Sam’s Club's sampling and demo program, Taste & Tips, is returning to the club retailer's nearly 600 clubs this week. Initially, the program will take place on weekends and in limited quantities, using new safety measures, such as sealed samples.
Sam’s Club’s sampling program has been an attraction in clubs for more than 35 years, but it was paused last March out of concern for the health and safety of members and associates during the pandemic.
“Over the past year, our members’ shopping behaviors have evolved. Today, more than ever, members want to do more than just shop when they come to our clubs—they want to have an experience," said Megan Crozier, chief merchandising officer, Sam’s Club, in a statement. "In addition to the return of Taste & Tips, we’ve planned new, immersive sampling experiences that add even more excitement to our clubs.”
One of those experiences will be the Member’s Mark Summer Eats Food Truck, which will tour the central U.S. this summer, giving members a chance to experience the quality of Sam’s Club’s private brand, Member’s Mark. The event will offer samples of Member’s Mark foods, like Member's Mark Angus Beef Cheeseburgers, Member’s Mark Baked Beans with Brisket, and Member’s Mark Double Dipped Mini Ice Cream Bar. In addition, the club retailer is testing new ways to sample items in store, like bringing sampling directly to members when they check out, visit the member services desk, or use Sam’s Club Curbside Pickup.
Related: Sampling Returns to Costco; BJ's Plans to Open New Stores.
Image: Sam's Club