Hi there!
Thanks for reaching out to us.
In general, there is no easy way to achieve this with EasyStore, you are right. But you can check the Allura template categories page to get an idea how to go with it.
You have to create hidden menu for all of your product categories one by one: https://prnt.sc/DpbXGGfuOB06
Create a SPPB page and design the page with images and texts linked to those hidden menu items respectively.
https://prnt.sc/daYU_3iiMvNe
Hopefully, we will improve it in future.
Best Regards