Transform My Current Webstore (currently Virtuemart)

I have a Virtuemart store that is up and running. It works well at the moment, but I want to enhance the user experience. I need an update, redesign and new additions to make more "web 2.0". If you prefer to move away from Virtuemart, I am open to suggestions. Here is a list of what I need done: Create additions/modifications to the Joomla store. 1. Update Joomla/Virtuemart to newest stable release without breaking anything, and if anything breaks, fix it. 2. Redesign the look of the Virtuemart store, within our main template, including all buttons, cart, checkout process etc. 3. Add Wishlist/Gift registry module, preferably usable without creating a login first. (I have purchased one module that can perhaps be modified to use) 4. A percentage discount should be automatically added at checkout. (Today you have to enter a coupon) 5. One Page Checkout! 6. Site is slow! I have 1600 products and growing. can you make it faster? 7. Currently, my product import process is not great, especially regarding images, some show up distorted. I need a workaround. 8. Your thoughts on how we can create a great user experience when shopping online! What would make a great addition etc. I want to stress that point 8 is very important, if you can bring your own ideas to the table, I am much more likely to choose you to work with. You need to be able to use ajax, jQuery, etc to make the site look great and enhance the shopping experience for the end user. We need to create the additions on another location before we roll out the additions on the live site. I look forward to reading your bids! Please include samples of past work, especially regarding design and past e-commerce sites.