Every retailer today faces the same challenge: how to keep up with customer expectations while staying cost-efficient and scalable. For one mid-sized retailer in the U.S., the answer was clear — move to the cloud. But the path wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
Their journey became a success story thanks to a solid cloud migration strategy, tailored retail cloud solutions, and the expert support they received along the way — especially from our team here at Axelliant.
Starting Point: Limitations of On-Prem
This retailer has built their IT infrastructure over the past 15 years. They managed everything from in-store inventory to eCommerce platforms using a mix of legacy systems and on-prem servers. As their operations grew, so did the complexity.
The problems started stacking up — slow data access, inconsistent system performance, costly hardware updates, and poor visibility across departments. Managing security patches and downtime was taking time away from innovation. They knew something had to change.
Choosing Google Cloud
After evaluating several options, the retailer chose to begin their Google Cloud migration. The flexibility, scalability, and built-in AI tools made Google Cloud a good fit. But what truly helped them decide was its strong ecosystem and proven track record in retail.
They didn’t want to just “lift and shift” their systems. They needed to modernize them. That’s where Axelliant stepped in — to guide the process with a clear cloud migration strategy designed around the retailer’s actual needs.
Laying the Foundation: Strategy First
One of the first things we did was sit down with the client and understand their business goals. They weren’t just moving to Google Cloud for the sake of it. They wanted:
- Faster product rollouts
- Better customer experience across channels
- Improved data reporting
- Lower operational costs
With those goals in mind, we helped map out a realistic timeline and broke the migration down into phases. Our team focused on moving critical workloads first — like point-of-sale data and customer profiles — and then tackled supporting systems like analytics and inventory.
This staged approach minimized disruptions and allowed their internal teams to adjust gradually.
Tackling Retail-Specific Challenges
Retail operations bring their own unique set of challenges. Data flows in from stores, warehouses, suppliers, and online platforms, often in real-time. Delays or errors can lead to inventory mismanagement, poor customer service, and lost sales.
Using retail cloud solutions built specifically for these needs, we helped the retailer connect their systems and gain a single view of their operations. Google Cloud’s AI tools also made it easier to predict demand, manage supply chain risks, and personalize customer experiences.
One specific win: they reduced out-of-stock errors by 28% within the first three months after migration. This was made possible by combining sales data, location info, and supplier timelines using Google Cloud’s data services.
Why the Right Help Matters
A common mistake in cloud migrations is trying to do everything at once, without a clear plan or experienced partner. That’s why the client credits the success of their Google Cloud migration to the strategic approach and hands-on support Axelliant provided throughout the process.
We weren’t just advisors; we became an extension of their team. We helped train their staff, adjusted plans when business needs shifted, and ensured they had the right tools at each stage of the journey.
Real Results, Real Impact
Within six months of the initial migration phase, the retailer saw measurable improvements:
- Application performance improved by 45%
- IT maintenance costs dropped by 35%
- Customer satisfaction scores increased by 22%
- Teams had access to real-time dashboards across departments
More importantly, they now had a foundation built for future growth. Whether they want to expand to new markets or launch new services, their systems can now handle it without major overhauls.
Looking Ahead: Google Cloud Next 2025
As we head into Google Cloud Next 2025, it’s clear that the cloud is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a must. But moving to the cloud isn’t just a technical task. It’s a business transformation, and the way you approach it makes all the difference.
If you’re a retailer thinking about making the switch, now’s the time to plan. Don’t just follow trends — build a migration strategy that fits your unique needs. The right partner can help you avoid costly mistakes and unlock value faster.
At Axelliant, we specialize in helping retailers like you create a smart, secure, and scalable future using Google Cloud migration services and retail cloud solutions that work.
Ready to start your cloud journey? Connect with Axelliant and let’s build your roadmap to success — just like we did for this retailer.
