Case Study
GB Sneakers – Long-Term Shopify Development Partnership
Client: Gurson – GB Sneakers, New York, NY
Industry: Footwear & Sneakers – E-Commerce
Objective
GB Sneakers partnered with Blackbelt Commerce to build a fully customized Shopify store that reflected the brand’s unique vision, after experiencing multiple failed attempts with other developers. The goal was not only to launch a high-quality Shopify site but also to find a reliable long-term partner for future projects and support needs.
Results Snapshot
| Metric | Before Blackbelt Commerce | After Launch & Ongoing Support | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer Satisfaction | 5 failed agencies | Long-term Shopify partner secured | ✅ Trust rebuilt |
| Store Customization | Generic templates | Fully tailored Shopify site | ✅ Brand vision realized |
| Client Support Experience | Poor communication | Direct, prompt phone and email support | ✅ Consistently responsive team |
| New Projects in Progress | Not possible due to past frustrations | Actively building another new store | ✅ Multiple stores under development |
Challenges
Before working with Blackbelt Commerce, GB Sneakers had partnered with five different companies—all of which failed to deliver what the brand truly needed. These challenges included:
- Lack of Customization: Previous developers focused on cookie-cutter builds and failed to tailor the store to the client’s vision.
- Poor Communication: Missed emails, unreturned calls, and unclear timelines led to ongoing frustration.
- No Long-Term Support: There was no sense of partnership or reliable post-launch support.
Trust Deficit: After several bad experiences, the client was cautious and needed a team that would deliver what was promised.
Solution
Blackbelt Commerce changed the game by prioritizing trust, responsiveness, and tailored execution. From the start, our team made communication a top priority—ensuring Gurson always felt heard, informed, and in control. We delivered a custom Shopify store that matched his expectations and have continued working together on multiple new store builds.
Our Shopify Partnership Strategy
Custom Shopify Build
- Created a Shopify store that was fully aligned with the client’s branding, UX goals, and structure
- Focused on simplicity, speed, and usability for the end consumer
High-Touch Support & Communication
- Provided responsive, ongoing communication via phone and email
- Ensured no message or request went unanswered
Ongoing Development Collaboration
- Continued working with GB Sneakers on additional Shopify projects
- Offered both large-scale builds and small day-to-day site fixes
Long-Term Partnership
- Maintained an open line of communication for all new initiatives
Delivered both technical solutions and strategic support
Results
The client has continued to rely on Blackbelt Commerce for everything—from small technical fixes to large, full-scale Shopify builds. What started as a frustrated founder seeking help turned into a multi-project partnership built on trust, quality, and communication.
As Gurson shared:
“I am very happy with them and will be using them forever… I use them for everything relating to my online businesses.”
Conclusion
GB Sneakers is a prime example of how Blackbelt Commerce transforms broken development experiences into lasting partnerships. By focusing on communication, reliability, and execution, we helped build not just a Shopify site—but an ongoing relationship that powers long-term business success. Let me know if you'd like this added to your case study PDF collection or pitch deck.
