When first loading the products list, and using ALL, search seems to work fine. Once you select a category using the category module, then perform a search, it only searches within the currently selected category even when the default ALL is selected.

From a user's point of view, they search for something and find it, then search for the same thing and can't find it.

The search should respect the selected drop down category, especially ALL. This is very confusing for users and staff.

Selecting any category from the category module limits a search to the selected category. Once a category is selected how do you search all products?

I like the idea of an All Products category although t only makes sense if you understand how it works. I do not like having to explain that you have to click All Products before searching to staff and users.

After careful consideration, demonstration and testing, selecting All from the drop down should search All Products at all times, regardless of the currently selected category. The search should only be limited when the user selects something from the search drop down.

In addition, a new setting should be added to the category module to specify the root or base category which can also be used for the title of the module. This way we can specify alternative lists on a single page such as new products, genres, brands, manufacturers or departments. For example, three modules might look like

Categories

Shirts

Shoes

Beer

Brands

Nike

Adidas

Molson

Departments

Kids

Mens

Womens