Ulta Beauty, the renowned beauty retailer, has joined forces with SOS, a female-founded company specializing in wellness-on-the-go solutions via smart vending machines. This strategic partnership introduces an in-store sampling program, along with digital in-store advertising and the inclusion of complimentary Rael period care products.
Susanna Twarog, co-founder and co-CEO of SOS, expressed her pride in being recognized by Ulta Beauty for their innovative approach. She stated, “Our partnership not only reinforces our mission to help consumers discover new products at their convenience, but it also provides opportunities for Ulta Beauty to enhance brand engagement through personalized customer experiences, sampling, media exposure, and data collection.”
Select Ulta Beauty locations, including those in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, California, and Texas, will feature these smart vending machines. These machines offer a unique sampling experience for Ultamate Rewards members, encourage new member sign-ups, and provide guests with a complimentary sample from a range of travel-sized products in categories such as cosmetics, skincare, and hair care.
Maria Salcedo, senior vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty, emphasized their commitment to delivering new, engaging ways for guests to explore and fall in love with new products. She believes that the collaboration with SOS will open doors to a transformed beauty shopping experience by studying guest interactions with vending machines and digital brand touchpoints in-store.
In addition to the consumer-focused sampling experience, the smart vending machines also serve as interactive advertising platforms, utilizing digital screens for promoting sampling awareness, product launches, and brand messaging.