Ulta Beauty, SOS join forces on in-store sampling program
SOS, a female-founded company focused on changing the wellness-on-the-go space with its smart vending machines, is joining forces with retailer Ulta Beauty.
Through a pilot program, the vending machines located at the retailer will feature an in-store sampling program, digital in-store advertising and complimentary Rael period care products.
"We're proud to be recognized by Ulta Beauty to help transform their in-store sampling program and build upon their retail media network with digital in-store advertising," said Susanna Twarog, co-founder and co-CEO of SOS. "Our partnership not only reinforces our mission to help consumers discover new products when and where they want them, but it provides opportunities for Ulta Beauty to drive growth for brand partners through personalized customer engagement, sampling, media and data collection."
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Select Ulta Beauty locations that will feature the smart vending machines include New York, Massachusetts, Florida, California and Texas.
Each machine will offer a sampling experience for Ultamate Rewards members, incentivize new member sign-ups, and offer guests one free sample every week from a variety of travel-sized products from brands across the cosmetics, skin care and hair care categories.
"At Ulta Beauty we are committed to delivering new, engaging ways for guests to experience, try, and fall in love with new products," said Maria Salcedo, senior vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty. "Through our pilot program with SOS, we have the ability to learn how guests are engaging with vending machines and digital brand touchpoints in store, opening up new opportunities to transform the beauty shopping experience. This collaboration further exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in beauty retail with a guest centric approach."
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Alongside the consumer-driven sampling experience, the smart vending machines also serve as interactive advertising platforms using digital screens for sampling awareness, product launches and brand messaging.