Glassblower Website for Michael Ruh | E-commerce Evolution
Michael Ruh Studio specialises in hand-blown coloured glassware, creating high-value hand crafted pieces with worldwide acclaim. Our collaboration began in 2017 when they needed to expand beyond their successful wholesale business into direct-to-consumer sales.
This long-term partnership has supported their digital growth through two major iterations, from a custom Squarespace design to a robust Shopify platform, adapting as their online business flourished and their product range expanded.
Website Challenges for a Glassblowing Studio
The Michael Ruh Studio faced unique e-commerce challenges requiring specialised solutions:
Converting high-value, hand-blown made to order glassware to compelling online sales required overcoming customer perception barriers
The made-to-order coloured glassware offering needed clear communication of customisation options and production timelines
Translating the tactile qualities and craftsmanship of hand-blown glass through digital presentation demanded exceptional visual strategy
Their growing success required a transition from initial e-commerce capability to a more sophisticated platform with diverse payment options
E-commerce Evolution - Squarespace to Shopify
This multi-year collaboration evolved through two distinct phases to address changing business needs:
2017 Squarespace Foundation
Developed their first e-commerce presence with custom CSS styling to elevate the presentation
Implemented a made-to-order system that clearly communicated the artisanal production process
Created a visual narrative highlighting the studio's craftsmanship and artistry
Established bespoke project showcases to demonstrate custom capabilities beyond standard offerings
2021 Shopify Expansion
Orchestrated a strategic migration to Shopify to accommodate business growth and expanded product range
Researched and selected the optimal template for their evolving business requirements
Implemented diverse payment gateways to support international clientele
Enhanced the product presentation system to manage their growing collection
Strategic Approach to Luxury Craft E-commerce
Our collaboration focused on translating exquisite craftsmanship into digital excellence:
Conducted in-depth research on customer perceptions when purchasing luxury glassware online
Commissioned specialised product photography to capture the unique qualities of hand-blown glass
Collaborated with a copywriter to develop content that conveys the artistry behind each piece
Designed a natural, minimal aesthetic with harmonious color choices to complement the glassware
Created an intuitive system for showcasing bespoke projects and case studies
Business Impact - Digital Channel Growth
The website evolution has transformed Michael Ruh Studio's business model:
Successfully established direct-to-consumer sales as a significant revenue channel
Created a digital showcase worthy of their high-end, luxury glassware
Facilitated the studio's expansion from wholesale focus to a balanced multi-channel approach
Built a scalable platform that continues to grow with their evolving business needs
After project completion, clients receive training for self-updates, so live website content may differ from my original design.
