Velstar

31/08/2026

Sports and fitness customers buy on recommendation, yet affiliate remains one of the most underused channels in the sector.

Our latest blog breaks down why it works, and what separates a strong programme from a network plus a discount code.

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0xpFKH0

Sports and fitness customers buy on recommendation. Discover why affiliate marketing is one of the most underused channels in the sector.

26/08/2026

Heart of Midlothian FC, the UK's largest fan-owned club, was running multiple outdated sites that were costing them both revenue and a decent fan experience.

Since partnering with Velstar, the results speak for themselves:

+110% Total Orders
+90% Total Sales
+51% Returning Customer Rates

Why it works?
👉A single, unified Shopify platform replacing a fragmented set of legacy sites
👉A consistent user journey across every touchpoint, from FC to the club's hotel site
👉Infrastructure built to scale with the club rather than hold it back

Read the full case study here: https://velstar.agency/case-studies/hearts

HeartofMidlothianFC

24/08/2026

We are delighted to share that Velstar has been nominated for seven awards at the UK eCommerce Awards 2026. We’re particularly proud to be shortlisted alongside some of our amazing clients, Sculpted by Aimee, Willpowders, LKQ Euro Car Parts, and Frenchic Paint.

Congratulations to our fellow finalists - we look forward to seeing you at the ceremony next month 🤞

19/08/2026

AI is changing how consumers find and choose brands online, and ranking first on Google is no longer the only thing that matters.

On 3rd September at 10:15am, Eugen from our team is joining Reviews.io for a practical session on what visibility actually means in an AI-led search environment, and what eCommerce teams can do to prepare.

👉 Register here: https://reviews-2.wistia.com/live/events/gwqe4437b2

Ranking first no longer means being found. Learn how to build visibility as search, discovery and buying become AI-led. Search is no longer a simple race for position one. AI engines are researching, comparing and recommending on the shopper’s behalf, drawing on everything from product data and si...

18/08/2026

The athleisure sector is booming, set to hit £17.8 billion this year, meaning that brands are under more pressure than ever to keep up.

🔍Read about where the real opportunity lies for sports and apparel brands in our new eBook, Peak Performance. Click here to download: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0xfTlB0

17/08/2026

Broadcast deals and third-party retail only get a sports brand so close to its fans.

Our latest blog looks at direct-to-fan eCommerce: why sports and fitness brands are moving away from renting access to audiences and building direct digital relationships instead, backed by first-party data rather than guesswork.

Read here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0xpG1b0

Discover how sports and fitness brands are using direct-to-fan eCommerce to own their data, deepen loyalty and grow revenue, without relying on broadcast deals.

13/08/2026

Shopify recently launched Rollouts, its native A/B testing tool, and for a limited time, your first test with our team is complimentary.

Rollouts lets you run A/B tests directly in your Shopify admin, without third-party tools or additional spend. We’ll support you through the whole process, from identifying what to test and building the experiment, through to weekly updates and full analysis on conclusion.

If you’re a Shopify brand and want to get more from your store without guessing, get in touch today.

https://velstar.agency/contact

12/08/2026

Up & Running, the UK's largest independent running-specialist retailer needed to migrate off ageing tech that was creating friction for both customers and the team behind the scenes.

Since partnering with Velstar, the results speak for themselves:

+90% Revenue
+68% Conversion Rate
+68% Average Order Value

Why it works?
👉A full migration to Shopify 2.0, replacing a platform that had become difficult to manage
👉A simplified tech stack that removed friction from both sides of the business
👉A faster, more convertible storefront built to support continued growth

We unpacked how Up & Running turned a platform migration into a 90% revenue uplift.

Read the full case study here: https://velstar.agency/case-studies/up-running