The machine allows shoppers to try products before buying them, and to use the machine, shoppers will need to have an Asda Rewards Loyalty account, which they then scan at the machine to get the freebie
Asda has made a huge change to one of its UK stores in a “first” ever for the UK supermarket.
The supermarket chain has launched a trial for a free sample vending machine in its Asda Pilsworth store in Bury, Greater Manchester. The machine allows shoppers to try products before buying them. To use the machine, shoppers will need to have an Asda Rewards Loyalty account, which they then scan at the machine to get the freebie.
In addition to tasting the product, customers can browse ingredient and dietary information on the screen. Asda says the machine was a “first-to-market innovation ” that would “revolutionise in-store sampling.” According to a report by the Grocer, the machine is supported by Asda’s retail media LS Eleven Media Services, which helps brands engage customers with dynamic content and product trials.
The first brand customers can get out of the new machine is Muller, and shoppers can grab themselves a free sample of Frijj yoghurt. An Asda spokesman told The Grocer magazine: ”We are trialling a digital sampling machine at our Pilsworth store so that customers can try newly launched products from our branded partners simply by scanning their Asda Rewards ID.” Asda has not confirmed whether this concept will be rolled out to further stores.
LS Eleven – named after the postcode of Asda’s headquarters in Leeds – said brands can use the machine to “showcase dynamic content on our digital screens, drive trials for new products and engage Asda shoppers.” The offering also includes “prominent in-store locations, hands-on campaign management, support and a thorough post-campaign activity report.” The supermarket said in-person, in-store sampling would continue in tandem with the machine.
The machines – which are already used in US supermarkets – aims to boost sales with the company vending company Freeosk putting machines in supermarket chains such as Sam’s Club, ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer. Freeosk claims sampling campaigns via its vending machines generate an average sales lift of more than 50%, with 70% of buyers being new to the brand, with more than 20% of the converted shoppers repeating purchases post-campaign.
