Headless commerce allows developers to build high-performance storefronts using React or Next.js while using robust backends like Shopify or BigCommerce via APIs. This flexibility is changing the retail game.

**What is Headless Commerce?**
Headless commerce is a decoupled architecture where the frontend (head) is separated from the backend commerce functionality.

**Benefits of Headless Commerce:**
- **Flexibility**: Build custom storefronts using modern frameworks like React or Next.js.
- **Performance**: Optimize the frontend for fast load times and better user experience.
- **Scalability**: Scale the frontend and backend independently.
- **Omnichannel Support**: Deliver consistent experiences across all channels (web, mobile, social, etc.).

**How Headless Commerce Works:**
1. **Backend**: Handles commerce functionality like product management, inventory, and payment processing.
2. **API**: Exposes backend functionality to the frontend.
3. **Frontend**: Builds the user interface using modern frameworks.
4. **Deployment**: Deploys the frontend to a CDN for fast delivery.

**Use Cases for Headless Commerce:**
- **Custom Storefronts**: Need for a unique user experience.
- **Omnichannel Commerce**: Want to deliver consistent experiences across all channels.
- **High-Traffic Stores**: Need to handle large amounts of traffic.

**Key Players in Headless Commerce:**
- **Shopify Plus**: Offers headless commerce capabilities.
- **BigCommerce**: Provides APIs for headless commerce.
- **Salesforce Commerce Cloud**: Enterprise-level headless commerce solution.

By adopting a headless commerce architecture, brands can create unique, high-performance storefronts that meet the needs of modern consumers.