Custom e-Commerce Build – The Christmas Project
Complete WooCommerce build for The Christmas Project — a custom online store developed from scratch with full branding integration, responsive design, and secure checkout configuration.
Technologies Used
Project Gallery
Project Metrics
Architecture
Custom WordPress WooCommerce template structure
Design
Fully responsive front-end across all devices
Security
SSL enabled with hardened configuration
Integration
Payment & shipping gateway setup and testing
Deployment
Live environment rollout with post-launch support
Challenges
- Building a fully branded WooCommerce store from the client’s design guide
- Ensuring pixel-perfect responsive behavior on mobile and desktop
- Integrating and testing multiple payment and shipping gateways
- Optimizing performance and security on shared hosting
Solutions
- Developed a custom WooCommerce theme following the provided branding documentation
- Implemented adaptive templates for desktop, tablet, and mobile
- Configured and tested secure payment and shipping gateways
- Optimized WordPress configuration for performance and stability
- Implemented SSL certificates and security hardening
- Deployed the final solution to production and provided support
Results
- Successful launch before holiday season with stable performance
- Fully mobile-optimized storefront increasing user retention
- Streamlined checkout flow and secure payment processing
- Ongoing client support and maintenance after release
Project Overview
The Christmas Project was a full end-to-end e-commerce development initiative, built entirely from scratch on WordPress and WooCommerce.
The client provided a detailed branding document and style guide, and the goal was to deliver a custom online store that reflected the brand identity while ensuring smooth purchasing, shipping, and checkout experiences.
This was one of several complete WooCommerce deployments I delivered during the 2016–2017 period, showcasing complete control over both technical and visual implementation.
Development & Implementation
Theme & Template Development
- Custom-built WooCommerce templates for product pages, category layouts, and cart/checkout flows.
- Fully responsive CSS to ensure a consistent shopping experience across all devices.
- Clean, semantic HTML structure optimized for SEO and fast rendering.
Store Setup & Configuration
- Product creation and import including imagery, descriptions, and categories.
- Configured pricing rules, tax setup, and inventory management.
- Implemented custom shipping zones and methods based on client logistics.
Payment & Shipping Gateways
- Integrated and tested secure payment gateway for live transactions.
- Connected third-party shipping APIs to dynamically calculate delivery rates.
- Simulated order flows for QA across sandbox and production environments.
Security & Optimization
- Installed and configured SSL certificates for HTTPS compliance.
- Hardened WordPress environment (user roles, updates, backups).
- Optimized database and caching for faster page load times.
Testing & Deployment
Extensive testing was performed prior to launch:
- Checkout and payment processing validation
- Cross-browser and device compatibility testing
- Cart and coupon functionality verification
- Load testing under simulated peak conditions
After deployment, I provided technical support and maintenance, ensuring stability throughout the client’s key seasonal sales period.
Project Outcome
“Anton delivered our online store exactly as envisioned — reliable, responsive, and ready for high-volume holiday sales.”
Key Results
- Fully branded WooCommerce store launched on schedule
- Secure and stable checkout system
- Optimized for holiday traffic surges
- Long-term support and updates provided post-launch
Legacy Context
This project represents one of my earlier full WordPress + WooCommerce builds, prior to my transition into Node.js and cloud application development.
It remains a key milestone showcasing my foundation in front-end precision, back-end configuration, and complete e-commerce delivery.
Ready to Build Something Amazing?
Let's discuss how we can transform your ideas into powerful software solutions.