The SellStack Layout Engine is your page management tool for controlling how content, products, and media are presented in storefront presentation pages. These can be public-facing, authenticated, or restricted to pre-approved accounts — the Layout Engine works the same in all cases.
Where It Fits in SellStack
- Manages presentation and layout for storefront pages, including home pages, category landing pages, Product Menus, and custom URL destinations
- Combines ERP-sourced product data with SellStack-enriched content (images, descriptions, promotions)
- Applies equally to B2B and B2C storefronts — configuration and capabilities are identical regardless of visitor type
Core Concepts in a SellStack Context
| Concept | SellStack Context |
|---|---|
| Layout | The editable page framework for a storefront presentation page, controlling the structure and placement of content and product Blocks |
| Layout Type | Prebuilt or custom page templates with defined Zones (e.g., “Hero + Product Grid”) |
| Zone | A defined drop area within a Layout where one or more Blocks can be placed (e.g., Top Banner, Featured Products, Mid-Page Promo) |
| Shared Layout / Shared Zone | A reusable section of content, typically used in the body area for elements like compliance notices, promotional panels, or brand features (headers and footers are template-fixed by default) |
| Layout Mappings | Rules linking a Layout to one or more storefront pages (e.g., /category/edibles) |
| Target | The page location or route where the Layout is applied |
| Condition | Rules controlling when a Layout is used (e.g., promotional date range, specific customer segment) |
| Layout Resolver | Logic that selects the correct Layout for a given page request based on mappings and conditions |
| Block | A content or product module placed in a Zone — such as a product grid, banner, or text area |
| Block Type | A preconfigured module type (e.g., Featured Products, Dynamic Promotion Banner) |
| Block Definition | The underlying logic that defines what a Block can display and how it behaves |
| Block Parameter | Adjustable settings for a Block (e.g., number of products displayed, sorting rules) |
| Block Plugins | Optional extensions that add extra features to a Block (e.g., countdown timers, stock labels) |
| Block View | Style choice for rendering a Block (e.g., grid, carousel, stacked) |
| Container | A special Block used to hold other Blocks in structured arrangements (e.g., two-column layout) |
| Block Item | An individual product or content element displayed by a Block |
| Block Item View | Template style for rendering a Block Item |
| Collection | A curated or dynamically generated set of Block Items — for example, the product listings inside a Product Menu |
| Query Type | Defines how items are pulled into a Collection (manual selection, ERP query, search-based) |
ERP Awareness
- 365 Cannabis ERP is the source of truth for core product data (SKU, name, compliance attributes, base pricing, inventory)
- SellStack enriches that data with images, extended descriptions, marketing copy, and layout placement
- The Layout Engine controls presentation, not the underlying ERP data
Product Menus in the Layout Engine
A Product Menu is a curated or dynamic presentation of products — not unlike a restaurant menu — designed for storefront shoppers.
- Build by product type, original manufacturer/brand, theme, promotion, or any sales/marketing concept
- Compose from multiple Blocks and Zones (e.g., Featured Products carousel, category grid, brand highlight panel)
- Support static selections (hand-picked products) and dynamic queries (newest arrivals, top sellers, ERP attribute filters)
Administrator Workflow Examples
1. Create a New Landing Page Layout
- Go to Page Management → Layouts
- Select Create Layout and choose a Layout Type (e.g., “Hero Banner + Product Grid”)
- Name and save the Layout
2. Assign a Layout to a Category Page or Product Menu Page
- In Layout Mappings, choose the Target page (e.g.,
/category/ediblesor/menu/summer-specials) - Apply the Layout and save
3. Add a Product Block to a Zone (for a Product Menu)
- Open the Layout in the Block Manager
- Add a Featured Products or Dynamic Product Grid block into the desired Zone
- Configure Block Parameters (e.g., product source, sort order, number of items)
4. Use a Shared Layout for Reusable Content in the Body Area
In default SellStack templates, the header and footer are fixed parts of the template and are not controlled by the Layout Engine. The Layout Engine governs the body content between
