Overview
Editable lookback periods let you control the time period used to calculate metrics such as conversion, views and CTR when you create or edit merchandising rules. Accounts can define up to two lookback periods (from a pre-defined selection). These periods can be applied to Merchandising rules in Search, Category Merchandising and Recommendations.
Key facts - at a glance
Default period - 30 days. You can change this default, and add one alternative period at account level. For each Merchandising rule using a time-related metric, you can then choose between the two.
Pre-defined time-periods - Your options: 1, 3, 7, 14 and 30 days. The longest supported window today is 30 days.
Where it applies - Merchandising rules applied to Search, Categories and Recommendations.
How it works - simple steps
Rules → Settings - From either Search, Category Merchandising (Universal) or Recommendations, choose “Rules” in your Quick Access. Click on “Settings”.
Time-Periods - You’ll find two drop-down boxes. By default, the first box will be set to 30-days. You can change this period, and/or define the second period.
💡 When you change a time-period already in use, the UI will show you which rules will be impacted by that change.
Per-rule selection - When creating or editing a merchandising rule, pick either of your defined time-periods - this period will apply to all time-based metrics in this rule.
💡 The time-period selection will only show, when you picked a metric that is based on a specific time-window (e.g. CVR).
Important notes
Search indexing required - For Search and Category Merchandising, lookback periods changes only take effect after the next product-indexing. That can take several hours. Plan experiments accordingly.
💡 The UI will show you indication of outstanding indexing, allowing you to know if the changes have been applied yet.
Recommendations sync faster - Recommendation rules are not subject to the same Search reindex delay and changes will apply in near-realtime. Note this difference when testing.
Best practices
Use short windows for rapid signals - 1 to 7 days works well for flash sales or fast-moving assortments. Use 30 days for stable signals.
Lock before peak events - Finalise and lock lookback periods well before Black Friday or other high-traffic days to avoid unexpected changes during peaks.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Q: I changed the period but I see no effect.
A: For Search, changes wait for the next reindex. Check the index-sync indicator or allow several hours for the change to appear.
Q: The preview did not change when I switched the period.
A: Preview scoring and ordering may not update immediately. If preview is inconsistent, save the rule and check live behaviour after indexing.
Q: Can I use windows longer than 30 days?
A: Not currently. The platform supports lookback windows for up to 30 days.