Meh it was a learning experience I guess, but overall online retail without a unique product is almost never going to work from what I have experienced so far.
The secret to success is make your shop looks like you are selling really unique products with great customer experience.
Of course you can't compete with Amazon, AliExpress or Wallmart if you are selling ordinary products that can be found anywhere.
The best way is selling something unique, that can't be found at most of retailers. Also you should promote it to specific group of people that really desired to by it.
For example if you going to sell average women bags to average girls, you would have no chance against Amazon. But if you would sell women bags, backpacks and wallets with spotted ponies to girls who really love it, and you will position yourself like biggest fan and expert in spotted ponies in the world - that is quite different.
I hope it helps.