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Headless Commerce
API Integration
ARTICLE #135
Table of contents
Composable Commerce: How does it relate to headless commerce?
Headless Commerce
API Integration
Written by:
7 min read
Updated on: October 31, 2024
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
With so many fresh solutions appearing in the e-commerce world, it’s understandable to feel a bit adrift. Should you stick with tried-and-true platforms or experiment with newer models like composable or headless commerce? Both approaches promise freedom and creativity, but each has its own quirks. Headless commerce decouples your store’s front end from its core services. This separation helps brands launch bold user experiences that keep customers smiling. Yet these solutions can still feel restrictive since you’re tied to a single integrated platform (Shopify Plus, Crystallize, Commerceplayer, etc.).
It’s a bit like renting a big house with endless potential—except the landlord won’t let you renovate the kitchen without changing every other room as well. If you dislike those limits, you can either live with them or rebuild your entire platform elsewhere. This brings us to composable commerce. Research says around 72% of retailers have already started using a composable approach. Let’s explore why composable commerce extends beyond simple headless architecture and how to decide if it’s your next move.
With so many fresh solutions appearing in the e-commerce world, it’s understandable to feel a bit adrift. Should you stick with tried-and-true platforms or experiment with newer models like composable or headless commerce? Both approaches promise freedom and creativity, but each has its own quirks. Headless commerce decouples your store’s front end from its core services. This separation helps brands launch bold user experiences that keep customers smiling. Yet these solutions can still feel restrictive since you’re tied to a single integrated platform (Shopify Plus, Crystallize, Commerceplayer, etc.).
It’s a bit like renting a big house with endless potential—except the landlord won’t let you renovate the kitchen without changing every other room as well. If you dislike those limits, you can either live with them or rebuild your entire platform elsewhere. This brings us to composable commerce. Research says around 72% of retailers have already started using a composable approach. Let’s explore why composable commerce extends beyond simple headless architecture and how to decide if it’s your next move.
What is composable commerce?
What is composable commerce?
Each business has its own goals, culture, and peculiarities. So why rely on a cookie-cutter e-commerce platform? That’s the logic behind composable commerce. This method allows you to pick and mix different technologies—or “building blocks”—to create an online store precisely suited to your needs. Some businesses prefer an out-of-the-box system; others need deeper custom work to keep pace with rapid market shifts. According to recent data, roughly 46% of IT teams have already jumped into composable commerce, and another 43% are planning to follow suit.
Instead of relying on a single, monolithic platform, composable commerce breaks everything into manageable modules you can swap, enhance, or retire whenever you see fit. Here are the building blocks that make this possible:
Microservices
Microservices are tiny applications, each handling a specific function—payments, product listings, user accounts, you name it. You can combine several of these independent units into a more extensive system. If one microservice fails, it won’t necessarily sink your entire operation.
Packaged Business Capabilities (PBCs)
PBCs are also software components, but they come pre-bundled with particular capabilities—such as checkout or catalogue management—ready to slot in with minimal fuss. They’re perfect if you want to reduce complexity or cost. Examples include all-in-one modules for storefronts, promotions, carts, and payment.
Application Programming Interface (API)
APIs tell these modular parts how to “chat” with one another. They ensure smooth data exchange across your e-commerce ecosystem. Without APIs, each microservice or PBC would operate in isolation, and your store would feel about as cohesive as a puzzle with missing pieces.
Each business has its own goals, culture, and peculiarities. So why rely on a cookie-cutter e-commerce platform? That’s the logic behind composable commerce. This method allows you to pick and mix different technologies—or “building blocks”—to create an online store precisely suited to your needs. Some businesses prefer an out-of-the-box system; others need deeper custom work to keep pace with rapid market shifts. According to recent data, roughly 46% of IT teams have already jumped into composable commerce, and another 43% are planning to follow suit.
Instead of relying on a single, monolithic platform, composable commerce breaks everything into manageable modules you can swap, enhance, or retire whenever you see fit. Here are the building blocks that make this possible:
Microservices
Microservices are tiny applications, each handling a specific function—payments, product listings, user accounts, you name it. You can combine several of these independent units into a more extensive system. If one microservice fails, it won’t necessarily sink your entire operation.
Packaged Business Capabilities (PBCs)
PBCs are also software components, but they come pre-bundled with particular capabilities—such as checkout or catalogue management—ready to slot in with minimal fuss. They’re perfect if you want to reduce complexity or cost. Examples include all-in-one modules for storefronts, promotions, carts, and payment.
Application Programming Interface (API)
APIs tell these modular parts how to “chat” with one another. They ensure smooth data exchange across your e-commerce ecosystem. Without APIs, each microservice or PBC would operate in isolation, and your store would feel about as cohesive as a puzzle with missing pieces.
Composable commerce vs traditional commerce
In traditional e-commerce, you typically use a monolithic platform that packages every function under one roof—payments, inventory, user management, CMS, and more. Yes, it can be straightforward at the start, but it often lacks the agility you need to differentiate your brand or scale efficiently.
Meanwhile, composable commerce follows a modular design. You can bring in best-of-breed tools and services and then integrate them all via APIs. It’s easier to pivot, test new features, and connect with third-party apps. Traditional e-commerce platforms, by contrast, are more rigid, making it harder to share data across multiple systems or experiment with fresh ideas.
In traditional e-commerce, you typically use a monolithic platform that packages every function under one roof—payments, inventory, user management, CMS, and more. Yes, it can be straightforward at the start, but it often lacks the agility you need to differentiate your brand or scale efficiently.
Meanwhile, composable commerce follows a modular design. You can bring in best-of-breed tools and services and then integrate them all via APIs. It’s easier to pivot, test new features, and connect with third-party apps. Traditional e-commerce platforms, by contrast, are more rigid, making it harder to share data across multiple systems or experiment with fresh ideas.
Difference between composable commerce and headless commerce
Composable and headless often get lumped together in conversation, but they’re not identical twins. Yes, both take a modern approach to e-commerce architecture. However, headless commerce focuses on decoupling your front end (the “face” of your store) from the commerce engine, while composable commerce takes a more modular approach across every little piece of your tech ecosystem. Below, we’ll break down the differences in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over—promise.
Architecture
Picture a box of assorted LEGO bricks, each one representing a different microservice or Packaged Business Capability (PBC). You can slot these bricks together any way you like to build your dream store. If you find a better brick later (say, a shiny new payment service), you can swap it in without knocking the entire structure to the ground.
In contrast, “headless” simply means your front end (the “head”) is separate from the commerce engine. You still have some freedom in how you style that front end, but the backend is more or less one big chunk. So yes, you’re decoupled from the storefront, but the rest of the system might still be pretty rigid.
Frontend Flexibility
In composable commerce, freedom rules. Want to experiment with a new front-end framework, like Vue or React? Go for it. Feel like ditching your current search function for a brand-new microservice next week? Why not. You have full flexibility to pick and choose the best fit, both on the front end and behind the scenes.
Headless gives you a definite boost on the interface side: no more fighting a one-size-fits-all front end. But because you are tied to a more monolithic commerce engine, your creative freedom only stretches so far. You’ll have to keep your front end in sync with that single robust backend.
Development Speed
One of the biggest perks of composable commerce is that you can update individual services in isolation. If the checkout flow is messing up conversions, you can fix or replace just that piece—no need to take the entire store offline or force an all-at-once update. You basically edit and push changes at your own pace.
You do get some flexibility, but each tweak to your store’s front end may still require a thumbs-up (or code changes) from the backend commerce platform. It’s faster than old-school platforms, but not always lightning-quick, especially if your backend has strict protocols to maintain.
Customisation
Composable commerce approach is like a massive buffet of best-in-class services: want to add a personalisation tool from Vendor A and a shipping solution from Vendor B? Grab a plate and load up on whatever suits you. It’s perfect if you want to combine big brand features and keep things nimble.
If you are after total creative control—particularly for a unique brand experience—headless can feel like a dream come true. You’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter storefront, and you can customise the interface to match the brand vibe precisely. The caveat? The deeper your customisations go, the more you become reliant on that one commerce engine.
Ecosystem Integration
Consider it as a tech playground. You can plug in or remove different tools and solutions without orchestrating a rescue mission for your entire infrastructure. If you’ve ever tried to integrate a new CRM or payment system, you know how refreshing that can be.
While you do have room to bolt on external tools, you’re still tethered to your existing commerce platform. If the platform’s not super friendly with that shiny third-party tool you love, you might need some complicated duct tape to make everything work together.
Vendor Lock-In
Since each service stands on its own, you can swap out any single element without toppling the rest of your digital house of cards. This means you’re less tied to a single provider. If a new shipping partner offers better rates, you’re free to integrate them quickly.
In headless commerce you’ll still face a degree of dependency on whichever commerce engine you’re using. Switching to a completely different platform can mean a major overhaul: new backend, new integrations, new nightmares.
Maintenance
Maintaining small, independent pieces can actually be simpler in composable commerce. If one microservice goes down or needs an update, you address it solo without risking a meltdown across your entire store. Your dev team can zero in on that specific segment, fix it, and move on.
In a headless approach, you do enjoy a certain level of independence on the front end, any significant changes in the backend might affect how the front end functions. For instance, if you add a big new feature in the commerce platform, the front end might need to adjust too, forcing you to coordinate updates between both layers.
Composable and headless often get lumped together in conversation, but they’re not identical twins. Yes, both take a modern approach to e-commerce architecture. However, headless commerce focuses on decoupling your front end (the “face” of your store) from the commerce engine, while composable commerce takes a more modular approach across every little piece of your tech ecosystem. Below, we’ll break down the differences in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over—promise.
Architecture
Picture a box of assorted LEGO bricks, each one representing a different microservice or Packaged Business Capability (PBC). You can slot these bricks together any way you like to build your dream store. If you find a better brick later (say, a shiny new payment service), you can swap it in without knocking the entire structure to the ground.
In contrast, “headless” simply means your front end (the “head”) is separate from the commerce engine. You still have some freedom in how you style that front end, but the backend is more or less one big chunk. So yes, you’re decoupled from the storefront, but the rest of the system might still be pretty rigid.
Frontend Flexibility
In composable commerce, freedom rules. Want to experiment with a new front-end framework, like Vue or React? Go for it. Feel like ditching your current search function for a brand-new microservice next week? Why not. You have full flexibility to pick and choose the best fit, both on the front end and behind the scenes.
Headless gives you a definite boost on the interface side: no more fighting a one-size-fits-all front end. But because you are tied to a more monolithic commerce engine, your creative freedom only stretches so far. You’ll have to keep your front end in sync with that single robust backend.
Development Speed
One of the biggest perks of composable commerce is that you can update individual services in isolation. If the checkout flow is messing up conversions, you can fix or replace just that piece—no need to take the entire store offline or force an all-at-once update. You basically edit and push changes at your own pace.
You do get some flexibility, but each tweak to your store’s front end may still require a thumbs-up (or code changes) from the backend commerce platform. It’s faster than old-school platforms, but not always lightning-quick, especially if your backend has strict protocols to maintain.
Customisation
Composable commerce approach is like a massive buffet of best-in-class services: want to add a personalisation tool from Vendor A and a shipping solution from Vendor B? Grab a plate and load up on whatever suits you. It’s perfect if you want to combine big brand features and keep things nimble.
If you are after total creative control—particularly for a unique brand experience—headless can feel like a dream come true. You’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter storefront, and you can customise the interface to match the brand vibe precisely. The caveat? The deeper your customisations go, the more you become reliant on that one commerce engine.
Ecosystem Integration
Consider it as a tech playground. You can plug in or remove different tools and solutions without orchestrating a rescue mission for your entire infrastructure. If you’ve ever tried to integrate a new CRM or payment system, you know how refreshing that can be.
While you do have room to bolt on external tools, you’re still tethered to your existing commerce platform. If the platform’s not super friendly with that shiny third-party tool you love, you might need some complicated duct tape to make everything work together.
Vendor Lock-In
Since each service stands on its own, you can swap out any single element without toppling the rest of your digital house of cards. This means you’re less tied to a single provider. If a new shipping partner offers better rates, you’re free to integrate them quickly.
In headless commerce you’ll still face a degree of dependency on whichever commerce engine you’re using. Switching to a completely different platform can mean a major overhaul: new backend, new integrations, new nightmares.
Maintenance
Maintaining small, independent pieces can actually be simpler in composable commerce. If one microservice goes down or needs an update, you address it solo without risking a meltdown across your entire store. Your dev team can zero in on that specific segment, fix it, and move on.
In a headless approach, you do enjoy a certain level of independence on the front end, any significant changes in the backend might affect how the front end functions. For instance, if you add a big new feature in the commerce platform, the front end might need to adjust too, forcing you to coordinate updates between both layers.
Why composable commerce appeals to modern businesses
Changing consumer habits, new competitors, and evolving technology can put any e-commerce strategy on edge. Composable commerce tackles these challenges by offering a pick-and-choose approach—businesses can integrate or replace individual services without performing open-heart surgery on their entire platform. It’s a bit like keeping a well-stocked toolbox: when you need a specific feature, you pop in the right microservice; if it starts creaking, you swap it out without tearing down the whole house.
Drives business impact
Instead of plugging every challenge into one system, composable commerce lets you hand-pick the best solutions. That approach increases your capacity to create compelling experiences, reduce delays in data sharing, and boost overall performance. You are effectively making your e-commerce stack more nimble while giving customers novel ways to shop.
Provides flexibility in building a technology stack
With composable commerce, you can opt for whichever payment gateway, CMS, or shipping service suits your immediate objectives. If you outgrow one tool, simply replace it with another. This approach keeps you agile, especially when traffic surges or you target a fresh market segment.
Gives freedom to platform customisation
Composability means no one’s forcing you to accept every feature from a monolithic package. Want a custom front end for a hyper-personalised brand experience? Go for it. Need a time-saving workflow for internal teams? That’s doable too. A well-known example is Starboard, a water sports brand that used a composable Product Information Management (PIM) module combined with headless functionality to streamline collaboration.
Future-proof your business and commerce stack
Traditional “all-in-one” platforms can get outdated fast, and large-scale updates often carry eye-watering costs. By contrast, a modular structure lets you add new tech or retire old components as customer preferences shift. You are less likely to be stuck with outdated software when you can replace pieces independently.
Delivers innovative experiences for e-commerce platforms
Whether you are integrating augmented reality demos or advanced AI-driven chatbots, composable commerce gives you the runway to experiment. Consider Siemens Healthineers, which used composable components to expand its e-commerce capabilities for medical devices. By taking smaller, specialised pieces, they created a more efficient buying process and improved service quality—without having to tear down everything else.
Changing consumer habits, new competitors, and evolving technology can put any e-commerce strategy on edge. Composable commerce tackles these challenges by offering a pick-and-choose approach—businesses can integrate or replace individual services without performing open-heart surgery on their entire platform. It’s a bit like keeping a well-stocked toolbox: when you need a specific feature, you pop in the right microservice; if it starts creaking, you swap it out without tearing down the whole house.
Drives business impact
Instead of plugging every challenge into one system, composable commerce lets you hand-pick the best solutions. That approach increases your capacity to create compelling experiences, reduce delays in data sharing, and boost overall performance. You are effectively making your e-commerce stack more nimble while giving customers novel ways to shop.
Provides flexibility in building a technology stack
With composable commerce, you can opt for whichever payment gateway, CMS, or shipping service suits your immediate objectives. If you outgrow one tool, simply replace it with another. This approach keeps you agile, especially when traffic surges or you target a fresh market segment.
Gives freedom to platform customisation
Composability means no one’s forcing you to accept every feature from a monolithic package. Want a custom front end for a hyper-personalised brand experience? Go for it. Need a time-saving workflow for internal teams? That’s doable too. A well-known example is Starboard, a water sports brand that used a composable Product Information Management (PIM) module combined with headless functionality to streamline collaboration.
Future-proof your business and commerce stack
Traditional “all-in-one” platforms can get outdated fast, and large-scale updates often carry eye-watering costs. By contrast, a modular structure lets you add new tech or retire old components as customer preferences shift. You are less likely to be stuck with outdated software when you can replace pieces independently.
Delivers innovative experiences for e-commerce platforms
Whether you are integrating augmented reality demos or advanced AI-driven chatbots, composable commerce gives you the runway to experiment. Consider Siemens Healthineers, which used composable components to expand its e-commerce capabilities for medical devices. By taking smaller, specialised pieces, they created a more efficient buying process and improved service quality—without having to tear down everything else.
Where composable commerce can be challenging
Let’s not pretend it’s all smooth sailing. Building your e-commerce strategy around small, independent microservices can trigger a few headaches if you’re not prepared. While the payoff can be huge, it’s important to face potential issues head-on so they don’t morph into major roadblocks.
Complex integration process
Yes, microservices and PBCs are fun to mix and match, but orchestrating them smoothly can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a well-versed tech team. Each component has its own dependencies and data structures, so wrangling them under one roof can become time-consuming.
Vendor management
A monolithic platform means dealing with one supplier; composable commerce might mean juggling multiple contracts, service-level agreements, and technical docs from different vendors. If your organisation is large and your internal processes are set up for complexity, this may be fine. Otherwise, brace yourself for more coordination.
Limited all-in-one support
With composable commerce, you might have a separate support team for each service. If you prefer a one-stop support call to fix everything, you’ll find composable architecture more complicated to manage. This do-it-yourself approach typically suits companies that are tech-savvy and comfortable with multiple vendor relationships.
Let’s not pretend it’s all smooth sailing. Building your e-commerce strategy around small, independent microservices can trigger a few headaches if you’re not prepared. While the payoff can be huge, it’s important to face potential issues head-on so they don’t morph into major roadblocks.
Complex integration process
Yes, microservices and PBCs are fun to mix and match, but orchestrating them smoothly can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a well-versed tech team. Each component has its own dependencies and data structures, so wrangling them under one roof can become time-consuming.
Vendor management
A monolithic platform means dealing with one supplier; composable commerce might mean juggling multiple contracts, service-level agreements, and technical docs from different vendors. If your organisation is large and your internal processes are set up for complexity, this may be fine. Otherwise, brace yourself for more coordination.
Limited all-in-one support
With composable commerce, you might have a separate support team for each service. If you prefer a one-stop support call to fix everything, you’ll find composable architecture more complicated to manage. This do-it-yourself approach typically suits companies that are tech-savvy and comfortable with multiple vendor relationships.
Implementing a composable commerce or headless solution
Composable and headless commerce often go hand in hand. You can run a headless setup using a SaaS model or cloud platform that’s open to various integrations, effectively mixing and matching services. Either way, ensure your APIs stay in sync so each module plays nicely with the rest.
The MACH architecture
MACH stands for Microservices, APIs, Cloud Native, and Headless. This framework underpins many modern commerce solutions, letting you slot composable modules in as needed. If you want to keep your brand flexible and ready for unexpected shifts, MACH-based structures are a reliable starting point.
Composable and headless commerce often go hand in hand. You can run a headless setup using a SaaS model or cloud platform that’s open to various integrations, effectively mixing and matching services. Either way, ensure your APIs stay in sync so each module plays nicely with the rest.
The MACH architecture
MACH stands for Microservices, APIs, Cloud Native, and Headless. This framework underpins many modern commerce solutions, letting you slot composable modules in as needed. If you want to keep your brand flexible and ready for unexpected shifts, MACH-based structures are a reliable starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the trends in composable commerce?
Key trends include technology democratisation, broad adoption of AI, increased consumer awareness, and a shift toward omnichannel personalisation. The popularity of modular architecture is growing, even when broader economic conditions are shaky.
What are the drawbacks of headless commerce?
It relies heavily on APIs, custom integration, and multiple systems, making life hard if you lack technical expertise. Splitting the front end from the back end can also require more oversight and collaboration to keep everything running smoothly.
Is Magento composable?
Magento is known for its flexibility. Many vendors offer headless front-end solutions for Magento, and it also supports the broader principles of composable commerce if you want to scale beyond a single platform.
Final Thoughts
Headless commerce is a powerful tool, but it’s ultimately one piece of the composable puzzle. If you are a brand that’s comfortable managing multiple moving parts—and eager for more hands-on control—composable commerce might be your best bet. You’ll be able to swap, adapt, and expand as your business evolves, all without being stuck in a single ecosystem.
And in a market where online retailers are always looking for ways to stay ahead, adopting both headless and composable elements can be a savvy path forward. By uniting the adaptability of headless commerce with the modular approach of composable systems, you can deliver exceptional online experiences, refine internal operations, and extend your store’s lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the trends in composable commerce?
Key trends include technology democratisation, broad adoption of AI, increased consumer awareness, and a shift toward omnichannel personalisation. The popularity of modular architecture is growing, even when broader economic conditions are shaky.
What are the drawbacks of headless commerce?
It relies heavily on APIs, custom integration, and multiple systems, making life hard if you lack technical expertise. Splitting the front end from the back end can also require more oversight and collaboration to keep everything running smoothly.
Is Magento composable?
Magento is known for its flexibility. Many vendors offer headless front-end solutions for Magento, and it also supports the broader principles of composable commerce if you want to scale beyond a single platform.
Final Thoughts
Headless commerce is a powerful tool, but it’s ultimately one piece of the composable puzzle. If you are a brand that’s comfortable managing multiple moving parts—and eager for more hands-on control—composable commerce might be your best bet. You’ll be able to swap, adapt, and expand as your business evolves, all without being stuck in a single ecosystem.
And in a market where online retailers are always looking for ways to stay ahead, adopting both headless and composable elements can be a savvy path forward. By uniting the adaptability of headless commerce with the modular approach of composable systems, you can deliver exceptional online experiences, refine internal operations, and extend your store’s lifespan.
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Work with us
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work@for.co
- FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
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Click to copy
New York, NY
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Click to copy
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Copyright © 2024 FOR®
Work with us
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We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
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Click to copy
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