Commercial collaboration
Starting a new knitting project – it sounds like creativity, relaxation, and anticipation. But for many, it begins with a challenge: Which set is the right one? Oonique offers over 1,800 different knitting and crochet sets – from simple beginner projects to intricate masterpieces.
The vast selection is a dream for creatives but can also be overwhelming. If customers can’t find what they’re looking for right away, they leave the site frustrated – and that’s exactly what Oonique wanted to prevent. The search function needed to be more than just a tool; it had to be a personal shopping assistant that provides the perfect inspiration.
That’s where DooFinder came in. With intelligent search and personalized recommendations, the shopping experience at Oonique has completely transformed.
The idea behind Oonique
Knitting and crocheting are more than just hobbies – they are a form of creativity, relaxation, and sometimes even a little therapy. But anyone who has ever tried to find the perfect yarn or the right set for a new project knows the struggle: The selection is vast, and often, the right guidance is missing to get started right away.
This is where Oonique steps in. The company has made it its mission to curate knitting and crochet sets for every skill level – including matching instructions and high-quality materials. Whether a complete beginner or an experienced knitter, Oonique ensures that the journey from the first stitch to the finished project is not just easy but also inspiring.
That’s why Oonique is a perfect fit for the E-Commerce Berlin Expo: Their business model showcases how online shops can revolutionize the shopping experience with smart search technologies and personalization.
The challenge: When variety becomes a hurdle
Create unique DIY projects. But before the needles start clicking, there’s a different challenge: Choosing the right knitting or crochet set.
Oonique’s product range is huge: Over 1,800 different sets, each with 10 to 20 variations, plus a wide selection of yarns, needles, and colors. The variety is meant to inspire – but for many customers, it became a real obstacle.
From browsing to overwhelm
Instead of eagerly starting their next project, many customers found themselves lost in an endless sea of products. The questions piled up:
- Which set matches my skill level?
- What needle size do I need for my project?
- Which yarn quality is best for my desired result?
Those who knew exactly what they were looking for might have found their desired product through navigation – but for many, the process was frustrating and confusing.
The limitations of standard search
The standard search function didn’t make things any easier. It couldn’t provide intelligent suggestions, recognize typos, or offer personalized recommendations. Customers had to enter the exact product name – and if they mistyped or used an uncommon term, the result was often disappointing:
“No results found.”
Or even worse: Too many results, most of them irrelevant, leading to even more confusion.
The result? Frustration, drop-offs, and lost sales. If customers didn’t feel like they were finding what they needed within seconds, they gave up – and left the site.
The urgency of a solution
For Oonique, it was clear: They needed an intelligent search that did more than just match product names. A solution that:
- Understands what customers are looking for – even if they phrase it imprecisely.
- Provides personalized suggestions that align with individual preferences.
- Is error-tolerant and recognizes alternative terms.
- Doesn’t just simplify the search process but makes it inspiring.
Because the best product selection is useless if customers can’t easily and intuitively discover it.
The solution? A smart Search & Discovery technology that turns search queries into real shopping experiences.
The solution: Smart search, measurable results
In the past, product search was a test of patience for many Oonique customers. The vast selection of knitting and crochet sets was an advantage, but without precise navigation, it could also feel overwhelming. The result? Frustration instead of inspiration – and lost potential sales.
With DooFinder, that has completely changed. Instead of endlessly scrolling through product lists or hoping for the right search query, customers now receive relevant, personalized results within seconds. The numbers speak for themselves:
Better findability, more clicks
Search shouldn’t just be a functional tool – it should be a real guide for customers. With DooFinder, a static search bar became an intelligent product recommendation tool.
The results:
- 72% higher click-through rate (CTR) – Customers click on relevant products much more frequently because they find exactly what they are looking for.
- Intelligent filters and personalized suggestions simplify navigation through the vast assortment.
- Failed searches (“No results”) are a thing of the past – AI-powered synonyms recognize and complement search terms meaningfully.
More conversions, more revenue
A fast product search is good – but a search that actively drives sales is even better. Customers no longer have to spend time searching for the right product; they are directly guided to the most relevant offers.
The results:
- 47% higher conversion rate – Almost 50% more visitors successfully complete their purchase.
- 10% higher average order value – Customers discover complementary products they might have otherwise overlooked.
- Bounce rate remains stable or decreases – because those who find what they need quickly stay on the site and buy.
Oonique’s private label in focus
For Oonique, it wasn’t just about guiding customers to the perfect knitting or crochet set faster – but also about strengthening their private label.
With Dynamic Reranking, Oonique ensures that their own brand is prioritized – without restricting customers or showing them irrelevant products.
The results:
- 97% more sales of the private label – Oonique’s own products are more visible and purchased more frequently.
- Competitive advantage: Instead of competing with major brands for visibility, Oonique can control which products are highlighted.
Learning from data, optimizing the offering
Another key advantage of DooFinder: Every search query provides valuable insights.
Oonique can now analyze detailed search statistics to optimize its product range, marketing strategy, and even product development.
The results:
- Which products are in high demand? Oonique can identify trends and develop new sets accordingly.
- Which search terms do customers use? Thanks to AI-powered synonyms, DooFinder recognizes alternative spellings or typos and still delivers relevant results.
- Which products underperform? By analyzing weakly converting search queries, Oonique can refine its assortment and optimize specific products.
The effect? Less frustration, more discovery – and satisfied customers who keep coming back.
What other e-commerce brands can learn
Oonique’s success with DooFinder shows that smart product search is not just a nice extra – it’s a true revenue driver. And this applies not only to knitting and crochet shops – any e-commerce brand with a broad assortment can benefit.
Fact #1: Customers who use search convert up to 4x better.
Someone actively searching for a product already has the intent to buy. A precise, intuitive search ensures that these customers don’t drop off but quickly find exactly what they need.
Fact #2: Personalized recommendations increase click rates by 40%.
Ooniq’s example shows that a search technology that doesn’t just react but actively inspires keeps customers in the shop longer and drives more purchases.
Fact #3: Actively promoting private labels? No problem.
With Dynamic Reranking, Oonique was able to boost the visibility of its private label—a strategic approach that’s valuable for other retailers as well. Being able to control which products appear when and where gives you a clear competitive edge.
Fact #4: AI-powered synonyms prevent “no results” pages.
DooFinder automatically detects when customers use alternative terms and directs them to the right products. This eliminates frustration from failed searches.
Fact #5: Guided search reduces bounce rates.
With Guided Search, DooFinder provides a clear path through the catalog—customers are led through filters and suggestions rather than clicking through endless pages.
Fact #6: Smart cart recommendations boost revenue.
With personalized AI recommendations, customers see products that perfectly complement their purchase at checkout—leading to more frequent add-ons.
In short: Search & Discovery technologies like DooFinder turn an online shop into a real sales assistant. And the best part? Implementation is simple – Oonique’s team integrated DooFinder quickly and with minimal effort.
For other e-commerce brands, this means: Investing in smart search today doesn’t just increase conversion rates – it creates a sustainable shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.
Let your product search & discovery work for you!
A search that doesn’t just find products for your customers but inspires them – sounds great, right? It’s time to unlock your full potential. Oonique has already set the example with impressive results – now it’s your turn!
With DooFinder, discover what your product search is truly capable of:
- Boost visibility for your bestsellers and private labels
- Increase conversion rates with personalized recommendations
- Gain clear data and insights for an optimized customer journey
Curious to learn how to turn your shop search from a static tool into a real revenue driver? Let’s talk.
***
