Inside the Mind of an E-Commerce Innovator: An Interview with Andre Freitas, Founder of Thails

In this exclusive feature, Andre shares insights into building Thails, a Shopify-focused agency, and explains how coworking at Tribes Amstel drives creativity and collaboration.

Hi Andre! Could you tell us a little bit about Thails and your role in building Thails?

Thails is a Shopify-focused agency I founded, specializing in creating and optimizing online stores. Over the years, I’ve built a talented team of developers, designers, and a project manager to deliver tailored e-commerce solutions on Shopify. My role has evolved from being involved in everything myself to focusing on growth, strategy, and ensuring both client satisfaction and team well-being. While I’m still hands-on for major projects, my main priority now is setting the vision and direction to scale the business effectively.

What is the role of e-commerce in the current world? How important is it to have an online store?

E-commerce plays a crucial role in today's world, offering consumers convenience and access to products from all over the globe. It’s no longer just about selling products online—it’s about creating seamless, personalized shopping experiences that keep customers engaged. Having an online store is vital for any business aiming to stay competitive and relevant in this fast-paced digital landscape. With the rise of mobile shopping and social commerce, a well-designed and optimized online store can be a key driver of growth, helping businesses expand their reach, build stronger customer relationships, and increase brand loyalty.

Which location of Tribes are you a member of? What do you like the most about co-working at Tribes?

I’m a member of the Tribes location in Amsterdam Amstel. What I appreciate most about co-working at Tribes is the sense of community and creativity it fosters. Being surrounded by professionals from various industries leads to spontaneous collaborations and fresh ideas. The facilities are also fantastic, offering a great space for both individual focus and client meetings. It’s a perfect mix of productivity and networking opportunities, all in one place.

What type of services do you provide? What sets you apart from other web development and design services?

At Thails, we specialize in Shopify design and development. Our core services include new Shopify store builds, migrations to Shopify, and ongoing support through managed services like conversion rate optimization. We position ourselves as an extension of our clients' internal teams, helping them optimize and scale their stores. Our main focus is on growth, and our UX improvements and technical optimizations are designed to enhance critical metrics like conversion rate, average order value, and customer retention.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of Shopify’s ecosystem combined with a proactive, hands-on approach. We are passionate about e-commerce and love solving the unique challenges that brands face. Our expertise allows us to tailor solutions for each client’s needs, whether that’s improving user experience, integrating advanced e-commerce tools like custom checkout extensions, or optimizing for multi-market setups. This close collaboration with our clients, coupled with our commitment to quality, ensures that the stores we build aren’t just functional—they’re designed to thrive and compete in an ever-evolving online world.

What does the future hold for Thails and your relationship with Tribes?

The future for Thails is full of exciting opportunities. We’re focusing on scaling our services, expanding our reach, and helping more brands achieve growth through e-commerce. As for Tribes, it has been an excellent environment for fostering our growth, and I look forward to continuing our relationship as we evolve and expand.

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