E-commerce product recommendation is a feature commonly used in online retail to suggest products to customers based on various factors, including their browsing history, purchase behavior, product preferences, and other users' similar actions. This technique is pivotal in personalizing the shopping experience and increasing customer engagement and sales.

Online Retail Sales and Customer Data

Transactional Data with Product and Customer Details in Online Retail

By Marc Szafraniec [source]

About this dataset

The InvoiceNo column holds unique identifiers for each transaction conducted. This numerical code serves a twofold purpose: it facilitates effortless identification of individual sales or purchases while simultaneously enabling treasury management by offering a repository for record keeping.

In concordance with the invoice number is the InvoiceDate column. It provides a date-time stamp associated with every transaction, which can reveal patterns in purchasing behaviour over time and assists with record-keeping requirements.

The StockCode acts as an integral part of this dataset; it encompasses alphanumeric sequences allocated distinctively to every item in stock. Such a system aids unequivocally identifying individual products making inventory records seamless.

The Description field offers brief elucidations about each listed product, adding layers beyond just stock codes to aid potential customers' understanding of products better and make more informed choices.

Detailed logs concerning sold quantities come under the Quantity banner - it lists the units involved per transaction alongside aiding calculations regarding total costs incurred during each sale/purchase offering significant help tracking inventory levels based on products' outflow dynamics within given periods.

Retail isn't merely about what you sell but also at what price you sell- A point acknowledged via our inclusion of unit prices exerted on items sold within transactions inside our dataset's UnitPrice column which puts forth pertinent pricing details serving as pivotal factors driving metrics such as gross revenue calculation etc

Finally yet importantly is our dive into foreign waters - literally! With impressive international outreach we're looking into segmentation bases like geographical locations via documenting countries (under the name Country) where transactions are conducted & consumers reside extending opportunities for businesses to map their customer bases, track regional performance metrics, extend localization efforts and overall contributing to the formulation of efficient segmentation strategies.

All this invaluable information can be found in a sortable CSV file titled online_retail.csv. This dataset will prove incredibly advantageous for anyone interested in or researching online sales trends, developing customer profiles, or gaining insights into effective inventory management practices

How to use the dataset

Identifying Products: StockCode is the unique identifier for each product. You can use it to identify individual products, track their sales, or discover patterns related to specific items.

Assessing Sales Volume: Quantity column tells you about the number of units of a product involved in each transaction. Along with InvoiceNo, you can analyze overall sales volume or specific purchases throughout your selected period.

Observing Price Fluctuations: By using the UnitPrice, not only can the total cost per transaction be calculated (by multiplying with Quantity), but also insightful observations like price fluctuations over time or determining most profitable items could be derived.

Analyzing Description Patterns/Trends: The Description field sheds light upon what kind of products are being traded. This could provide some inspiration for text analysis like term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF), sentiment analysis on descriptions, etc., to figure out popular trends at given times.

Analysing Geographical Trends: With the help of Country column, geographical trends in sales volumes across different nations can easily be analyzed i.e., which location has more customers or which country orders more quantity or expensive units based on unit price and quantity columns respectively.

Keep in mind that proper extraction and transformation methodology should be applied while handling data from different columns as per their datatypes (textual/alphanumeric/numeric) requirements.

This dataset not only allows retailers to gain an immediate understanding into their operations but could also serve as a base dataset for those interested in machine learning regarding predicting future transactions

Research Ideas

• Inventory Management: By tracking the 'Quantity' and 'StockCode' over time, a business could use this data to notice if certain products are frequently purchased together or in specific seasons, allowing them to better stock their inventory.
• Pricing Strategy:...

Graph and download economic data for E-Commerce Retail Sales as a Percent of Total Sales (ECOMPCTSA) from Q4 1999 to Q2 2025 about e-commerce, retail trade, percent, sales, retail, and USA.

Context

In the field of e-commerce, the datasets are typically considered as proprietary, meaning they are owned and controlled by individual organizations and are not often made publicly available due to privacy and business considerations. In spite of this, The UCI Machine Learning Repository, known for its extensive collection of datasets beneficial for machine learning and data mining research, has curated and made accessible a unique dataset. This dataset comprises actual transactional data spanning from the year 2010 to 2011. For those interested, the dataset is maintained and readily available on the UCI Machine Learning Repository's site under the title "Online Retail".

Content

The dataset is a transnational one, capturing every transaction made from December 1, 2010, through December 9, 2011, by a UK-based non-store online retail company. As an online retail entity, the company doesn't have a physical store presence, and its operations and sales are conducted purely online. The company's primary product offering includes unique gifts for all occasions. While the company serves a diverse range of customers, a significant number of its clientele includes wholesalers.

Acknowledgements

In collaboration with the UCI Machine Learning Repository, the dataset was provided and made available by Dr. Daqing Chen. Dr. Chen is the Director of the Public Analytics group at London South Bank University, UK. Any correspondence regarding this dataset can be sent to Dr. Chen at 'chend' at 'lsbu.ac.uk'. We are grateful to him for providing such an invaluable resource for researchers and data science enthusiasts.

The image used has been sourced from Canva

Inspiration

The rich and extensive data within this dataset opens the door for a multitude of potential analyses. It lends itself well to various methods and techniques in data science, including but not limited to time series analysis, clustering, and classification. By exploring this dataset, one could derive key insights into customer behavior, transaction trends, and product performance, providing ample opportunities for deep and insightful explorations.

Internet sales in Great Britain by store type, month and year.

Internet sales have played an increasingly significant role in retailing. In 2025, e-commerce accounted for over ***percent of retail sales worldwide. Forecasts indicate that by 2030, the online segment will make up ***percent of total global retail sales. Retail e-commerce Online shopping has grown steadily in popularity in recent years. In 2024, global e-commerce sales amounted to over ************ U.S. dollars, a figure expected to approach * trillion U.S. dollars by 2030. Digital development boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, generating unprecedented e-commerce growth in various economies across the globe. This trend correlates strongly with the constantly improving online access, especially in "mobile-first" online communities, which have long struggled with traditional commercial fixed broadband connections due to financial or infrastructure constraints but enjoy the advantages of cheap mobile broadband connections. M-commerce on the rise The order share of online shopping via smartphones and tablets now outperforms traditional e-commerce via desktop computers. As such, e-retailers around the world have caught up in mobile e-commerce sales. Online shopping via smartphones is particularly prominent in Asia. By the end of 2023, South Korea was the top digital market based on the percentage of the population that had purchased something by phone, with nearly ** percent having made a weekly mobile purchase. Malaysia, UAE, and Turkey completed the top of the ranking.

Online retail in the United Kingdom has been gaining ground in the past decade. With the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the value of online retail sales in the United Kingdom peaked at around 129.5 billion British pounds in 2021. In 2022, the figure decreased to ***** billion British pounds. However, they then went through another recovery and achieved around ***** billion British pounds in 2024. What ranks high in UK e-commerce? In the United Kingdom, clothing and household goods were the most popular retail items consumers purchased through the internet in 2020. Data published by the Office for National Statistics (UK) showed that other leisure activities and services such as booking holiday accommodations, travel arrangements and event tickets were other areas consumers depended on the internet to buy. German e-commerce market The UK might have the highest share of online sales in retail trade, but other European countries such as Germany and France have had impressive track records over the years as well. According to the forecasts provided by German E-commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (bevh), the market volume of Germany’s e-commerce sector was projected to see over ** billion euros in 2021.

In the second quarter of 2025, the share of e-commerce in total U.S. retail sales stood at **** percent, up from the previous quarter. From January to March 2025, retail e-commerce sales in the United States hit over *** billion U.S. dollars, the highest quarterly revenue in history. How e-commerce measures up in total U.S. retail In 2024, the reported total value of retail e-commerce sales in the United States amounted to over ****trillion U.S. dollars—impressive, but the figure pales compared to the total annual retail trade value of ******trillion U.S. dollars. Rising e-commerce segments Online shopping is popular among all age groups, though digital purchases are most common among Millennial internet users. In 2022, around ** percent of Millennials purchased items via the internet. Mobile commerce is also growing in popularity, as consumers increasingly rely on their smartphones and mobile apps for shopping activities. In the fourth quarter of 2022, m-commerce spending made up ** percent of the overall online spending in the United States.

The E-Retail Market is Segmented by Product (home Appliances and Electronics, and Other), by Platform Type (Marketplace Platforms, Direct-To-Consumer Brand Stores, and Other), by Device ( Mobile, Desktop & Tablet, and Other), by Geography (North America, and Other). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Overview:

This dataset contains 1000 rows of synthetic online retail sales data, mimicking transactions from an e-commerce platform. It includes information about customer demographics, product details, purchase history, and (optional) reviews. This dataset is suitable for a variety of data analysis, data visualization and machine learning tasks, including but not limited to: customer segmentation, product recommendation, sales forecasting, market basket analysis, and exploring general e-commerce trends. The data was generated using the Python Faker library, ensuring realistic values and distributions, while maintaining no privacy concerns as it contains no real customer information.

Data Source:

This dataset is entirely synthetic. It was generated using the Python Faker library and does not represent any real individuals or transactions.

Data Content:

Potential Use Cases (Inspiration):

Customer Segmentation: Group customers based on demographics, purchasing behavior, and preferences.

Product Recommendation: Build a recommendation system to suggest products to customers based on their past purchases and browsing history.

Sales Forecasting: Predict future sales based on historical trends.

Market Basket Analysis: Identify products that are frequently purchased together.

Price Optimization: Analyze the relationship between price and demand.

Geographic Analysis: Explore sales patterns across different cities.

Time Series Analysis: Investigate sales trends over time.

Educational Purposes: Great for practicing data cleaning, EDA, feature engineering, and modeling.

Snapshot img

E-Commerce Retail Market Size 2025-2029

The e-commerce retail market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,833.5 billion at a CAGR of 12% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the advent of personalized shopping experiences. Consumers increasingly expect tailored recommendations and seamless interactions, leading retailers to integrate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the shopping journey. However, this market is not without challenges. Strict regulatory policies related to compliance and customer protection pose obstacles for retailers, requiring continuous investment in technology and resources to ensure adherence.
Retailers must navigate these challenges to effectively capitalize on the market's potential and deliver value to customers. By focusing on personalization and regulatory compliance, e-commerce retailers can differentiate themselves, build customer loyalty, and ultimately thrive in this dynamic market. Balancing the need for innovation with regulatory requirements is a delicate task, necessitating strategic planning and operational agility. Fraud prevention and customer retention are crucial aspects of e-commerce, with payment gateways ensuring secure transactions.

What will be the Size of the E-Commerce Retail Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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In the dynamic market, shopping carts and checkout processes streamline transactions, while sales forecasting and marketing automation help businesses anticipate consumer demand and optimize promotions. SMS marketing and targeted advertising reach customers effectively, driving sales growth. Warranty claims and customer support chatbots ensure post-purchase satisfaction, bolstering customer loyalty. Retail technology advances, including sustainable packaging, green logistics, and mobile optimization, cater to environmentally-conscious consumers. Legal compliance, data encryption, and fraud detection safeguard businesses and consumer trust. Product reviews, search functionality, and personalized recommendations enhance the shopping experience, fostering customer engagement.
Dynamic pricing and delivery networks adapt to market fluctuations and consumer preferences, respectively. E-commerce software integrates various functionalities, from circular economy initiatives and website accessibility to email automation and real-time order tracking. Overall, the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, with businesses adopting innovative strategies to meet the needs of diverse customer segments and stay competitive.

How is this E-Commerce Retail Industry segmented?

The e-commerce retail industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Apparel and accessories
  Groceries
  Footwear
  Personal and beauty care
  Others


Modality

  Business to business (B2B)
  Business to consumer (B2C)
  Consumer to consumer (C2C)


Device

  Mobile
  Desktop


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The apparel and accessories segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market for apparel and accessories is experiencing significant growth, fueled by several key trends. Increasing consumer affluence and a shift toward premiumization are driving this expansion, with the organized retail sector seeing particular growth. Influenced by social media trends, the Gen Z demographic is a major contributor to this rise in online shopping. This demographic is known for their preference for the latest fashion trends and their willingness to invest in premium products, making them a valuable market segment. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used for returns management and personalized recommendations, enhancing the customer experience.

Ethical sourcing and supply chain optimization are also essential, as consumers demand transparency and sustainability. Cybersecurity threats continue to pose challenges, requiring robust strategies and technologies. B2C and C2C e-commerce are thriving, with influencer marketing and e-commerce analytics playing significant roles. Customer reviews are essential for building trust and brand loyalty, while reputation management and affiliate marketing help expand reach. Sustainable e-commerce and b2b e-commerce are also gaining traction, with third-party logistics and social commerce offering new opportunities. Augment

China Online Retail Sales: YoY: Year to Date: Goods data was reported at 5.700 % in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 5.000 % for Feb 2025. China Online Retail Sales: YoY: Year to Date: Goods data is updated monthly, averaging 19.900 % from Jun 2014 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 115 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 49.900 % in Sep 2014 and a record low of 3.000 % in Feb 2020. China Online Retail Sales: YoY: Year to Date: Goods data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Consumer Goods and Services – Table CN.HA: Online Retail Sales.

Dataset from Singapore Department of Statistics. For more information, visit https://data.gov.sg/datasets/d_65e4d47c3616d251f9a84ec1ad28f43c/view

In 2024, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated ************ U.S. dollars. Projections indicate a ** percent growth in this figure over the coming years, with expectations to come close to ************** dollars by 2028. World players Among the key players on the world stage, the American marketplace giant Amazon holds the title of the largest e-commerce player globally, with a gross merchandise value of nearly *********** U.S. dollars in 2024. Amazon was also the most valuable retail brand globally, followed by mostly American competitors such as Walmart and the Home Depot. Leading e-tailing regions E-commerce is a dormant channel globally, but nowhere has it been as successful as in Asia. In 2024, the e-commerce revenue in that continent alone was measured at nearly ************ U.S. dollars, outperforming the Americas and Europe. That year, the up-and-coming e-commerce markets also centered around Asia. The Philippines and India stood out as the swiftest-growing e-commerce markets based on online sales, anticipating a growth rate surpassing ** percent.

China Online Retail Sales: YoY: Year to Date: Goods and Service data was reported at 7.900 % in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 7.300 % for Feb 2025. China Online Retail Sales: YoY: Year to Date: Goods and Service data is updated monthly, averaging 17.100 % from Feb 2015 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 112 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44.600 % in Feb 2015 and a record low of -3.000 % in Feb 2020. China Online Retail Sales: YoY: Year to Date: Goods and Service data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Consumer Goods and Services – Table CN.HA: Online Retail Sales.

View quarterly updates and historical trends for US E-Commerce Sales as Percent of Retail Sales. from United States. Source: Census Bureau. Track economic…

Retail Trade, e-commerce sales, Canada, by industries based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), monthly.

Retail Sales - Table 620-67031 : Value of Online Retail Sales by Selected Type of Retail Outlet

This dataset contains a list of sales and movement data by item and department appended monthly. Update Frequency : Monthly

From April to June 2025, U.S. retail e-commerce sales amounted to roughly *** billion U.S. dollars, marking a small decrease compared to the previous quarter. Overall, retail e-commerce sales outdid the quarterly sales records registered in 2020. E-commerce in the post-pandemic era During the second quarter of 2020, as COVID-19 spread across the globe, the U.S.'s quarterly e-commerce revenue reached *** billion for the first time in history. In 2021, online retail sales account for**** percent of total retail in the United States. Clothing and accessories, including footwear, is one of the largest B2C e-commerce merchandise categories. Retail e-commerce sales in the United States are estimated from samples used for the Monthly Retail Trade Survey and exclude online travel services, ticket sales agencies, and financial brokers. Latest trend? Quick commerce Shoppers expect fast delivery of their purchases, especially when it comes to grocery products. This segment of the e-commerce industry goes under quick commerce and is expected to generate increasing revenue in the next years. Major quick commerce companies like Instacart or Uber Eat operate in the United States, where the quick commerce market is forecast to hit nearly ** billion U.S. dollars by 2027.