Curating Collections on Shopify: Our Journey Into the Land of Journals and Candles

Once upon a time, in the land of e-commerce workplaces—or more accurately, my somewhat organized home office—I was staring at my computer screen with that oh-so-familiar expression of Shopify-tinker frustration. You see, like our dear friend from the Shopify forums, I had embarked on this grand venture of creating two distinct collections: Journals to capture thoughts, dreams, and grocery lists, and Candles to set them mysteriously aflame… metaphorically, of course. The goal seemed simple enough: organize them into clear, separate lists. Reality, though, often likes to snicker at our beautifully laid plans.

So began the journey; let's take it together, shall we?

Discovering the Path: Splitting the Collection Sea

In every great tale, there's usually a wise guide who imparts just the right knowledge to get you out of your own head. For us, it was the realization that Shopify’s rich and abundant features could be reconfigured through a blend of apps and a sprinkle of code.

First, let’s dive into creating distinct collection lists for your Journals and Candles. I think the trick here is to see beyond the default settings and embrace customization. We realized that what we needed were custom links—gates, if you will, to the specific worlds of Journals and Candles.

Step 1: Creating Collections for Journals and Candles

The initial step is straightforward and refreshing, like a themed escape room where you know the answer all along. Here’s what we did:

1. Head Over to the Collections Section: In your Shopify admin, go to ‘Products’ and then ‘Collections’.
2. Create a New Collection for Journals: Click ‘Create Collection’. Enter a snazzy title like 'All Journal Collections'. Be sure to add any conditions that should be met to automatically fill this collection, or manually stuff it full of your delightful journal offerings.
3. Repeat for Candles: Follow the same path for Candles. Aren’t you loving this déjà vu?

Let’s pause here for a moment. I remember the satisfaction of seeing these two collections finally standing separate yet equal. It was like my digital shelves were organized, promising a life of order and harmony (one can dream, right?).

Step 2: Navigation: Making Magic with Links

With collections in hand, it was time to sprinkle some navigation wizardry and bring them to the forefront. After all, what’s a collection without its turn in the spotlight? Here's the trick:

1. Navigate to Your Theme Settings: Click on ‘Online Store’ and then ‘Navigation’.
2. Add Menu Link for Journals: Choose the menu you’d like to edit (say, your main menu). Tap 'Add menu item'. For the name, let's say “All Journal Collections”. For the link, choose Collections and pick the Journals collection. A bit like setting up a treasure map, point your customers to the right place.
3. Replicate This for Candles: The process is the same! Create another menu item for those waxy wonders.

Step 3: Embrace the App Power

Sometimes a little assistance can make what’s good even better. Shopify’s App Store can be a revelation. We found these apps particularly helpful for crafting a perfect storefront playlist for collections:

• Collection Filter: An app like ‘Collection Filter & Search’ can let people view categories within categories, making navigation a breeze.

Coding Tweaks for Experts

Ah, the magnetic pull of code—where the titans of customization truly tread. We wanted to optimize ours a bit further. Try this if you’re feeling brave and a little bit nerdy:

{% if current_tags contains 'journals' %}
   <!-- Your HTML and liquid for the Journal collections here -->
{% elsif current_tags contains 'candles' %}
   <!-- Your HTML and liquid for the Candle collections here -->
{% endif %}

Wrapping Up Our Shopify Adventure

Reflecting on this journey from chaotic collection attempts to the warm embracing coziness of organized lists, we realized something. E-commerce is not just about sales; it’s our way of shaping little dreamscapes for the things we love. Whether it's a journal to scribble thoughts or a candle to light up a room—or possibly scare a cat—these collections now carry a sense of story and purpose.

So, dear reader, if you’re still reading this (or perhaps skimming through the chaos) – may your collections on Shopify be ever organized, your customers enthralled, and your journey with these tips, if not enchanted, at least more interesting. Now go light that digital candle and get scheming—digitally, of course.