Optimizing Magento 2.4.5: Displaying Out-of-Stock Products Last in the Category Page

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Magento 2.4.5 Product Sorting
  3. Setting Up a New Module
  4. Adding the Plugin
  5. Executing Commands
  6. Additional Tips and Considerations
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine browsing an online store, eagerly searching for the perfect item, only to consistently encounter products that are out of stock. It's a frustrating experience that can deter potential customers. For online retailers using Magento 2.4.5, optimally displaying out-of-stock products is a crucial challenge. Ensuring that these items appear at the bottom of category pages can enhance user experience and potentially increase conversion rates. This blog post explores a practical solution to this common issue, offering in-depth guidance to help you improve your online store's functionality.

By the end of this article, you'll understand the steps to position out-of-stock products last on category pages in Magento 2.4.5, enhancing the shopping experience for your customers.

Understanding Magento 2.4.5 Product Sorting

Magento, a leading e-commerce platform, offers extensive customization, allowing retailers to tailor their online stores to specific needs. However, one of the persistent issues is managing product visibility, particularly for out-of-stock items. When products go out of stock, they often remain interspersed among available items, creating a subpar browsing experience.

The objective is to ensure that out-of-stock products are relegated to the end of category pages, prioritizing in-stock items. This involves modifying core functionalities through plugins and code adjustments. Let's dive into the details of this process.

Setting Up a New Module

To tackle this, creating a custom module is essential. This module will override default behaviors to change the sorting order. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Create the Module Directory Structure:

    • Navigate to the app/code directory.
    • Create directories Vendor/Module, where "Vendor" is your company's name, and "Module" is a descriptive name for your module.

  2. Create the Required Files:

    • etc/module.xml
    • registration.php

These files register and define the module within Magento.

<!-- etc/module.xml -->
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<config xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:Module/etc/module.xsd">
    <module name="Vendor_Module" setup_version="1.0.0"/>
</config>

// registration.php
use \Magento\Framework\Component\ComponentRegistrar;

ComponentRegistrar::register(ComponentRegistrar::MODULE, 'Vendor_Module', __DIR__);

Adding the Plugin

To alter the product sorting behavior, add a plugin that hooks into the appropriate Magento class. This involves modifying dependency injection configuration and creating the necessary plugin class.

Modify di.xml

First, update the dependency injection file at etc/di.xml.

<!-- etc/di.xml -->
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<config xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:ObjectManager/etc/config.xsd">
    <type name="Magento\Catalog\Model\Layer">
        <plugin name="Vendor_Module_Model_Layer" type="Vendor\Module\Plugin\Layer"/>
    </type>
</config>

Create Layer Plugin

Next, create the plugin class that modifies the product sorting logic.

// app/code/Vendor/Module/Plugin/Layer.php
namespace Vendor\Module\Plugin;

use Magento\Catalog\Model\Layer;

class Layer
{
    public function aroundGetProductCollection(Layer $subject, callable $proceed)
    {
        $collection = $proceed();
        $collection->addAttributeToSort('is_in_stock', 'DESC');
        return $collection;
    }
}

In this code, addAttributeToSort method sorts products by stock status, ensuring out-of-stock items appear last.

Executing Commands

After creating the module and plugin, execute several Magento commands to enable and apply the changes:

php bin/magento module:enable Vendor_Module
php bin/magento setup:upgrade
php bin/magento cache:clean
php bin/magento cache:flush

These commands activate the module and apply the necessary updates to the Magento system.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Position Sorting

While the primary goal is to reposition out-of-stock items, leveraging Magento's built-in sorting functionalities can further enhance product visibility. Consider combining stock status sorting with other attributes such as product position or date added.

Testing

Always test changes in a development or staging environment before deploying to a live site. This ensures that modifications do not inadvertently impact other areas of the store.

Customization and Scalability

The solution provided is a starting point. Depending on the size and complexity of your catalog, additional customizations might be necessary. Regularly update the module to ensure compatibility with future Magento versions.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can improve the browsing experience for your customers by ensuring out-of-stock products are displayed at the bottom of category pages in Magento 2.4.5. This small yet significant change can lead to a more efficient shopping experience, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and sales.

Effective stock management and presentation are integral to any successful e-commerce platform. By taking control of product sorting, you pave the way for a more streamlined, user-friendly online store.

FAQ

How does sorting out-of-stock products benefit my store?

Optimizing product visibility ensures customers see available items first, reducing frustration and improving their overall shopping experience.

Can this method be used in other Magento versions?

The outlined method specifically targets Magento 2.4.5, but similar concepts can apply to other versions with necessary adjustments.

Are there performance implications for these changes?

Generally, the impact on performance is minimal. However, always test in a staging environment to evaluate any potential performance issues.

Can this sorting behavior be combined with other criteria?

Yes, combining stock status with other sorting criteria like product position can further enhance the browsing experience.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage the presentation of out-of-stock products in your Magento store, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable shopping journey for your customers.