Cross-Platform Mobile App for a Multibrand Sports Retailer
Sportano is a sports shop operating in an omnichannel model, both online and offline. As a multi-brand e-commerce platform, it partnered with Netguru to more effectively engage users and provide them with access to a wide product range anytime and anywhere. The goal was to design and launch mobile applications for iOS and Android using React Native.
Client
Sportano is a sports store that stands out in the market with its modern e-commerce platform, automated and fast 24-hour shipping, and a wide product offering that includes over 900 brands across 60 sports categories. Sportano provides high-quality sports equipment and connects active sports enthusiasts with trusted global brands through its e-commerce platform.
Challenges
Before the project began, Sportano’s users could only access the store via its web application, which limited spontaneous shopping behavior and constrained engagement on mobile devices. The client recognized an opportunity to improve usability, reduce reliance on desktop traffic, and lower long-term website maintenance costs.
Despite having clear expectations for functionality and parity with the web experience, Sportano was looking for an experienced partner in mobile app development and design. They wanted guidance not only in building native-like apps but also in reshaping their overall digital presence through best-in-class mobile UX.
Another key challenge was technical: the mobile applications required multiple third-party and proprietary integrations. Delivery depended on Sportano’s internal backend teams providing APIs, which was identified early as the biggest project risk. However, this was resolved with impeccable cooperation and communication with customer teams, as well as with co-operative delivery and team work.
Project Journey
Netguru delivered an application for two ecosystems—iOS and Android—built using React Native, following a structured and iterative delivery plan that aligned with best practices in design and engineering.
The project kicked off with a comprehensive research phase, exploring competitor solutions and identifying user expectations across e-commerce mobile apps. This discovery shaped the foundation for the app’s UX/UI and architecture.
Next, the team created and validated lo-fi and hi-fi designs with client input and real users, ensuring usability and alignment with Sportano’s brand identity. The apps were intentionally designed to visually mirror the existing website while introducing modern UX patterns to deliver a competitive edge.
After aligning on visual direction, Netguru developed a modular architecture in React Native, supported by a custom Design System and prebuilt libraries to accelerate implementation. Alongside app development, the team worked closely with Sportano’s engineers to define integration points for payment systems, logistics, and user accounts.
QA and project management processes ensured stability and transparency throughout the engagement. Communication was formal per the Master Service Agreement (MSA), but the client relationship remained collaborative and constructive. Key stakeholders—including the PM, CTO, and Tech Lead—were engaged throughout and played an active role in validating the deliverables.
Results
- One application for two ecosystems (iOS and Android) delivered using React Native
- In the first week the app was installed around 5k times
- Feature parity with Sportano’s web app
- Technical groundwork laid for improved logistics and ecommerce service features
- Smooth handover with positive technical feedback from the client
- Collaboration rated with 8 NPS
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