5 Questions with Absolute Web's Sergiu Tabaran

Black Friday is right around the corner, and we're excited to partner with Absolute Web on our upcoming BFCM Tactics Social Hour event in Chicago on October 17th, to strategize and share a toast as we gear up for the biggest ecommerce event of the year!

Left: The Absolute Web team hard at work. Right: Sergiu Tabaran.

We extend a hearty thanks to our event sponsor, Absolute Web. Absolute Web is an award-winning full-service ecommerce agency helping businesses achieve their digital goals since 1999, through professional services in UX/UI design, custom development, complex integrations, performance optimization, and security.

I caught up with the agency's COO Sergiu Tabaran to talk about his latest projects, the future of ecommerce, and why he's reading Neil deGrasse Tyson.

1. Can you tell us about Absolute Web's mission and the core services you provide to Shopify merchants?

Tabaran: At Absolute Web, our mission is simple: to empower ecommerce brands not just to survive, but truly thrive. We combine ecommerce strategy and technical expertise to deliver results, whether it’s producing conversion-focused site designs, developing custom integrations, or optimizing performance, our focus is on consistently improving ecommerce metrics.

2. What sets Absolute Web apart from other ecommerce agencies in the industry?

Tabaran: It all comes down to our people. We’re a team that truly geeks out over ecommerce, and we’re committed to building lasting partnerships. Most of our core team members have been with Absolute Web for over 8 years, and I’ve personally been here for more than a decade.

We go above and beyond for our clients, understanding that ecommerce doesn't just operate on a 9 to 5 schedule. And we truly immerse ourselves in our clients' brands, acting as an extension of their team rather than just another agency.

3. How does Absolute Web help Shopify merchants overcome common challenges in ecommerce?

Tabaran: We help Shopify merchants tackle common ecommerce challenges with tailored, strategic solutions. For instance, we’ve guided many merchants away from failed headless architectures, implemented by inexperienced vendors, and back to native frontends while preserving a fast, seamless user experience.

Our team also conducts in-depth reviews of tech stacks, recommending consolidations for better efficiency and identifying performance opportunities. We optimize checkout processes to reduce cart abandonment, implement loyalty programs to boost customer retention and refine SEO strategies for greater visibility.

Additionally, we focus on conversion rate optimization, performance audits, third-party integrations, and enhancing user experience to drive growth.

4. Can you share any specific success stories or case studies that highlight the impact of your work with Shopify merchants?

Tabaran: Sure thing! Open Farm, one of our valued clients, faced challenges with their costly and time-consuming headless ecommerce setup. They needed a faster time to market and new functionalities to boost user experience and growth.

By partnering with Absolute Web, they successfully migrated to a native Shopify frontend. This move reduced development costs, streamlined their go-to-market process, and enabled rapid feature deployment.

As a result, Open Farm is seeing significant improvements in user engagement, conversion rates, and sustainable growth across its US and Canadian stores. Full case study: read here.

Left: The Absolute Web office. Right: The team immersing itself in the work.

5. In your opinion, what are the biggest trends currently shaping the ecommerce landscape for Shopify merchants?

Tabaran: It’s all about personalization, AI-driven recommendations, and frictionless shopping. Consumers now seek even more tailored, meaningful interactions with brands. Personalization goes beyond product suggestions, encompassing custom content, dynamic pricing, and targeted marketing that resonates with individual preferences.

AI-driven recommendations play a key role analyzing customer behavior to offer relevant products, boosting conversion rates, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, a frictionless shopping experience like one-click purchasing, express payments, and automated customer support, has become crucial for reducing hassle and improving the user journey.

Lastly, online shoppers also crave authentic connections, valuing brands that balance automation with a human touch. Those who master this mix are not only increasing sales but also fostering lasting customer loyalty.

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Bonus Question #1: How do you envision the future of ecommerce, and what role do you see Absolute Web playing in that future?

Tabaran: I strongly believe that the future of ecommerce is all about hyper-personalization and seamless technology integration. At Absolute Web, we're fully committed to staying ahead of these trends. Our agency’s mission is to push the boundaries of what's possible in the ecommerce space. 

We're leveraging AI-driven solutions to create personalized shopping experiences that resonate with consumers on a deeper level, increasing both engagement and conversion rates. Also, we're focused on next-level performance optimization. A fast, intuitive shopping experience is key to retaining customers, so we’re always exploring new ways to improve site speed, navigation, and overall user experience. 

Lastly, we're also keen on helping brands explore the 'next big thing' in ecommerce, whether that’s experimenting with AR for virtual try-ons, or diving deeper into the world of conversational commerce. In short, we're here to ensure our clients are not just keeping up with industry changes, but truly leading the way. 

Bonus question #2: What is Absolute Web working on in 2024/2025? Any big projects or initiatives we should watch for?

Tabaran: We're gearing up for the next edition of EEE Miami 2025, happening on February 28th! Next year, we're taking ecommerce events to the next level by opening the doors for other partners and agencies to host their own events during Miami Ecommerce Week.

On the projects front, we're diving into major brand ecommerce replatformings and developing custom Shopify apps for merchants and some of our tech partners. Exciting times ahead!

Bonus question #3: What are you reading lately?

Tabaran: I’m currently reading Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson because it taps into my love for astronomy, exploring life beyond our galaxy, and the big questions about existence. It takes all those mind-bending cosmic concepts and breaks them into quick, digestible chapters that easily fit into a hectic day.

Join Rebuy in Chicago on 10/17/24!

Do some networking and get the latest BFCM tactics from our panel of experts. 

Learn more about Absolute Web

Check out Absolute Web online and on LinkedIn to learn how they can help you grow your Shopify store. 

Don't forget! Join Rebuy in Chicago on October 17th for networking and BFCM planning. Register here. 

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