Welcome to the Moast newsletter. We spend the week collecting news, trends, and other content that we think would be interesting to e-commerce founders and CMOs. Our goal is to provide value without sounding like a promo for our app. Helpful wether you use Moast or not.

ChatGPT's AI agents are here! People are pretty excited about this release as the AI tool can now surf the web and perform complex tasks on your behalf.

While most will use it to book restaurant reservations and tee times, it's nice to know it's there for us 😎.

Here's what is happening in the world of DTC / e-commerce 👇

1/ DTC Headlines

Lululemon opened its first store in Italy

→ The new Milan flagship kicks off its brick-and-mortar push in the region.

→ It’s part of the brand’s plan to double international revenue by 2026.

→ Local ambassadors and wellness events are core to the launch strategy.

Trump announces new Japan trade deal with 15% tariffs

→The deal targets cars, electronics, and steel to boost U.S. manufacturing.

→ Japan’s government called the tariffs “disappointing” but stopped short of retaliation.

→ U.S. retailers and automakers are bracing for potential price hikes.

Liquid Death enters $23B energy drink market

→ The brand is launching three flavors with 200mg of caffeine each.

→ It’s targeting Gen Z with bold names like “Dead Billionaire” and “Grim Leafer.”

→ Energy drinks are now the fastest-growing category in convenience stores.

Check out their latest release here

Google is testing shopping ads inside Gmail's Promotions tab

→ Ads feature product images, prices, and merchant names right in your inbox.

→ They're powered by Performance Max and look just like regular promo emails.

→ The test could give merchants a new, high-intent discovery channel.

Sydney Sweeney sends American Eagle’s stock soaring

→ Shares jumped 6% after her back-to-school ad dropped online.

→ The TikTok-style video taps into Y2K nostalgia and student life.

→ It’s American Eagle’s biggest stock surge since last November.

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2/ Shopify Stuff

This Shopify x EY report digs into how retailers are growing by turning first-time store visitors into loyal customers

→ Check out the report here

3/ Campaigns We're Following

Beats teams up with Madhappy for nostalgic speaker drop

→ The collab features polka dot Beats Pill speakers and Studio3 headphones.

→ Colors are inspired by ‘90s toy culture—think pink and baby blue.

→ It’s part of Beats' push to blend mental health, design, and music.

Check out their campaign here

4/ What We Found Interesting

Back-to-school shopping starts earlier in 2025

→ Parents began shopping weeks sooner to avoid inventory issues and price hikes.

→ Spending is up, with electronics and apparel leading the charge.

→ Retailers leaned into flexible payments and early promos to drive sales.

You don't have a product problem, you have a messaging problem

5/ What We Found Helpful

How to increase customer lifetime value on Shopify

→ This guide dives into why retention strategies outperform acquisition in long-term value.

→ Discover proven tactics like loyalty programs and post-purchase flows.

→ See how shoppable UGC can turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.

Read the full guide here