-over-year. If looked only at smartphone users, revenue increased even by 200 percent.

Best B2B User Experience
Electric fencing company Gallagher Europe went home with an award for Best B2B User Experience. According to the jury the company deserved this after creating a “best-in-class, self-serve user interface, including dynamic and bulk pricing and product content for syndication”. Gallagher services The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Sweden.

Mark Lavelle, CEO of Magento Commerce, of course congratulated the winners and added: “From the omnichannel and technology innovators to the explorers carving out new ways of doing business, it is because of the continued innovation of our community that Magento is at the forefront of global commerce.”