Two Stores One Database

[Gkrynen]

I have been toying with this idea since I have two domains that sell different base products but also share some common products. Say one sells finished jewelry and gifts while the other sells finished jewelry and jewelry components.

I want it to have and use one database with one set of administrations.

My thoughts have lead me to a somewhat complicated but I believe workable solution. What if a new data field was created for each product entered in the database. This field would correspond to one of three possibilities (0=store1 1=store2 and 2=store1 and 2). When inputting the items a drop down or radio button would allow for choosing the option for that item.

That is the easy part and where my knowledge drops off quickly. The next part involves recoding the SQL queries contained in each store web file set so that it will only choose only items that are solely its own or cross sold between the two.

Does this make sense? Late night ideas sometimes do not float well in the sunlight.

This example if properly executed would allow a store to show only those items and categories that are fit for itself. The others would be read but not displayed. Since it is one database the sessions should not be affected since they are both transacting as one store but with different home directories for the 'look' of the store.
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[kobra]

I see where you posted in another thread on this concept.

Hope that you are finding this helpful even if not exactly what you want

[Gkrynen]

Yes and no.

Many of the other solutions have not been solutions for this problem. They suggest using one database with all items showing in both stores just different store fronts. Not what I need.

Merlin had stated in that thread that he had similiar to what I was doing setup but it was very buggy with Session problems. That is why I thought my idea might work better but my knowledge flls off past the idea point. I was hoping a TRUE programmer could give some input regarding the idea I came up with.

The last 'solution' does seem to do what I want but again my skill with porting from one cart to the others system is not as polished as I would like. Also that system is a major rewrite essentially changing from an OSC/ZEN base over to a self brewed solution. Many plug ins would stop working and upgrading would be out.

I am hoping a more simple database structure change and one change on Admin pages and a few changes to client presentation via override pages would do the same thing.