I have a client that doesn't update his catalog but maybe once a year. Having a "new products" section on the homepage makes no sense. He asked if he could replace the new products with products he wants listed there instead.

Under "configuration > index listing" I see Show New Products on Main Page, Show Featured Products on Main Page, Show Special Products on Main Page, etc. So I turn off "new products on main page" and just have the rest turned on. Problem is, nothing is showing up. I don't see where to make anything a "featured" item, so I'm guessing that's the problem. Does this make sense?