Is this possible?

[hdonald]

I am sure this has been answered before, but I wasn't able to find it, so here goes.

I have my main store that sells supplies. Within this store I have a category that has books. I would like to expand this category so that it has its own zen cart install, own template, etc but uses the same DB and checkout. I don't want a separate domain name, just a separate template, layout, etc.

I would appreciate any input.

Heather

[schoolboy]

Have you looked at the customised templates capability within zencart? See the css-read-me.txt file in the includes/templates/classic/css folder.

It is also possible to build another store using a separate template based on the same dbase - but remember that as you are using the same dbase, the functionality of the second shop will be identical to that of the first. Using css, however, you may be able to "hide" or "reveal" certain features in either store.

Experiment using a TEST shop and its clone.

[hdonald]

Have you looked at the customised templates capability within zencart? See the css-read-me.txt file in the includes/templates/classic/css folder.

It is also possible to build another store using a separate template based on the same dbase - but remember that as you are using the same dbase, the functionality of the second shop will be identical to that of the first. Using css, however, you may be able to "hide" or "reveal" certain features in either store.

Experiment using a TEST shop and its clone.

Thank you for the reply. Sounds like I have some work cut out for me, maybe I should rethink my thinking! I know enough css to get by and probably have used the overrides system more than it should have been used.

As far as functionality goes, that isn't an issue. If you could answer another question that would be great. If I build another store using the same db would I do a fresh install of zen cart and if so where do I put that? In the root directory? I'm such a newbie and I feel like such a coding illiterate!

Thanks,
Heather

[afo]

Yes, you can do a fresh install of Zen Cart. You'll have to put it in its own folder. The configure.php files would have to point to the same db.

You could also copy the current store and put the copy in a different folder to separate it from the current version. You could then make changes to the template of the "new" store. In this case, change the configure.php files to point to the new folder.

In either case, both stores will have the same categories and products, so I don't see where having a second store will help.

[fairestcape]

In either case, both stores will have the same categories and products, so I don't see where having a second store will help.

Additionally, any layout changes you attempt to make that are controlled by a database "switch" (ie: any component in your ADMIN panel that is activated by an input), will be common to BOTH webshops.

[afo]

Additionally, any layout changes you attempt to make that are controlled by a database "switch" (ie: any component in your ADMIN panel that is activated by an input), will be common to BOTH webshops.

Good point. To do this properly, you'll have to create a completely separate store to sell the books with its own database. It would be interesting to find a way to keep the databases in synch so that both stores could sell books and the stock would reduce in both databases when an item is sold.

[hdonald]

Thanks for all the info!!