Categories Overview

Categories are the hierarchical organization of the online store. Setting up your store with the proper categories (required), subcategories (optional) and collections (optional) is essential for not only site navigation and item searching but also efficient products management by the admin.

When determining how to structure your categories, subcategories and collections, you should plan for expansion and anticipate future products that may be added to the store. Note: Many stores only use categories and do not require the use of sub-levels (sub-categories and/or collections).

NOTE: A minimum of one (1) main category must be added to the store before you can add products.

Below are some examples of category levels and how they work to “drill-down” to a specific item type.

2 Level Example For Online Store Selling Books & CDS (Category/SubCat)

Main Category: Books
  >>Sub –Category: Self Help

Main Category: Books
>>Sub-Category: Health & Beauty

Main Category: Music
>>Sub-Category: Easy-Listening

Main Category: Music
>>Sub Category: Classical

3 Level Example for Online Store Selling Shoes (Category/SubCat/Collection)

Main Category: Shoes
>>Sub-Category: Men’s Shoes
>>>Collection: Men’s Running Shoes

Main Category: Shoes
>>Sub-Category: Men’s Shoes
>>>Collection: Men’s Cross-Training Shoes

Main Category: Shoes
>>Sub-Category: Women’s Shoes
>>>Collection: Women’s Running Shoes

Main Category: Shoes
>>Sub-Category: Women’s Shoes
>>>Collection: Women’s Cross-Training Shoes

If your online store needs further “drill-down” and sub-levels for the items, you can use the shop-by-styles and shop-by-occasions features as well.