Headless commerce separates the customer-facing storefront from the systems that manage commerce functions, connecting them through interfaces such as APIs.
How it works in retail
A business can develop different shopping interfaces while using shared capabilities for products, carts and checkout. Implementation depends on the chosen architecture.
A retail example
A retailer serves a website and mobile app using commerce services connected to each interface.
What to keep in mind
Separation creates flexibility but also integration and maintenance work. It does not automatically improve speed, conversion or operating costs.
Sources & further reading
Shopify: Headless commerce architecture
Examples are illustrative. Terminology and measurement conventions can vary by business and market.