Loud Speaker / The Ecommerce Playbook Podcast / The Ecommerce Playbook | Tariffs, Sentiment & Spending: What the Data Says About Q2

The Ecommerce Playbook Podcast

Hosted ByTaylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin

2020 transformed the world of ecommerce forever. For the modern DTC brand, the rewards have never been greater. But the waters have also never been choppier, and the way forward has never been more uncertain. So how do you navigate this dangerous new reality? No matter how you do it, you’d better not do it alone. That’s where the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast comes in — join Common Thread Collective’s Taylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin as they bring you guiding insights from across CTC’s portfolio of growing DTC businesses. Whether you need a clear view on the macro issues affecting the world.

The Ecommerce Playbook | Tariffs, Sentiment & Spending: What the Data Says About Q2

In this episode of the Podcast, Richard is joined by Steve Rekuc, our Director of Data, for a deep dive into what Q1 taught us — and what’s coming next.

We’re breaking down the latest from our Direct to Consumer Confidence Index (DTCCI) and revealing what macroeconomic signals, consumer sentiment, and real brand performance tell us about the road ahead.

Spoiler: It’s not just vibes anymore — the data shows real shifts in behavior that you need to understand.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why Q1 consumer sentiment hit record lows

  • How shoppers are thinking (and acting) in the face of economic uncertainty

  • What our data reveals about new customer acquisition struggles

  • The impact of tariffs, stock market drops, and shifting confidence on Q2 forecasts

  • How Facebook’s Andromeda update is influencing ad performance (hint: high CTR, low CVR)

  • Why future and present purchase sentiment matters more than ever

  • What our MER based DTCCI forecast predicts for April and beyond

Whether you’re a DTC founder, performance marketer, or ecommerce operator, this conversation is packed with insights to help you navigate a turbulent Q2.

Show Notes: