Nite Ize

In a small cabin in Colorado in 1989, Rick Case launched Nite Ize with one product: a Headband Mini Flashlight Holder. Since then, the company has grown “from a cabin-based startup to a distributor of 500+ products worldwide,” branching out to a variety of industries including camping, outdoor activities, pets, and mobile phone accessories.

Largely selling to big-name retailers like Home Depot, Lowes, and Harbor Freight, Nite Ize designs and manufactures inventor-driven products that not only light the way, but innovatively solve everyday problems.

With an already existing brick-and-mortar presence, Nite Ize knew it wanted to build its online presence and enhance its B2C eCommerce experience — but first, the team needed the support of a strong developer agency. After facing challenges with its previous agency, Nite Ize ultimately chose to partner with Kadro Solutions in hopes of growing its eCommerce business and laying the foundation for future growth.

As with many retailers, Nite Ize experienced a dramatic rise in eCommerce sales and interest with the onset of COVID-19. Spurred by the pandemic, Nite Ize decided to migrate its eCommerce site to Adobe Commerce before finding Kadro.

However, the rapid increase in sales and web traffic only exacerbated existing issues within their new digital infrastructure. Troubleshooting and bug fixing became a game of whack-a-mole, with quick fixes and patches perpetuating a cycle of instability rather than fostering sustainable growth.

The intricacies of Nite Ize’s eCommerce ecosystem also posed significant hurdles, from the disjointed integration between Oracle and Adobe Commerce issues with Google Shopping feeds. Nite Ize encountered obstacles ranging from technical complexities with configurable products to concerns regarding payment options and security vulnerabilities.

In addition to its own website, Nite Ize was also managing a site for its sister brand, TRU Zip. Launched by Nite Ize in 2019, TRU Zip is a patented zipper technology used for products such as waterproof backpacks, jackets, and scuba gear.

While Nite Ize does offer a handful of products that use TRU Zip, the company primarily licenses the technology to other brands to use on their own products. However, with TRU Zip initially being housed on WordPress, the site acted more as a blog and less as an eCommerce site. Although functional, the site’s design was outdated and in need of a comprehensive refresh.

Recognizing its need for a strategic partner, Nite Ize sought Kadro’s engineering expertise to navigate its complexities and overhaul its eCommerce operations.

Inheriting the project from a previous agency, Kadro embarked on a transformative eCommerce journey with Nite Ize. The project began with a comprehensive site assessment, where Kadro identified key pain points and opportunities for improvement.

Key Integrations

TRU Zip Positioned for Growth

Finally, the launch of the TRU Zip site on Adobe Commerce marked a significant achievement. With the guidance of Kadro, Nite Ize was empowered to present its patented technology with unparalleled clarity and functionality. Leveraging the robust framework of Adobe Commerce, the client found the functionality it needed to offer an immersive customer experience and highlight the versatility of TRU Zip technology.