Enhancing E-commerce Apps for a Leading German Retail Chain

Learn what we did for our German client to redesign Android and iOS mobile apps and improve user experience. In the end, app users got a better search functionality, were able to use apps on more external devices, and enjoyed the overall smooth experience when using the client’s apps.
E-commerce applications on the phone screen

Client Overview

Our client is a renowned German IT solutions provider specializing in mobile commerce technologies. Their software powers a wide range of retail innovations, including mobile payments, Scan & Go, smart vending, self-checkout, and customer analytics — driving operational efficiency and improving the shopper journey for many retailers across Germany.

Project Objectives

The project aimed to elevate the mobile shopping experience for a national retail chain through a comprehensive redesign of its native Android and iOS applications. Our mission:

  • Introduce a new backend architecture
  • Implement advanced search capabilities
  • Improve app UI and navigation
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and data privacy

Why GP Solutions?

The client chose GP Solutions for our proven track record in mobile development, excellent communication, and seamless integration into distributed teams. Our specialists rapidly aligned with the client’s agile workflows, demonstrating both technical competence and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Enhancements Delivered

e-commerce app

Powerful Search Integration

We engineered an API to connect the client’s newly built website backend with the mobile apps, ensuring data consistency and unlocking real-time search functionality across platforms.

snabble screens

Barcode Scanner & Dynamic Shortcuts

To make product discovery even more effortless, we integrated a barcode scanner accessible via dynamic shortcuts, allowing users to scan items directly from their device’s home screen.

3D Catalog Integration Using a pre-selected third-party library, we built a custom integration between the client’s native app and their 3D product catalog, enhancing visual engagement and driving conversion.

Compliance & Data Privacy Our team implemented critical privacy features, including:

  • One-click data deletion in the Android app;
  • Full App Tracking Transparency (ATT) support in iOS, ensuring App Store compliance and user trust.

Stability & Performance Optimization

E-commerce software

Bug fixing

We conducted extensive refactoring to eliminate legacy bugs and upgraded outdated codebases, delivering a faster, more stable app experience.

Process

UI & Navigation Overhaul

We addressed navigation issues that previously disrupted the shopping journey. Enhancements included:

  • Persistent search sessions
  • Custom labeling and layout adjustments
  • Optimized image formats for improved performance

 

Business Impact

Thanks to the app overhaul, the retail chain now offers a significantly improved digital shopping experience. Customers enjoy intuitive navigation, fast search, visual product discovery, and trusted data handling.

Scope
0 +
man-hours
Usage
0 %
increase in barcode scanner
Speed
0 %
improvement in app search
Technology

Android: Java (Android 7-11.0), Kotlin (1.3-1.5.31), FasterXml, STAX, Moshi, AndroidX, OkHttp3, Volley, Ingenico, Firebase, Google Play Services, ZXing, Blaetterkatalog.

IOS: Swift 5-5.5, UIKit, Combine, Firebase, GoogleAppMeasurement, GoogleDataTransport, GoogleUtilities (Network, Logger), FlexibleRowHeightGridLayout, InAppSettingsKit, KeychainAccess, MBProgressHUD, MultiSlider, nanopb, SwiftGen.

Approach

Custom mobile app development

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