Seaside retailers shouldn’t shy away from offering samples of their favorite health and beauty products. In fact, offering samples is what will probably win people over.
For example, True Ocean gives free testers on its wholesale orders, encouraging retailers to have their customers try before they buy.
“People like to touch, feel, smell and try before they buy,” says Lisa Marie Ponder, principal at True Ocean. “Shopping for a gift, whether for yourself or someone else, is something that can be a memorable experience. Hitting all the senses, having an inviting display, clean samples that say, ‘try me’ sitting out just waiting for someone to play with them, these are essential.”
In Stone Harbor, New Jersey, Blue Eden features a scrub station so customers can test the seaside retailer’s sugar scrubs before they buy them. Owner Caroline Ranoia even goes the extra mile and hosts sugar scrub hand washings for free on Saturday mornings.
“It’s a little mini hand massage they get, and people really love it!” she says. “I always say you’re under no obligation to buy it, but I want you to have this experience. That helps people relax. I think it’s important to make that connection with people to help them feel what the product is like and have them relax in the store.”
And in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Sugared Mango offers classes to teach customers how to make their own bath bombs and shower steamers.
“My classes are what help my business survive!” says Owner Danielle Sterling. “The classes are in store during business hours, and the customers choose one scent and one color and can make up to eight bath bombs with my recipe. They decorate a pizza box with markers and carry them home. I have people come from all over the country on their vacations to Virginia Beach, and they take a bit of their vacation home with them.”
