Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief
SOS, the female-founded company that is redefining wellness on the go through a fast-growing network of smart vending machines has partnered with Ulta Beauty to pilot a next-gen in-store sampling program and rollout a first-ever digital commerce media program.
The trial program will debut SOS smart vending machines within 10 Ulta Beauty stores across the U.S., offering free Rael period care products for guests
“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.”
Launching in select Ulta Beauty locations across 10 cities in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, California and Texas, the SOS machines will provide a seamless sampling experience for Ultamate Rewards members and incentivize new member sign-ups. Members will be able to claim one free sample every week from a variety of travel-sized products from leading brands across cosmetics, skincare and haircare. Guests can enter their phone or email to access their Ultamate rewards account to receive a free sample, while non-member guests can sign-up and create an account at the machine to receive.
“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.”
Alongside the consumer-driven sampling experience, the smart vending machines also serve as dynamic, interactive advertising platforms using digital screens for sampling awareness, product launches and brand messaging.
SOS was launched in 2020 by Susanna Twarog and Robina Verbeek, SOS has grown its footprint to include placement of more than 100 vending machines at high-traffic areas including New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center and top sporting venues such as Fenway Park, FLA Live Arena and TIAA Bank Field, in addition to a variety of public spaces around Boston, including the Prudential Center, South Station and more.
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