A lot of people worry far too much about the "standard" layout in the core zencart template, saying that it makes their site "look like every other webshop site".

But, from a MARKETING point of view, this is actually a GOOD THING!!!

When customers go to a webshop, there is nothing they like more than a layout and functionality that is FAMILIAR and RECOGNISABLE.

Think of yourself in the supermarket... (WalMart, for example).

When you go into a walMart, you kinda know that the dairy products are all in the same general location in the store - whether you go to a WalMart in Wyoming, Idaho, Kentucky or Rhode Island... if you are looking for milk, it's usually in the same location in ALL the stores.

This simplicity and standardization of layout is a critical element in helping shoppers get to what they want QUICKLY and EASILY.

Exactly the same "psychology" applies to webshops.

If the customer is familiar with the layout (it's like most other webshops they visit), then their shopping experience is EASIER and QUICKER.

There is a LOT to be said for sticking with (boring) conventionality - especially if it helps customers BUY STUFF and give you MORE PROFITS...