How PPD Performance replaced Boost with Google's Vertex AI Search across seven Shopify stores and 100,000+ SKUs, turning vehicle-aware AI search and recommendations into measurable conversion lifts across Australia and New Zealand.
Challenge
PPD Performance was running Boost across their Shopify store, but the search results weren't converting browsers into buyers.
Dylan Cameron, Co-Founder of PPD Performance, knew that product discovery was make-or-break for their business. Their customers are automotive enthusiasts searching for specific parts for specific vehicles - a brake kit for a 200 Series LandCruiser, an exhaust system rated for outback conditions, a turbo upgrade compatible with a particular engine. Generic search results don't cut it when fitment matters.
Their previous search provider, Boost, wasn't delivering. Customers would search for parts and get irrelevant results, or miss products that were actually in stock and compatible with their vehicle. The conversion rate from search didn't justify the cost, and the team knew there was revenue being left on the table every time a customer searched, didn't find what they needed, and bounced.
PPD needed search that understood vehicle compatibility at a deep level - not just keyword matching, but AI that could learn from how their customers browse and buy, and surface the right part for the right vehicle every time.
Solution
PPD replaced Boost with Google's Vertex AI Search and trained recommendation models on live customer behavior.
Through Retail Cloud Connect, PPD Performance connected directly to Google Cloud's Vertex AI Search for Commerce. The implementation went beyond just swapping out search - it introduced AI-powered personalization across the entire product discovery experience:
Vertex AI Search trained on live PPD traffic, learning individual customer preferences and browsing patterns to return personalized search and collection results for each visitor.
Two recommendation models deployed: "Recommended For You" (based on individual browsing history) and "Others You May Like" (based on the current product context). Both were designed to factor in vehicle compatibility, so recommendations are always practical, not just personalized.
The entire catalog - with complex vehicle fitment attributes - synced and mapped automatically through Retail Cloud Connect's Shopify integration.
The results came fast. Customers and staff both noticed the difference immediately - search felt smarter, recommendations were relevant, and the shopping experience went from frustrating to intuitive.
We recently completed a multi-brand implementation covering over 100,000 SKUs using Retail Cloud Connect by Nimstrata, and the results have been outstanding. The installation and implementation were seamless - everything worked exactly as described.
- Dylan Cameron, Co-Founder, PPD Performance
Results
The results were strong enough that PPD rolled out Retail Cloud Connect across all seven of their Shopify stores.
After seeing the impact on their flagship store, PPD Performance made the call to implement Retail Cloud Connect across their entire portfolio of seven Shopify stores spanning Australia and New Zealand, covering over 100,000 SKUs. That kind of expansion doesn't happen without clear ROI.
Seven Shopify stores now running on Vertex AI Search - the fastest multi-store rollout Nimstrata has done.
100,000+ SKUs indexed and serving personalized results across all stores.
Migrated off Boost while reducing costs and improving conversion from search.
Vehicle-aware recommendations driving incremental discovery across complex automotive catalogs.
PPD's story is proof that AI-powered search isn't just for fashion and lifestyle brands. When your catalog has deep technical attributes like vehicle compatibility, engine specs, and fitment data, having search that actually understands those attributes changes the game.
Post-implementation support has continued to be excellent, with Nimstrata providing proactive assistance whenever needed.
- Dylan Cameron, Co-Founder, PPD Performance
About PPD Performance
PPD Performance is a 100% Australian-owned aftermarket performance parts retailer based in Perth, Western Australia. Founded by automotive enthusiasts, they design and test stainless steel exhaust systems for the harsh Australian climate and supply performance upgrades to customers across Australia and New Zealand through seven specialized Shopify stores.
About Nimstrata
Nimstrata is a leading provider of AI cloud connectivity solutions for major ecommerce platforms. We help businesses unlock the full potential of their product catalogs through intelligent search technology, personalized recommendations, and data-driven insights powered by Google Cloud's Vertex AI Search solutions.
Our SaaS platform, Retail Cloud Connect, integrates seamlessly with leading ecommerce platforms, delivering measurable improvements in conversion rates, average order values, and customer satisfaction. From small retailers to enterprise merchants, we empower businesses to create exceptional shopping experiences that drive growth.
Customer
PPD Performance
Platform
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Key Results
Owner Feedback
We recently completed a multi-brand implementation covering over 100,000 SKUs using Retail Cloud Connect by Nimstrata, and the results have been outstanding.
The installation and implementation were seamless — everything worked exactly as described, and the support team was highly responsive and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Post-implementation support has continued to be excellent, with Nimstrata providing proactive assistance whenever needed.
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