Salesforce has recently launched its new B2B Commerce LWR (Lightning Web Runtime) template, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of e-commerce solutions. This template is designed to empower businesses with the tools and capabilities needed to create modern, high-performing storefronts that deliver exceptional user experiences. With the introduction of the LWR template, Salesforce aims to revolutionize the way B2B companies approach their online sales channels, enabling them to stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

This article will guide you through the process of getting started with the B2B Commerce LWR template. Whether you are a business looking to create a new storefront from scratch or an existing B2B Commerce user considering migrating from Aura to LWR, this article will provide you with the knowledge and resources needed to embark on your LWR journey.
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What is Lightning Web Runtime?

Lightning Web Runtime is a powerful framework developed by Salesforce that enables the creation of fast, secure, and scalable web applications. LWR is built on modern web standards and leverages the latest advancements in JavaScript and web development technologies. 
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Benefits of using LWR for B2B Commerce

Improved Performance and Speed 

One of the primary benefits of using LWR for B2B Commerce is the significant improvement in performance and speed. LWR's static page generation and efficient data loading mechanisms result in faster page loads and a more responsive user experience. 

This is particularly crucial in the B2B context, where buyers expect quick access to product information and a seamless purchasing process. With LWR, businesses can deliver a snappy and engaging storefront that keeps customers coming back.

Enhanced Flexibility 

LWR offers enhanced flexibility compared to the previous Aura-based template. Developers have more control over the structure and layout of pages, allowing for greater customization to match a company's branding and specific requirements. 

The componentized architecture of LWR enables easier maintenance and updates, as individual components can be modified and deployed without affecting the entire storefront. This flexibility empowers businesses to adapt their online stores to changing market demands and customer preferences.

Alignment with Salesforce CMS 2.0 

LWR is closely aligned with Salesforce CMS 2.0, the latest version of Salesforce's content management system. This alignment brings several benefits to B2B Commerce. First, it allows for seamless integration between the storefront and the content management capabilities of Salesforce CMS. 

This means businesses can easily manage and update their product descriptions, images, and other content directly from the CMS. Second, the alignment ensures a consistent and unified experience across the entire Salesforce ecosystem, making it easier for developers and administrators to work with the platform.
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Key Features and Capabilities of LWR

LWR offers a wide range of features and capabilities that make it an ideal choice for building B2B storefronts. Some of the key features include:

High performance

LWR is designed to deliver exceptional performance, with optimized rendering and efficient data loading mechanisms. This ensures that storefronts built with LWR load quickly and provide a smooth browsing experience for users.

Security

LWR prioritizes security and follows industry best practices to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. It offers built-in security features and enables developers to implement additional security measures as needed.

Flexibility and Customization

LWR provides a high degree of flexibility and customization options, allowing businesses to tailor their storefronts to their specific needs and branding requirements.
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Creating a B2B Commerce Store with the LWR Template

Creating a new B2B Commerce store using the LWR template is a straightforward process. 

Note: In order to continue you'll need to make sure you have a developer instance that has Commerce Cloud enabled or that  you're working in a sandbox that also has Commerce Cloud enabled.

Follow these steps to get started:

1. From Setup, in the Quick Find box, enter "Stores," and then select "Stores."
2. Click on the "Create a Store" button.
3. From the template options, select "B2B Store" and then click "Next"
4. Specify the Default Ship to Country and Default Language
5. Enter a unique "Store Name" and "URL Path" for your new store.
6. Click the "Start Selling" button to initiate the store creation process.

After a few minutes, your new LWR store will be ready for customization and configuration. By leveraging the enhanced capabilities and modern design of the LWR template, businesses can create a compelling and user-friendly B2B Commerce storefront that drives engagement, conversions, and customer satisfaction.

If you're considering migrating your B2B Commerce storefront to the LWR template or starting a new project from scratch, now is the perfect time to explore and get started with LWR. The benefits and capabilities offered by the LWR template make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to modernize their online commerce presence and stay ahead of the competition. By embracing the LWR framework, you can unlock new possibilities for customization, scalability, and innovation, enabling you to deliver exceptional experiences to your B2B customers.

Want to learn more about LWR in a 1:1 conversation? Get in touch!
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Learn more about LWR and B2B Commerce on Shane's Salesforce Mojo YouTube channel.

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