The 2021 NES Awards Show Winners


(1) Commerce Experience of the Year (Global)
Here we recognize a merchant that has crafted a futuristic and award-worthy commerce experience. This merchant strives to build the strongest connections with their consumers online through the optimal technology stack, immersive user interface design, and innovative adoption of the latest trends.

WINNER: Aim’n, a Swedish activewear brand: https://www.aimn.com/

With a fast-loading Shopify site and an outstanding overall site experience, there is no surprise that Aim’n is one of the fastest growing brands in the Nordic region, and with international growth looming fast! With an inspiring amount of user-generated content incorporated throughout their site and marketing efforts, this brand truly puts their customers first. Aim’n excels at all levels, selling great products through a great commerce experience; it’s no surprise that they’re seeing explosive growth and deserving to win “Commerce Experience of the Year.”

(2) Ecommerce Personality of the Year (Global)
Here we recognize a well-known star amongst the ecommerce ecosystem; an individual who has established themselves as an industry leader and reputable expert.

WINNER: Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble: https://www.forbes.com/profile/whitney-wolfe-herd/?sh=257a1bd03147

When it comes to leaders in eCommerce, Whitney deserves to be at the front of the pack. Nominated for overcoming everything hard with being a woman in an industry dominated by male executives, Whitney has hustled year over year and finally overtaken them all! Here is a story of woman power, showcased and executed to perfection and we couldn’t be more thrilled to present our “Ecommerce Personality of the Year” award to Whitney.

(3) Ecommerce Technology Solution of the Year (Global)
This award will recognize a technology solution that puts innovation first. We chose a company that has established themselves as a dominant player in the space through thought leadership and advanced technology that solves a critical problem for brands and merchants.

WINNER: Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/

The Shopify and Shopify Plus platforms have not only captured the SMB market, but rapidly expanded into the mid-market, and more recently into Enterprise. With Shopify’s deep offering of advanced apps and amazing marketplace, expansion with multi-currency, logistics initiatives, as well as its payments capability, Shopify has built a truly unparalleled universe for DTC brands worldwide. As Shopify continues to pave the way to the future of commerce, we are honored to award them our “Ecommerce Technology Solution of the Year” award. 

(4) Ecommerce Brand of the Year – North America
Awarding a merchant based in North America that is at the cutting edge of ecommerce. Whether they are a net new brand or have launched an innovative new product, sit at the forefront of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) evolution, or are simply crushing online sales, this brand deserves to be recognized for their remarkable ecommerce achievements.

WINNER: Lively, Lingerie company that combines the best elements of high-style and comfort: https://www.wearlively.com/

Lively has one of the best loyalty programs amongst DTC brands. They run regular loyalty promotions and incorporate the program into their other marketing efforts, such as email, to keep customers excited and engaged with the brand. Lively also has an active brand ambassador program and cult-like fan following, and is an overall great example of a modern brand building a tight-knit community in today’s environment. We are thrilled to award them “Ecommerce Brand of the Year, North America.”

(5) Ecommerce Brand of the Year – UK
Awarding a merchant based in the UK that is at the cutting edge of ecommerce. Whether they are a net new brand or have launched an innovative new product, sit at the forefront of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) evolution, or are simply crushing online sales, this brand deserves to be recognized for their remarkable ecommerce achievements.

WINNER: Gymshark, a fitness and apparel brand: https://www.gymshark.com/

Gymshark is one of the fastest growing brands in the UK, with amazing, cutting-edge branding that incorporates user-generated visuals and pushes engagement with their audience through the roof. Gymshark outperforms big name competitive brands in terms of personalization, and also in their ability to facilitate community. Gymshark pivoted really well in the onset of the pandemic and stay-at-home orders by listening to the needs of their community and focusing on mental health, in addition to their traditional focus on physical health. At one point, they even changed their name to Homeshark on Twitter, and also hired paid personal trainers to give virtual training sessions. We are super excited to present our “Ecommerce Brand of the Year, UK” award to Gymshark.

(6) Ecommerce Brand of the Year – Nordics
Awarding a merchant based in the Nordics that is at the cutting edge of ecommerce. Whether they are a net new brand or have launched an innovative new product, sit at the forefront of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) evolution, or are simply crushing online sales, this brand deserves to be recognized for their remarkable ecommerce achievements.

WINNER: Revolution Race, affordable, high-quality outdoor clothes and gear: https://www.revolutionrace.com/

Revolution Race does a remarkable job asking for and leveraging customer feedback in product development, leading to engaging content, great products, good delivery, and great storytelling. They say they are “building the brand together with their customers” and they truly are. The brand was started in founder, Pernilla’s, father’s garage, but has since expanded into over 30 countries. Congratulations to the Revolution Race team for winning “Ecommerce Brand of the Year, Nordics.”

(7) Sustainability Achievement of the Year (Global)
The sustainability achievement will be awarded to a brand, agency, or technology partner in ecommerce to recognize their use of social and environmental best practices to drive growth and sustainability. This award recipient is a leader in inspiring positive change amongst socially responsible business.

WINNER: Patagonia, outdoor clothing and gear brand: https://www.patagonia.com/home/

Patagonia is one of the most well-known brands worldwide when it comes to sustainability. A high proportion of its materials are made from recycled fabrics, including its polyester, nylon, and wool. Patagonia belongs to both the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and 1% For The Planet, and they reject fast fashion by creating high-quality, long-lasting products, and offering a repair and reuse program. Patagonia is clearly deserving of our “Sustainability Achievement of the Year” award and we couldn’t be happier to award it to them. 

(8) Ecommerce Agency of the Year – North America
Awarding an agency/systems integration partner based in North America that has made significant and impactful contributions to ecommerce. This award recipient is a leader within their segment of the industry, has nurtured positive relationships with clients and the partner ecosystem, and is building innovative solutions designed to help clients accelerate growth online.

WINNER: Overdose, a digital commerce agency that works with brands like ALDO, Patagonia, TOMS, Asics, and more: https://overdose.digital/

Overdose was founded after observing successful organisations struggling to grow their digital channels and repeatedly engaging agencies selling pre-packaged solutions without considering unique business goals. Overdose envisaged a founder-led, global, end-to-end digital commerce network, with enterprise capability, underpinned with local independent hustle… working in accountable partnerships, focused on delivering accelerated outcomes through bespoke strategies and deep empathy. They now call themselves the “Anti-Agency” agency, and we are thrilled to award them the “Ecommerce Agency of the Year Award” for North America.

(9) Ecommerce Agency of the Year – UK
Awarding an agency/systems integration partner based in the UK that has made significant and impactful contributions to ecommerce. This award recipient is a leader within their segment of the industry, has nurtured positive relationships with clients and the partner ecosystem, and is building innovative solutions designed to help clients accelerate growth online.

WINNER: Eastside Co, a web design and marketing agency that works with aspirational and internationally-renowned brands including Carex, Ford, and Chelsea FC: https://eastsideco.com/)

When lockdown began, ESC, along with businesses worldwide, was forced to pivot both in terms of their internal work set-up as well as the scope of work they offered to their clients. With tons of collaboration, they managed to switch to remote working quickly and successfully, while also recognizing that the shift in consumer buying behavior presented growth opportunities for their clients, as many retailers needed to either pivot to online commerce or enhance their existing ecommerce offering. For clients that had never sold online, ESC was able to design, develop and deliver an online store in as little as 4 weeks. By adapting quickly in the face of rapid change, ESC has hired 30 additional staff and doubled turnover this financial year. We are excited to present to them the well-deserved “Ecommerce Agency of the Year – UK” award.

(10) Ecommerce Agency of the Year – Nordics
Awarding an agency/systems integration partner based in the Nordics that has made significant and impactful contributions to ecommerce. This award recipient is a leader within their segment of the industry, has nurtured positive relationships with clients and the partner ecosystem, and is building innovative solutions designed to help clients accelerate growth online.

WINNER: Omniarch,  experts in ecommerce, digitalization, and business development: https://omniarch.se/

Omniarch has grown more than 300% in the last year. The agency has an internal goal to make Nordics e-commerce better, and as such, they strive to share as much knowledge externally as they can, for free, within each year. They are working with around 40 of the Nordics largest and most successful e-commerce brands, and have established a great platform to attract amazing e-commerce talent through exemplary company culture. We are excited to present to them the “Ecommerce Agency of the Year, Nordics” award. 

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