n the Christmas industry, you don’t get endless chances to impress. You get one season. One install. One delivery window. One buying decision.

In this episode of The Seasonal Operator Podcast, I break down why testimonials are not optional for retailers, decorators, installers and wholesalers working in Christmas and seasonal trade.

We look at the numbers behind online reviews and why recent, relevant social proof directly impacts trust, pricing confidence and speed of decision-making. I also unpack why testimonials matter even more in an industry built on emotion, tight timeframes and significant seasonal spend.

You’ll hear practical examples of how to ask for reviews without it feeling awkward, how to redirect issues into private conversations, and simple systems you can put in place now so this doesn’t get forgotten when you’re flat out in peak trade.

We cover:

• Retail and e-commerce confidence builders
• Residential, corporate and commercial installations
• Wholesale orders placed months ahead of delivery
• Print prompts, follow-up emails, SMS scripts and video tools
• Where to use testimonials so they actually drive sales
• Why responding properly to reviews matters

In a high-pressure, short selling season, trust isn’t a bonus — it’s your safety net. This episode walks you through how to collect, use and respond to testimonials in a way that protects your revenue and strengthens your reputation year after year.

Instagram: @theretailmarketers
Website: theretailmarketers.com
YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theretailmarketers

In this episode of The Seasonal Operator Podcast, Nicole is joined by Jake Harlow from Jake Decorates for an honest conversation about the business behind Christmas decorating.

Jake shares how a lifelong love of Christmas, combined with a background in marketing and filmmaking, led him into professional Christmas styling. He talks through how the business has grown, what actually goes into creating high-end Christmas installs, and the less-visible work that sits behind the finished result — planning, prep, pricing and time management in a very short selling window.

The conversation explores what it’s like running a seasonal business where most of the revenue is made in just a few weeks, how Jake thinks about valuing his work, and why systems, boundaries and the right clients matter as much as creativity. There’s also a practical discussion around marketing — using social media as a portfolio, the role of a strong website, and why older-school channels like print can still work when they suit your audience.

Jake also shares how he approaches trends without losing sight of what clients actually want, the importance of referrals and industry relationships, and why collaboration has played a role in growing his business.

This episode is for Christmas decorators, installers and seasonal business owners who want a clearer picture of how to build a creative business that’s commercially sustainable, not just visually impressive.

You can find Jake at:

www.jakedecorates.com.au

Instagram @jakedecorates.

Subscribe to The Seasonal Operator Podcast for weekly conversations focused on the business of Christmas and seasonal trade.

Instagram: @theretailmarketers
Website: theretailmarketers.com
YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theretailmarketers

We’ve all seen the beautiful social posts coming out of the US gift fairs in January — Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas. In this episode, I break down what’s actually standing out beneath the scroll.

I’m sharing the early Christmas trends emerging for 2026, including colours, materials, styling elements and themes that are gaining momentum, along with a few looks that feel like they’re starting to soften or slow down.

This episode is designed to help seasonal operators start thinking ahead — not to lock decisions in, but to notice patterns early, spot opportunities for customers who want something fresh, and make smarter buying decisions.

Instagram: @theretailmarketers
Website: theretailmarketers.com
YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theretailmarketers