From Free Shopify Theme to High-Performance Storefront

“I was given a list of ten companies to contact by Kurt Elster. I looked into all ten. ShopCreatify was the only one I felt was a match.”
– Gene Azevedo, Owner of CombatBet
About the Customer
CombatBet, founded in 2006, specializes in custom challenge coins and appreciation coins. These commemorative keepsakes are designed to honor and motivate individuals across law enforcement, military, fire services, EMTs, educators, correctional officers, first responders, and more. CombatBet’s products are not just coins—they're tangible tokens of gratitude and recognition, crafted with meaning and precision.
Business Challenges
CombatBet’s free Shopify theme was holding back its growth. Gene Azevedo, the passionate owner of CombatBet, wanted a robust solution to reflect the company’s craftsmanship and improve the user experience. The store's limitations included:
- Outdated Design: The free Shopify theme lacked the polished, professional appearance needed to build trust.
- Customer Pain Points: The buying process was cumbersome, leading to inefficiencies and frustration.
- Low Conversions: An unoptimized site resulted in missed opportunities to convert visitors into buyers.
- Limited Customization Tools: The store lacked the functionality required for a seamless custom order experience.
CombatBet needed a complete overhaul to align with its brand values and improve the customer journey.
Beyond a Simple Theme Upgrade
CombatBet’s challenges required more than just moving to a new Shopify theme. Gene envisioned a storefront that could:
- Deliver a premium user experience aligned with the craftsmanship of the product.
- Streamline the custom order process for customers.
- Reduce customer noise by addressing common pain points.
- Boost conversions and sales efficiency.

Engineering the Solution
Our team at ShopCreatify worked closely with CombatBet to rebuild their Shopify store using the Turbo theme by Out of the Sandbox. The project combined design enhancements, technical innovation, and customer-focused features.
We delivered:
- Full Store Redesign: Upgraded the header, footer, homepage, mega navigation, and gallery to reflect CombatBet’s unique personality.
- Enhanced Customer Support Features: Redesigned the FAQs section and added a helpdesk to build trust and reduce inquiries.
- Accounts for Repeat Customers: Introduced optional account creation for improved convenience without alienating first-time buyers.
- Optimized Product Filters and Search: Simplified product discovery to improve the buying journey.
- Social Proof Integration: Leveraged user-generated content, testimonials, and social media to establish credibility.
- Email Marketing Setup: Configured Klaviyo for effective customer communication.
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Custom Order App: Built a tailored app featuring:
- Rotating 3D coin models with click-and-drag functionality.
- Multi-stage ordering, including artwork uploads and serial number customization.
- Dynamic pricing calculations based on quantity and customization options.
- Web Analytics Health Check: Ensured accurate tracking and performance monitoring.
Results
Conversion Rate Boost
Despite a 50% drop in traffic, CombatBet’s sales increased by 9% year-over-year. Conversion rates surged by 64%, demonstrating the efficiency of the redesigned storefront.
Customer Pain Points Resolved
Streamlining the buying experience reduced customer frustration and support inquiries. The custom order app simplified the process of ordering challenge coins, providing clarity and convenience.
Operational Efficiency
The site became a more efficient sales machine. Gene noted, “We can see that the site is a much more efficient machine these days.”
Summary
CombatBet transformed its online presence with ShopCreatify’s help, evolving from a free Shopify theme to a high-performance store. The result was a storefront as unique and professional as the coins they create, delivering increased conversions, improved customer satisfaction, and streamlined operations—all while staying true to the brand’s values.