Tariffs, Sentiment & Spending: What the Data Says About Q2

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

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:

• Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20.
• Get our Tariff Relief Plan: http://ctctariffrelief.com/
• Get the DTCCI: https://dtcci.co/
• The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at [e-mail] to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm