“I’ve always loved Christmas – it’s the time of year I look forward to the most”
Christmas has officially arrived at M&S Belfast, and no one is more excited than Reuben Skillen, the store’s newly crowned Mr Christmas.
Known among colleagues for his enthusiasm and sparkle, Reuben has become the heartbeat of the store’s seasonal celebrations – from the moment the Christmas music starts playing right through to placing the star on top of the tree.
Having spent 11 years with M&S, including nine years in womenswear before moving into visual merchandising two years ago, Reuben has developed a keen eye for detail, creativity, and a passion for bringing festive stories to life.
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“I’ve always loved Christmas – it’s the time of year I look forward to the most,” says Reuben. “It’s busy, it’s crazy, but there’s just something magical about launching Christmas across the store. Even when you’re exhausted, you can’t help but smile.”
Reuben says his love of the season stems from his late grandmother, who inspired his festive spirit from an early age: “Christmas is a very special time for me. My whole family are the same – every year is full of cheer – and it was my grandmother who really instilled that spirit in me.
“We lost her this year, so I just want to keep that part of her alive. My Christmas tree at home was already up in early November – it’s never too early!”
As a visual merchandiser, Reuben helps create the magic customers see in store. He wants shoppers to be able to visualise M&S products in their own homes, and talking about this year’s Christmas décor trends he says:
“This year it’s all about nostalgia – bows, paper decorations and that cosy, traditional look. Across home, clothing and gifts, there’s a real sense of nostalgic warmth and lots of fun.”
That sense of fun, he adds, is what M&S does best: “M&S always manages to bring a bit of fun – whether it’s snow globe gins, light-up biscuit boxes, or spicy margarita tree decorations. It’s the creativity and playfulness that gets people talking and into the Christmas spirit.”
Reuben instigated an early switch-on of the Christmas soundtrack in store, filling the aisles with festive tunes as he and the team put the finishing touches to the displays.
“We’ve had the Christmas music on all week, and it really lifts everyone. The energy is incredible once it starts!”
And when he’s not decking out the store, Reuben continues his creative flair at home –taking charge of decorating and dressing the Christmas table, even when it’s hosted at his sister’s house.
“I can’t help myself – I still take over the decorating and set the Christmas table like something straight out of a magazine. It’s just what I love!”
When asked to sum up what Christmas means to him, Reuben said: “It’s about family, memories, and those little touches that make everything sparkle. That’s what I try to bring into the store too.”
And how would Mr Christmas describe M&S at this time of year? “Magical – always magical.”
Conor McLoughlin, M&S Belfast Store Manager and the colleague who nominated Reuben for the title, said: “Reuben was an easy choice for our store’s Mr Christmas. He absolutely lives and breathes the festive season.
“The moment anyone mentions Christmas or asks when the tree is going up, everyone knows Reuben’s the man to ask. His energy is infectious, his joy is genuine, and he doesn’t let a single Grinch slip through the doors!
“Christmas in retail can be one of the busiest times of the year, but we work hard to make sure the festive spirit never fades. From team Secret Santas to our staff advent calendar, there’s always something to bring us together, and having someone like Reuben on the team makes it all the more magical.”
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