If there was one positive from the pandemic, it was the establishing of ecommerce as a pillar of the global economy. From kitchen table businesses to established high-street retailers, the realisation that the only way to reach customers was online proved what those of us in the industry already knew — ecommerce isn’t just the future of retail, it’s the foundation of it.
During that period, collaboration and connection moved entirely online — through LinkedIn, Slack, and countless virtual calls. But as restrictions lifted, events like IRX (Internet Retailing Expo) became a milestone moment: an opportunity for the ecommerce industry to meet again in person, share ideas, and showcase the innovation, creativity, and expertise driving retail forward.
A special milestone for Aero
For Aero Commerce, IRX held particular significance. It marked the first time the company exhibited publicly since launch, bringing our platform and community to life in a physical space.
Like many other exhibitors, we were all set to appear at IRX the previous year, before the pandemic disrupted those plans. So finally stepping onto the exhibition floor felt like a moment of progress for both Aero and the wider industry.
“Taking part in IRX was always meant to be a key milestone for Aero,” says Richard Bendelow, CEO of Aero Commerce. “It gave us the chance to show how a lean, developer-first platform could challenge the conventions of enterprise ecommerce, and how a close-knit network of agencies and partners could drive innovation faster than ever before.”
Building momentum and partnerships
In the months leading up to IRX, Aero’s momentum was already clear.
Our platform was rapidly gaining traction among retailers and agencies, supported by partnerships with innovative solutions like what3words, a growing ecosystem of 100+ agency partners, and a steady rise in transaction volumes across live Aero stores.
Backed by decades of experience in ecommerce, retail, and software development, our team has focused on making Aero fast, flexible, and extendable, enabling agencies to build bespoke ecommerce experiences without compromise.
This technical agility, combined with direct agency support, is what sets Aero apart from many of the larger, slower-moving platforms in the market.
At IRX
Visitors to Stand H24 at IRX experienced first-hand how Aero helps retailers and agencies simplify their ecommerce stack while maintaining full creative and technical freedom.
“We wanted to create a space where people could challenge us, ask hard questions, and see for themselves what makes Aero different,” Richard adds. “Events like IRX remind us how dynamic this industry is. It's about sharing ideas, building partnerships, and celebrating what makes ecommerce such an exciting space to work in.”
Looking ahead
IRX was more than an event. It was a reaffirmation of the strength and creativity that define the ecommerce community.
For Aero, it was the start of a long-term journey to connect with more agencies, retailers, and technology partners, driving innovation and efficiency across the ecommerce ecosystem.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the need for collaboration, adaptability, and platforms that empower innovation at every level.
Book a demo today to discover how Aero Commerce helps retailers and agencies deliver faster, more flexible ecommerce experiences.
