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Technology: Shopify Plus

Breaking Barriers: RNIB’s Journey to Accessible eCommerce

Services

Platform Migration, Integrations

Sector

Government & Non-profit

Technologies

Shopify

THE CHALLENGE

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) needed more than just a new website. Their legacy platform was expensive to maintain, administratively complex, and critically, it fell short in accessibility. 

The goals were clear but ambitious: RNIB needed to achieve WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance to ensure seamless navigation with assistive technologies such as screen readers, while also reducing operational overhead through automation and efficiency to free resources for the charity’s core mission.

The challenge lay in balancing visual appeal with programmatic accessibility, building a storefront that worked flawlessly for every user.

Space 48 and Brave the Skies (now Glass Atlas) designed and delivered a Shopify-powered platform built with accessibility at its core. Every decision, from navigation structure to checkout flow, was informed by WCAG 2.1 standards and rigorously tested with assistive technologies.

We started by implementing accessibility-first design so the site could be navigated by everyone. High-contrast colour modes, optimised keyboard navigation, and structural adjustments made it fully compatible with screen readers.

Next, we delivered an ERP integration that automated product, pricing, inventory, and order management. Built-in VAT exemption functionality simplified purchasing for eligible customers, while integrated donations at checkout aligned commerce with RNIB’s mission.

Finally, went beyond Shopify defaults to introduce a bespoke colour mode switcher and structural refinements that made the site even more usable for visually impaired visitors.

THE SOLUTION

THE RESULTS

The project delivered full WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, automated ERP processes and VAT functionality, and integrated donation functionality at checkout.

These improvements meant blind and partially sighted users could shop with confidence, RNIB supporters could contribute directly at checkout, and the charity’s team gained efficiency through streamlined ERP and VAT processes.

Together, these outcomes created one of the UK’s most accessible eCommerce sites, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity while reducing operational complexity.

Glass Atlas understood the importance of accessibility for our audience and translated that into a site that truly works for everyone. The result is more than a store: it’s a platform that reflects our mission and supports it every step of the way.

Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi

Managing Director, RNIB Enterprises

Creating a Shopify Storefront That Looks and Feels Luxurious for Begg x Co

Services

Platform Migration, UX/UI

Sector

Clothing & Footwear

Technologies

Shopify

New Site Users

Organic Search Sessions

Add-to-carts

THE CHALLENGE

Begg x Co, a heritage Scottish brand known for its premium cashmere knitwear, had ambitious growth plans but was constrained by a legacy Magento platform. Site management was cumbersome, payment systems were fragmented, and the customer experience didn’t reflect the brand’s luxurious identity.

With global expansion on the horizon, Begg x Co needed a platform that could scale, a backend their team could manage, and a digital experience worthy of their product. Brave the Skies (now Glass Atlas) was brought in to lead the transformation.

To unlock growth, we migrated Begg x Co to Shopify Plus: a flexible, scalable platform better aligned to the brand’s international ambitions and internal capabilities. Working in tandem with a design partner, we ensured every part of the solution reflected both luxury and practicality.

Using Shopify Markets, we consolidated multiple third-party systems into a seamless storefront, supporting localised currencies and languages to enhance international UX. We also introduced flexible content blocks, giving Begg x Co full control over seasonal updates and storytelling without added dev cost.

An insight-led approach, including user testing and SEO collaboration, helped refine site structure and product journeys. Personalisation was dialled up with bespoke wishlist styling, branded search suggestions, and a real-time monogramming feature that elevated the DTC experience.

Every enhancement served a commercial purpose: increasing conversion, improving backend efficiency, and giving the team freedom to operate at speed.

THE SOLUTION

THE RESULTS

The new site put Begg x Co back in control. With a platform built for scale and a storefront that captures the essence of the brand, their team is now better equipped to meet seasonal demand, manage content independently, and expand globally.

New Site Users

Organic Search Sessions

Add-to-carts

The process of working with Brave the Skies [now Glass Atlas] has been fantastic from start to finish. The new site has everything we wanted, allowing us to take control of our content and target international audiences from a single platform. The team kept all of our goals in mind throughout, and we couldn’t be happier with the final product.

Ross Lawrie

Head of Digital and Marketing, Begg x Co

Elevating a heritage Irish brand's personalised digital experience with Shopify

Services

UX, Integrations, Platform Migration

Sector

Clothing & Footwear

Technologies

Shopify

THE CHALLENGE

Dubarry of Ireland, a renowned outerwear brand celebrated for its craftsmanship and timeless style, needed a new eCommerce platform that could reflect its brand heritage while meeting modern customer expectations.

However, their existing eCommerce platform had become outdated and restrictive. Managing the site was cumbersome, the customer journey lacked consistency, and there was no effective way to deliver personalised content or recommendations.

To stay competitive, Dubarry needed a modern, scalable solution that could improve usability across the customer journey, enable true personalisation based on customer behaviour and context, and empower the internal team with a manageable, future-proof system.

Partnering with Brave The Skies (now Glass Atlas), they embarked on a full replatforming and redesign to create a more personalised shopping experience.

We replatformed Dubarry’s online store to Shopify, combining a full redesign with custom development.

The approach blended UX research, collaborative design, and technical integration to create an experience tailored to Dubarry’s discerning audience. We guided the redesign with two rounds of usability studies, with customer testing before and after launch, ensuring the new product cards and product pages were optimised for clarity, conversion, and improved size and variant selection.

We also integrated Advanced Commerce to deliver personalised product recommendations based on customer behaviour, preferences, and purchase history. This was further enhanced by a weather API that adjusted product visibility in real time, helping Dubarry showcase the most relevant products according to customer location and conditions.

By connecting Ometria with Shopify via the Storefront API, Dubarry gained the ability to run targeted campaigns, optimise inventory management, and deliver a joined-up customer experience.

THE SOLUTION

Screenshot of Dubarry homepage before update Screenshot of Dubarry homepage after update
BEFORE
AFTER

THE RESULTS

The redesigned site delivered a smoother, more engaging shopping experience. Usability tests showed clear improvements in navigation, size and variant selection, and product understanding. Customers now enjoy a personalised experience, seeing tailored recommendations and products surfaced that might otherwise remain hidden. Positive feedback highlighted the ease of use, improved clarity, and richer storytelling around products.

Dubarry of Ireland’s new Shopify site now reflects its brand identity while delivering the flexibility and functionality needed to thrive in a competitive digital landscape.

Recognition

Award
Irish eCommerce Awards
Year
2025
Category
Fashion/Apparel or Footwear eCommerce Website of the Year (Finalist)

Glass Atlas helped us bring our heritage brand into a modern eCommerce environment without losing what makes Dubarry unique. The new platform is easier to manage, and our customers are enjoying a far more personalised experience.

Marc O'Donnell

Head of eCommerce, Dubarry of Ireland