For issuing search queries, Commerce Reference Store uses the /atg/commerce/search/catalog/QueryFormHandler and /atg/commerce/search/catalog/QueryRequest components. The Store.Search.Query module modifies the configuration of QueryRequest to add constraints that do the following:
Restrict search results to products in a catalog’s root navigation category, so products that are not part of the navigational hierarchy (such as Gift Wrap) are not returned.
Restrict search results to products whose
startDateis either in the past or is undefined, and whoseendDateis either in the future or is undefined.

