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In this episode, I’m giving you the ultimate insider scoop from the recent Australian trade show circuit Life Instyle, Reed Gift Fairs, and AGHA.

Whether you were there, thinking about exhibiting next time, or wondering what the heck goes on behind those branded stands, this one’s for you.

From the buzz on the floor and real sales numbers, to the unexpected brand collaborations and cringe-worthy mistakes I saw some newbies make—I'm breaking it all down.

I’ll talk about what really makes a trade show successful (spoiler: it’s not just the orders), the importance of shelf-ready packaging and smart starter packs, and why connection not just conversion is your secret weapon.

I also dive into the question I get asked all the time: Which show should I do? Life Instyle vs. Reed vs. AGHAvand the truth about what suits who.

If you’re a brand looking to grow through wholesale or a retailer wondering how to make smarter buying decisions, this episode is packed with gold. Think of it like your own private trade show debrief, minus the sore feet and overpriced food.

What I cover:

• The real results exhibitors experienced.
• Common mistakes I saw brands make (and how to avoid them)
• How to make your booth unforgettable (even upstairs!)
• Why shelf-ready packaging and starter packs are non-negotiables
• The unquantifiable wins—like friendships, packaging hacks, and collabs
• A comparison between Life Instyle, Reed, and AGHA shows
• Why showing up is more than just standing at a booth

Bonus tip: If you're prepping for your first (or next) trade show, I share how to turn this opportunity into long-term revenue—and how to avoid becoming the brand that buyers forget the minute they walk away.

Mentioned in this episode:
Trade Show Bootcamp – My mini-course to help you prep, pitch and profit from your next show Transform Your Wholesale Program – Learn how to build a wholesale strategy that works long-term
✨ Product Business Growth Club – My membership for product-based businesses that want to grow without burning out

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Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and tell me what your biggest takeaway was from this episode!

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I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for ongoing support to grow your brand and sell more of your product? Join the Product Business Growth Club here.

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

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Let’s talk about one of the most underrated, powerful tools in your business toolkit REVIEWS. They cost you nothing but can absolutely skyrocket your credibility and sales. And yet… so many of you forget to ask for them, or don’t know how to use them to their full potential. Sound familiar?

In this episode, I’m diving into:

• Why reviews are way more powerful than any marketing copy you could write yourself
• How they boost your website conversions, SEO, and even wholesale success
• The exact tools I recommend to automate the whole process (no awkward follow-ups needed)
• Where to put reviews on your website to maximise their impact
• Clever ways to ask for them (without sounding desperate or robotic)
• And why YOU need to be giving reviews too—not just asking for them!

Whether you’re selling direct-to-consumer, through retail stores, or wholesaling to stockists, reviews matter. And if you’re not collecting them (and using them!) you’re leaving money and trust on the table.

🛠 Tools I mention in the episode:

• Trustpilot
• Judge.me
• Loox (perfect for visual reviews with customer pics)
• Stamped.io
• Yotpo
• Google Forms for post-program feedback

💬 Quick reminder:
If you’ve ever listened to an episode and thought “Omg that helped so much,” please scroll down in Apple Podcasts and leave a review. It means the world to me and keeps this podcast going. Plus, I read every single one!

🎯 This episode is for you if:
→ You’re running a product-based brand or retail store
→ You want to build trust fast and boost your online sales
→ You need better copy but don’t have time to write it—use your customer words instead!

Let’s get those reviews working for you.

Take 30 seconds to scroll down and leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it’s free for you and priceless for me!

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for ongoing support to grow your brand and sell more of your product? Join the Product Business Growth Club here.

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

Send us a text

In this raw and refreshing episode of thelotco Business Podcast, I chat with Lucy Moss founder of Mink and Me, a vibrant lifestyle brand that blossomed from a tiny rural shop into a bold online store and now a budding wholesale business.

Lucy shares her incredible 10-year journey, starting from a collaborative store in Coonamble (yep, population 2,500!) to navigating ADHD diagnosis, burnout, a booming Christmas season, a massive pivot, and a spontaneous buying trip to India that changed everything.

We unpack:

• How her dog’s name (RIP Minky!) sparked a business name and legacy
• The power of collaboration and building a retail hub in a small town
• What she learned from buying “dud” products and how she refined her retail buying over time
• Why selling 760 Queen Elizabeth Christmas decorations was a pivotal moment (yes, really!)
• How burnout led her to hit pause and what that looked like
• Her candid experience with an ADHD diagnosis and what changed afterward
• The unexpected decision to close her physical store (despite strong sales) and go all in on online
• Why her India trade show trip with Christine from She.Freights opened a whole new wholesale opportunity
• Her advice for evolving with your business, listening to your gut, and not being afraid to pivot

Lucy gets real about the highs and lows, from toddler chaos to trade show prep, and gives insight into what it truly takes to stay resilient, creative, and profitable in today’s retail and product landscape.

Links + Resources:

• Follow Lucy at @minkandme
• Check out her online store: minkandme.com.au
• Want to prep for your own trade show? Grab the Trade Show Bootcamp
• Listen to more episodes at thelotco Business Podcast

If this episode sparked an “OMG I need to pivot too” moment or you’ve been toying with launching wholesale or shutting your physical store send me a DM @thelotco. Lucy’s story is proof you don’t have to stick to one version of success. You get to evolve. ✨

Be sure to subscribe, share this with your biz bestie, and leave a review if this episode hit home.

Support the show

I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco

Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!

Looking for ongoing support to grow your brand and sell more of your product? Join the Product Business Growth Club here.

Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/

Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.

Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).

Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.