Predictions for Future Shopping Lists & Coupons Using the Python Programming Language

Abstract

In today's society Big Data is a commonly used marketing tool for companies to learn more about their customers. Given a large set of grocery store transaction data, we were to develop a means of using the data to benefit the customers and/or company. Big Data is a relatively new method of analysis and therefore not many high school students have had experience exploring data of this magnitude. We predicted future shopping lists and generated personalized coupons for each customer. To accomplish this we wrote a series of connected programs that calculate the average quantity and cost per food category. The averages were then used as the predicted amount for the next visit and individualized coupons were generated for the four most purchased categories. Due to time restraints and incomplete data sets, some of our hypotheses remain uninvestigated; however, more time and data would allow for these to be tested and confirmed. Overall, this program was created to enhance the customer's shopping experience and in return benefit the retailer.