Modernizing the Cowboy Cart

What it took to replace a fragile legacy platform with a fully integrated eCommerce system

Cavender’s was running on a 15-year-old Oracle-based platform that couldn’t keep up. It wasn’t responsive, it crashed during traffic spikes, it required manual updates, and it wasn’t secure. It also wasn’t integrated with core systems, which made omnichannel nearly impossible. The business had outgrown the site and the tech behind it.

I led the entire initiative to replace it.

I scoped and authored the RFP, reviewed vendors and platforms, and ultimately made the call to move to Salesforce Commerce Cloud. We partnered with a consulting agency for support across departments, but I owned the execution from start to finish. From platform selection and navigation design to product templates, responsive pages, and 3D product views—I designed it all, coded key elements, and handled executive reviews. The new site was fully responsive, fast, stable, and connected across back-end systems. It supported omnichannel retail with features like buy online, pick up in store. I also built and launched a system of responsive email templates alongside it.

What I Led + Delivered

Platform & Project Leadership

• Wrote the full RFP, identified platform and vendor shortcomings, and selected Salesforce Commerce Cloud
• Led integration planning across departments, coordinated internal teams, and business consultants

UX & Design Execution

• Designed the full site architecture, from homepage to PDPs to back pages
• Built a responsive navigation and modular system based on user behavior and business needs
• Implemented 3D product views using Scene7 for a more immersive shopping experience

Systems & Integration

• Moved from manual updates to fully integrated product data and inventory systems
• Implemented omnichannel workflows, including in-store pickup
• Improved performance, mobile experience, and SEO visibility across the board

Team & Collaboration

• Managed internal digital team while running the redesign and maintaining the legacy site
• Worked cross-functionally with IT, execs, merchandising, customer support, and marketing

The Result

The new platform gave Cavender’s the stability, speed, and flexibility it had been missing. The brand went from a fragile, outdated system to a scalable eCommerce presence that could handle traffic, connect across systems, and deliver a modern shopping experience, without losing the personal feel the family-owned business wanted to preserve.