GP2: Shopify Mini-Store Prototype

CPP Farm Store Consulting Project

Author

Group 6 (Seis Leches): Jake Evans, Mickyas Shawel, Tim Arana, Luis Berumen

Published

July 5, 2026

WarningPrototype Restriction Statement

This Shopify mini-store is a prototype for class and consulting purposes only. It does not process real payments, collect real customer data, or represent an official public CPP Farm Store ecommerce site without instructor and client approval.

1 Executive Summary

Key Question: How should CPP Farm Store present its products online in a way that supports customer experience and sales?

CPP Farm Store as a campus-connected, local, and seasonal retail destination. The prototype is designed to help customers discover products online, understand pickup and service information, and connect the online browsing experience with the in-store Farm Store visit. Instead of trying to recreate the entire Farm Store inventory, the prototype focuses on a manageable set of categories and demo products that show how ecommerce could support product discovery, seasonal promotions, gift bundles, and customer-service clarity.

The ecommerce strategy centers on four customer needs: clear product browsing, seasonal product visibility, gift-order support, and online-to-offline pickup guidance. The prototype supports these needs through a custom homepage, featured collections, demo product pages, gift product templates, cart flow improvements, and a FAQ/customer-information page.

Figure 1: Shopify preview homepage — hero section with seasonal announcement bar and primary calls to action. The preview link and password are provided in the Appendix.

2 Purpose of the Mini-Store

The purpose of the Shopify mini-store is to demonstrate how CPP Farm Store products could be presented in an ecommerce environment without requiring the store to process real transactions. The prototype is meant to show how the Farm Store could use Shopify to organize products, tell product stories, promote seasonal items, support gift bundles, and clarify pickup information for customers.

Prototype goals and how the build demonstrates them
Prototype Goal How the Shopify Build Demonstrates It
Online product browsing Customers can browse product categories such as fresh produce, specialty foods, CPP favorites, seasonal items, and gifts.
Seasonal product promotion Homepage banners and seasonal sections can highlight limited-time products, produce drops, and seasonal campaigns.
Gift bundles Gift baskets, gift boxes, and fruit boxes demonstrate a high-value use case for alumni, parents, campus visitors, and local shoppers.
Pickup support Product pages, cart messaging, and the FAQ page explain pickup timing and service expectations.
Product storytelling The site frames products around campus agriculture, local sourcing, community value, and CPP Farm Store identity.
Online-to-offline journey The prototype encourages customers to discover products online, then visit or pick up at the physical Farm Store.

3 Target Customers

The mini-store is designed around three priority customer segments from the omnichannel journey map1: CPP students, proud CPP gifters, and local food supporters. These segments represent different reasons for using the Farm Store online: convenience, gifting, and local/community shopping.

Priority customer segments
Segment Profile Core Need How the Prototype Supports the Segment
CPP Students Mobile-first, budget-conscious students who shop between classes. Quick discovery of affordable snacks, meals, drinks, and pickup-ready products. Featured products, clear navigation, student-friendly items, and simple calls to action.
Proud CPP Gifters Alumni, parents, campus visitors, and supporters buying campus-connected gifts. Gift bundles, CPP-branded products, clear pickup/shipping expectations, and occasion-based options. Gift basket/box products, custom gift template, card message fields, and FAQ guidance.
Local Food Supporters Pomona-area shoppers who value local produce, fresh foods, and community businesses. Fresh seasonal products, local goods, store information, and trust signals. Farm story, local/community messaging, fresh produce collection, and customer information page.

4 Product Category Plan

The prototype uses a focused product set rather than the full Farm Store inventory. This keeps the mini-store manageable while still demonstrating how Shopify could support multiple customer needs and merchandising strategies.

Product category plan
Category Purpose Example Products or Collections
Fresh Produce Show seasonal, campus-grown, and local farm products. Seasonal Produce Box, fruit boxes, avocados, satsumas
CPP Favorites Highlight campus-connected items that reinforce Farm Store identity. CPP Farms Ice Cream, CPP-branded goods, campus favorites
Specialty Foods Promote pantry items and local specialty goods. Raw Local Honey, Farm Store Salsa, jams, nuts, preserves
Gift Baskets and Gift Boxes Support high-intent gift buyers and occasion-based shopping. Breakfast Theme Gift Box, Deluxe Theme Gift Box, custom gift options
Student-Friendly Snacks and Drinks Make the store relevant to everyday student visits. Local Cold Brew, grab-and-go snacks, beverages
Seasonal Bundles Drive urgency and repeat visits through limited-time offers. Holiday baskets, produce bundles, seasonal gift packs

5 Homepage Strategy

The homepage should immediately communicate what CPP Farm Store offers, why customers should care, and where customers should go next. The prototype homepage is structured around discovery, seasonal promotion, product categories, product storytelling, loyalty/community messaging, newsletter signups, and clear calls to action.

Homepage structure and calls to action
Homepage Element Customer Purpose Recommended CTA or Message
Hero section Communicates the Farm Store value proposition quickly. Shop seasonal products / View featured products
Featured categories Helps customers who do not know what the store carries. Fresh Produce, Gifts, CPP Favorites, Specialty Foods
Featured products Shows product examples and gives the prototype ecommerce credibility. View Product / Shop All Products
Seasonal banner Supports seasonal reminders and promotional merchandising. Explore seasonal picks
Farm story section Connects the store to CPP agriculture and local/community value. Learn More / Our Story
Newsletter section Creates a path for seasonal updates, product drops, and loyalty reminders. Join Newsletter
Footer and FAQ link Provides support information and reduces uncertainty before purchase. Visit & Pickup FAQ

The homepage evidence below shows each element implemented in the live prototype (see also Figure 1).

Figure 2: Shop by Category section — Fresh Produce, Student Favorites, Gift Boxes, and Local Goods.
Figure 4: Seasonal campaign banner — Summer Harvest Collection with call to action.
Figure 5: Newsletter signup supporting seasonal updates, pickup reminders, and loyalty.

6 Product and Collection Page Examples

Each product page should use customer-oriented language. A strong product page explains what the item is, who it is for, why it is appealing, and how the customer can receive it. For gift products, the page should also include preparation time, pickup/shipping limitations, card message fields, allergy notes, and substitution disclaimers.

Product page plan
Product/Collection Example Category Customer Need Recommended Product Page Details CTA
Seasonal Produce Box Fresh Produce Healthy local food and seasonal discovery. Includes seasonal produce, pickup information, availability note, and substitution disclaimer. Order for Pickup
Raw Local Honey Specialty Foods Local goods and giftable pantry item. Explain local sourcing, usage ideas, size, price, and pickup/shipping eligibility. Add to Cart
CPP Farms Ice Cream CPP Favorites Campus favorite and unique store experience. Include flavor, size, cold-storage/pickup note, and campus connection. View Product
Deluxe Theme Gift Box ($75) Gift Baskets Occasion-based gifting for families, alumni, staff, and visitors. Include item list, card message, pickup date, allergy notes, 1–2 business day prep, and no-shipping disclaimer. Customize Basket
Breakfast Theme Gift Box ($50) Gift Boxes Gift box option with possible shipping. Include product examples, recipient information, shipping note, payment/shipping follow-up disclaimer, and no PO Boxes policy. Customize Box
Avocado/Satsuma Box Fruit Box Produce-focused gift or seasonal fruit bundle. Include item list, freshness note, produce-shipping disclaimer, pickup/shipping date, and substitution note. Order Fruit Box
Local Cold Brew Student-Friendly Snacks Convenience for students, staff, and campus visitors. Include size, flavor, grab-and-go value, and pickup/in-store availability. View Product
Farm Store Salsa Specialty Foods Pantry staple and local flavor. Include flavor profile, serving ideas, size, and pairing suggestions. Add to Cart

6.1 Product Page Evidence

Figure 7: CPP Farms Ice Cream (Student Snacks & Drinks / CPP Favorites) — size variants starting at $2.99, availability note, pickup information, and Farm Store Experience card.
Figure 8: Seasonal Produce Box (Fresh Produce) — $25.00 with pickup note and gift order form including customer information and fulfillment method.
Figure 9: Raw Local Honey (Specialty Foods) — $12.00 with availability note, pickup information, and Add to Cart call to action.
Figure 10: Breakfast Theme Gift Box (Gift Basket/Box) — $50.00 with preparation time, substitution, shipping, and PO Box disclaimers.
Figure 11: Gift order form — card message, allergy notes, specific item requests, and required customer acknowledgment checkboxes.
Figure 12: Deluxe Theme Gift Box (Gift Basket/Box) — $75.00 premium option with inventory-based substitution and shipping policy messaging.
NotePolicy-to-product connection

The gift order form in Figure 11 directly implements the service policies documented on the FAQ page (Figure 18): 1–2 business day preparation, inventory-based substitutions, shipping-cost follow-up, and the no-PO-Box rule. Customers acknowledge each policy before adding a gift to the cart, reducing post-purchase service issues.

6.2 Collection Page Evidence

Figure 13: Fresh Produce collection — product grid with availability and price filters and Pickup & Availability sidebar.
Figure 14: Specialty Foods collection — CPP Farms Ice Cream and Raw Local Honey with category chips for cross-browsing.
Figure 15: Gifts collection — giftable products including fruit boxes, honey, and salsa with Quick Add actions.

7 Navigation and Usability

The navigation should make the store easy to browse by category and by customer intent. For this prototype, navigation should prioritize shopping paths, gift paths, pickup clarity, and store information.

Navigation plan
Recommended Navigation Item Purpose
Shop All Products Broad browsing path for customers who want to see everything in the prototype.
Fresh Produce Direct path for customers interested in seasonal, healthy, and locally sourced products.
Specialty Foods Path for pantry items, honey, jams, salsa, snacks, and local goods.
Gift Baskets / Gifts High-value path for gift buyers and seasonal bundle shoppers.
CPP Favorites Highlights campus-made and campus-connected items.
Visit & Pickup FAQ Clarifies store location, pickup, gift preparation time, shipping limitations, and contact information.
Our Story Communicates local/community positioning and Farm Store identity.
Contact Provides customer support and order inquiry path.
Figure 16: Main navigation drawer (hamburger menu, open state) — Home, Shop All Products, Fresh Produce, Student Favorites, Gift Boxes, Gift Baskets, Our Story, Contact, and Visit & Pickup FAQ. Account and cart remain in the header.

8 Trust and Service Information

Customer transparency is a major part of the prototype. Customers need service information before buying, especially when products are perishable, seasonal, pickup-based, or gift-oriented. The prototype addresses this through a Visit, Pickup & Gift Order FAQ page, a Contact page, an Our Story page, and footer navigation links.

Trust and service information plan
Information Type Prototype Content Customer Experience Value
Store location Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch, 4102 S University Dr, Pomona, CA 91768. Reduces visit uncertainty and connects online browsing to the physical store.
Store hours Customers should check current hours before visiting. Prevents disappointment due to changing schedules or seasonal hours.
Pickup information Eligible orders and gift orders may be available for pickup; some require 1–2 business days. Clarifies timing and expectations before checkout.
Gift order policy Gift items are based on inventory and may be substituted. Builds trust and manages customer expectations.
Shipping limitations Gift baskets cannot be shipped; some gift boxes may be eligible; no PO Boxes. Prevents confusion and reduces post-order service issues.
Returns/exchanges Perishable items may not be eligible for return; customers should contact the store for missing/damaged items. Adds support clarity and protects operations.
Contact information Customers should use website, order confirmation, Google listing, or official store page. Provides a path to resolve questions.
Local/community story The Farm Store connects campus agriculture with the surrounding community. Strengthens brand fit and differentiates from grocery competitors.
Figure 17: Our Story page — official Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch branding, Huntley College of Agriculture connection, and learn-by-doing story.
Figure 18: Visit, Pickup & Gift Order FAQ — store location accordion with embedded interactive Google Map of the Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store.
Figure 19: FAQ accordions — pickup timing, gift basket/box policies, shipping limitations, and returns and support.
Figure 20: Contact page — department contact cards, forms of payment (including EBT, Bronco Bucks, and Meal Points), hours, closure days, and embedded map.

9 Ecommerce Strategy

The ecommerce strategy for the CPP Farm Store Shopify prototype is designed to improve product discovery, simplify the shopping experience, and encourage customers to visit the physical Farm Store. Instead of just serving as a replacement for the in-store experience, the Shopify mini-store extends it by providing an organized, mobile-friendly platform where customers can browse products, explore seasonal collections, and learn more about campus-grown and locally sourced items.

The prototype is designed around the needs of two primary customer segments identified in GP1: CPP students and local community members. Students will benefit from a streamlined shopping experience that allows them to quickly browse products between classes, view pickup information, and discover campus-exclusive items. Local community members can explore fresh produce, specialty foods, gift baskets, and seasonal products while learning about the Farm Store’s connection to Cal Poly Pomona and local agriculture.

In addition, the homepage emphasizes featured collections, seasonal promotions, and campus exclusive products to encourage product discovery and increase customer engagement. Organized navigation makes it easy for shoppers to browse categories such as Fresh Produce, CPP Favorites, Specialty Foods, Gift Baskets, and Seasonal Items. Product pages provide detailed descriptions, pricing, images, and pickup information to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.

The Shopify prototype also supports an omnichannel shopping experience by connecting online browsing with in-store pickup. Clear calls to action, pickup instructions, store hours, and contact information reduce customer uncertainty and create a seamless transition from digital discovery to in-store fulfillment.

Strategic priorities:

  • Improve product discovery through featured categories and product cards.
  • Promote seasonal items through homepage banners and limited-time product sections.
  • Support gift buyers through gift basket, gift box, and fruit box product templates.
  • Reduce customer confusion through pickup and shipping information.
  • Reinforce brand fit through local, campus, agriculture, and community storytelling.
  • Create an online-to-offline journey where ecommerce supports physical store visits and pickup.

10 Connection to the Omnichannel Journey Map

The Shopify prototype was intentionally designed using the findings from GP1. Each feature of the online store addresses a specific stage of the customer journey by reducing friction, improving product discovery, and creating a smoother transition from online browsing to in-store shopping and pickup.

The prototype directly responds to the omnichannel journey map by addressing discovery, consideration, purchase, pickup, post-purchase, and loyalty friction points. The store should not function as a stand-alone ecommerce site only; it should connect website browsing, physical-store visits, pickup support, seasonal communications, and loyalty/community engagement.

Journey stage responses
Journey Stage Customer Friction Prototype Response Strategic Outcome
Awareness Customers may not know CPP Farm Store carries certain products. Homepage hero, featured collections, seasonal banner, and product storytelling. Improves discovery and gives customers a reason to explore.
Consideration Customers need to know what products are available and why they matter. Collection pages, product descriptions, product images/placeholders, and category organization. Helps customers evaluate products before visiting or buying.
Purchase Customers need a clear purchase or inquiry path. Product pages with price, details, CTA, availability/pickup notes, and gift fields. Makes ecommerce behavior easier and more actionable.
Pickup Customers need clarity on readiness, pickup timing, and location. FAQ page, pickup disclaimers, gift preparation notes, and footer information. Reduces friction and service confusion.
Post-Purchase Customers need support if items are unavailable, substituted, or damaged. Substitution disclaimers, contact information, and support FAQ. Builds trust and manages expectations.
Loyalty Customers need reminders to return for seasonal products. Newsletter section, seasonal product drops, loyalty messaging, and community story. Supports repeat visits and long-term Farm Store engagement.

11 Brand Fit with CPP Farm Store

The prototype aligns with CPP Farm Store’s brand by emphasizing freshness, campus agriculture, local goods, seasonal products, and community connection. Visual choices such as earthy green, cream, brown, and gold tones support the farm/community feeling. Product choices also reflect the Farm Store’s unique value: items connected to campus, local sourcing, fresh produce, and giftable specialty products.

Compared with generic grocery ecommerce, this prototype should feel more local, educational, and community-rooted. The site should communicate that shopping at the Farm Store is not only a transaction; it is also a way to support Cal Poly Pomona agriculture, discover seasonal goods, and connect with a campus retail experience.

12 Required Evidence and Screenshot Checklist

Deliverable checklist
Required Deliverable Status Notes / Location
Shopify store link or preview link Complete Preview URL and password in the Appendix.
Homepage screenshot Complete Figure 1 and Figure 2 through Figure 6.
Navigation/menu screenshot Complete Figure 16 and footer in Figure 6.
At least 5 product or collection examples Complete Five product pages (Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 12) plus three collection pages.
Explanation of target customer Complete Section 3.
Explanation of ecommerce strategy Complete Section 2 and Section 9.
Connection to omnichannel journey map Complete Section 10 and GP1 link in the Appendix.
Professional presentation Complete TOC, numbered sections, tables, tabsets, callouts, footnote, cross-references, and appendix links throughout.

13 Product Descriptions

Seasonal Produce Box — Enjoy a rotating assortment of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables grown at Cal Poly Pomona and local partner farms. Each box is carefully selected based on seasonal availability, giving customers the freshest produce while supporting local agriculture. Available for in-store pickup; contents may vary depending on the season.

Raw Local Honey — Pure wildflower honey sourced from local producers and selected for its rich flavor and natural sweetness. Perfect for tea, baking, breakfast, or gifting. Available for in-store pickup while supplies last.

CPP Farms Ice Cream — A Farm Store favorite made with quality ingredients and inspired by the Cal Poly Pomona community. Available in a variety of flavors and ideal for students, families, and campus visitors looking for a refreshing treat. Available for in-store pickup only.

Deluxe Theme Gift Box — A thoughtfully curated premium gift box featuring seasonal Farm Store favorites, locally sourced products, and campus-inspired specialties. Great for holidays, alumni, faculty, and family gifts. Gift orders require 1–2 business days to prepare, and items may be substituted based on inventory.

Breakfast Theme Gift Box — Start the day with a collection of breakfast favorites, including locally sourced products and Farm Store specialties. Perfect as a gift for family, friends, or colleagues. Shipping availability may vary, and customers should allow additional preparation time for custom orders.

Avocado/Satsuma Box — A seasonal fruit box featuring fresh avocados, satsumas, or other locally grown citrus depending on availability. An excellent option for customers looking to enjoy fresh California produce or send a thoughtful seasonal gift. Available for pickup; seasonal substitutions may apply.

Local Cold Brew — A smooth, ready-to-drink cold brew coffee perfect for students, faculty, and visitors looking for a convenient energy boost while on campus. Available as a grab-and-go beverage for in-store purchase or pickup.

Farm Store Salsa — A flavorful salsa made with quality ingredients and inspired by fresh California flavors. Perfect for chips, tacos, burritos, and everyday meals. Available for in-store pickup while supplies last.

14 Rubric Alignment

Rubric alignment
Grading Criteria Points Where This Report Addresses It
Clear ecommerce strategy 15 Section 2 and Section 9
Homepage quality 15 Section 5 plus homepage figures
Product page quality 20 Section 6 plus product figures
Navigation and usability 15 Section 7 plus Figure 16
Brand fit with CPP Farm Store 15 Section 11
Connection to omnichannel journey 10 Section 10
Professional presentation 10 Entire document: TOC, numbered sections, tables, tabsets, callouts, and appendix links

Footnotes

  1. Segments identified in the GP1 Omnichannel Customer Journey Map; see the Appendix for the published GP1 link.↩︎