Building digital commerce platforms for retailers and marketplaces
Helmes develops custom software for retailers, e-commerce businesses and marketplaces. We connect customer-facing services with the data, systems and operations behind them, from online shopping and in-store experiences to warehouse management and delivery. Our focus is on scalable, reusable solutions that make retail operations more efficient and customer experiences more consistent.
Helping retailers adapt to changing customer expectations
For nearly two decades, Helmes has helped retailers across Europe develop and improve business-critical software. In recent years, our projects have included POS systems with over 99.9% availability, e-commerce and wholesale platforms, self-service checkout solutions, and applications supporting warehouse and inventory management. Our experience also covers business process automation, system integrations and modernising legacy platforms to support daily operations.
The rise of AI-assisted commerce
AI is already reshaping customer behaviour and retail operations. In 2025, 53% of consumers made purchases based on GenAI recommendations, while 48% of EU retailers used AI for marketing or sales.
In 2026, Helmes has expanded its work in AI-assisted analytics, including connecting AI assistants with existing sales and warehouse data to make business information easier to access and analyse.
Software solutions for retail and e-commerce companies
E-commerce and marketplace platforms
POS and self-service checkout systems
Warehouse management and retail software
Retail systems and data integration solutions
Retail data and information management
Order management and fulfilment solutions
Retail analytics and AI-assisted solutions
Don’t see your solution here?
We’ve developed many more custom software solutions across the retail industry and beyond. We’re happy to explore how our experience could help your business.
Why retail and e-commerce companies choose Helmes
Helmes delivers seamless digital experiences through end-to-end software development, security-led engineering, customer-centred design and expertise in data and systems integration.
Master data management solution for wholesale
For a Baltic wholesale and distribution group, Helmes developed a centralised master data management solution that brings customer, logistics and operational data together. The platform reduces duplication and inconsistencies, making reliable information available across the business and supporting more efficient daily operations.
- 14 business systems connected
- 11 companies using a centralised data platform
- 650,000+ logistics locations managed through the solution
Smarter analytics for online retail
Norwegian online retailer Get Inspired brought data from its e-commerce, marketing, CRM and warehouse systems into a cloud-based data warehouse developed by Helmes. The solution automates reporting, reduces manual work and gives teams faster access to business insights while significantly lowering operating costs.
- 20 hours saved monthly on manual data aggregation
- 15x lower monthly data warehouse running costs
- Automated access to previously unavailable business insights
Cloud migration for Gumtree
Helmes worked with UK marketplace Gumtree to migrate its platform to Google Cloud, modernise core services and develop new mobile applications. The project established independent operations without critical disruption to users, while improving platform performance, reliability and infrastructure efficiency.
- €1.1M+ saved annually in operating costs
- Up to 5x faster incremental batch processing
- 250 million obsolete images removed during cloud optimisation
After-sales platform for Telia
Telia’s centralised after-sales platform brings device repairs, returns and repurchases into one system. Developed by Helmes, the solution connects internal operations with external service partners, automates workflows and enables customers to manage and track their cases online, supporting more efficient operations and device reuse.
- 400+ stores supported
- 6 countries using the platform
- 100+ systems integrated
Shoppers expect seamless digital experiences
While online shopping has become mainstream, more than one-third of EU consumers still experience issues with their purchases, most commonly slower-than-expected delivery and poor website usability.
At Helmes, we address these challenges by involving design expertise from the start of software development, using customer research and usability testing to guide decisions and make digital services easier to use.
Proven expertise in retail software
Retail standards and regulations
Our teams have practical experience developing retail and e-commerce software with a focus on accessibility and customer data protection.
- EAA – European accessibility requirements for e-commerce
- WCAG – Web accessibility guidelines
- GDPR – Customer data protection and privacy
Technical expertise for complex retail systems
- AI-assisted software development and testing to accelerate delivery and maintain quality across e-commerce, POS and retail platforms.
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Master and product data management and complex systems integration, including data quality, product attribute mapping and connections between POS, ERP, inventory, warehouse and e-commerce systems.
- Stable, experienced delivery teams with 5+ years of working together, combining technical expertise with an understanding of retail operations and long-term client needs.
Our experts in retail and e-commerce solutions
Whether you’re planning a new commerce platform, improving customer journeys, connecting existing systems or exploring AI-powered solutions, our experts can help you assess the options and define the right approach. We start with a free consultation to discuss your needs and how we can work together.
You will be in good hands
Our customers consistently rate us as the best external software development partner. We achieve this through long-term collaboration, stable delivery teams, and deep domain knowledge.
Trusted by leading organisations across enterprise, government, and regulated industries, we support clients through development centres in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, with additional offices in Switzerland, Germany, India, Nigeria, the USA, and Uruguay.
Frequently asked questions
How do you modernise legacy commerce systems without disrupting operations?
We modernise legacy commerce systems in phases, integrating new components and gradually migrating critical workflows while keeping existing operations running.
Can you improve product discovery with AI-powered search and recommendations?
Yes. We can develop AI-powered product discovery solutions, including semantic search, multilingual search and personalized recommendations to help customers find relevant products faster.
Can your solutions support product safety and traceability for goods sold in the EU?
Yes. We can build systems that support product data quality, traceability, and stronger seller and product controls in line with the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation.
Can you support cross-border e-commerce platforms as EU VAT rules evolve?
Yes. We can design commerce platforms and data flows that support cross-border operations and reporting readiness in line with the EU’s ViDA package.
How do you support accessible online stores and customer journeys in line with EU accessibility rules?
We can design and improve e-commerce journeys – from navigation and product pages to checkout and self-service – to support compliance with the EU accessibility requirements that apply to online shops from 28 June 2025.
How do you collaborate with retail companies?
We offer flexible collaboration models, from full product development teams and hybrid teams working alongside our clients’ in-house teams to consulting, specialised support and access to specialist expertise for specific projects and technical challenges.
How does cooperation typically start?
Cooperation usually starts with a free consultation to discuss your business needs, existing systems and project goals. Based on this initial conversation, we agree on the next steps, typically starting with a discovery phase where we analyse your current systems and define the best approach to move forward.