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

Welcome to the first episode of The Seasonal Operator Podcast.

In this episode, Nicole explains why the podcast has evolved from Customer Connect into a show dedicated to the business of Christmas and seasonal trade — and what you can expect going forward.

After years of working closely with Christmas and seasonal businesses, it became clear this industry has its own challenges, rhythms and pressures that deserve focused conversations and practical strategy. The Seasonal Operator is designed to support that reality.

Across future episodes, you’ll hear interviews with Christmas retailers, decorators, installers, suppliers and wholesalers — and at times, customers themselves. The podcast also covers industry trends, seasonal planning, customer experience, strategy and practical marketing ideas that can be applied before, during and after peak season.

If you’re new here, the earlier Customer Connect episodes are still available and remain incredibly valuable. They’re packed with practical customer experience insights and ideas that apply to any business owner, across retail and service-based industries.

Going forward, The Seasonal Operator will focus firmly on Christmas and seasonal businesses, exploring the decisions, planning and thinking that shape stronger, more profitable seasons.

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