Free Sample Stations are Coming to Walmart Soon

Getting free samples when you enter a store is one of the best feelings out there. From perfume and makeup at stores like Ulta and Sephora to testing out the newest grocery items on the shelves of stores like Costco and Trader Joe's, being able to "try before you buy" is a convenient option that shoppers everywhere love. And if you happen to be in the category of those who can't turn down a good (free) deal, you're in luck because Walmart is now joining the ranks of stores offering up free samples.

In April, Walmart quietly rolled out testing demo stations at select locations where free product samples were distributed to customers. The company's June press release noted that more than 120 stores were featured in the demo station testing phase, but shoppers would only be able to take advantage of it on the weekends. Now, however, according to CNBC, the retailer has plans to expand the stations to more than 1,000 stores nationwide by the end of January 2024.

Related: The Only Correct Way to Take Samples at Costco, According to Super Fans

"For suppliers, these demos create a massive opportunity to drive discovery and conversion, such as when launching a new product or driving an always-on presence for core products," the press release read. "For customers, this creates an experience to look forward to, and some have already shared that these demo weekends feel like customer appreciation events."

While the 1,000 stores that the brand plans to set up demo stations at across the county only accounts for a portion of the stores they operate (there are nearly 4,700 stores open currently in the U.S.), Walmart's strategy comes in the wake of consumers returning to in-store shopping post COVID-19.

"Part of our test is how to enhance the omnichannel experience by bridging the physical back to digital: For example, by pairing a demo cart with QR codes that link back to a curated Walmart.com landing page so customers can find inspiration and shop their list all in one spot," the company said.

Though there's no definite list of which locations will include the new sample-inclusive demo stations, there's probably only a matter of time before all stores will receive the benefit. So, keep your eyes peeled the next time you're on the hunt for rollback prices!

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