Items in multiple categories?

We're using advanced site customization to implement a NS hosted web store. We would like to have some items appear in multiple categories. the multiple categories are as follows:
[LIST=1]
[*]Main navigation structure through tabs, categories, sub categories, and item listings.
[*]More of a horizontal browsing experience by allowing items to be displayed by manufacturer.
[/LIST]

Currently, if items ABC and XYZ are part of a regular hierarchical category (say Computers : Accessories) as well as in a different manufacturer category (say Acer), clicking on the item causes the navigation to change unexpectedly.

Say you're browsing in Computer > Accessories, and click on item XYZ, the navigation (tabs, breadcrumbs, and side navigation tree), all change to the manufacturer view. However, clicking on item ABC may keep the user within the same navigation context.