# Check-Out Sampling Consumers are guided by point of purchase tasting opportunities. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Dec 8, 2015 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/checkout-sampling ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Check-Out Sampling trend? **Check-Out Sampling:** Signalling that consumers are interested in getting the most out of each purchase, educational tasting opportunities transform the point of purchase experience of alcohol sales. Often most helpful in selecting between varieties or for picking up tips on a product's best pairings, these tastings occur as an educational customer experience that informs their purchase in relation to their personal tastes. This progression speaks to the interest of consumers in making purchases that complement their lifestyle, as well as an interest in acquiring expert-level knowledge on a product's best uses for at-home consumption. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 7 to Dec 8, 2015 - Published: Dec 8, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Check-Out Sampling trend ### Point-of-Purchase Tastings Educational tasting opportunities transform the point of purchase experience of alcohol sales and provide an educational customer experience to inform purchase decisions. ### Experiential Retail Retail stores that offer unique experiences, such as pop-up bars or digital wine club showrooms, provide a memorable shopping experience for consumers. ### Local and Artisanal Emphasis Stores promoting local, high-quality products and offering beer and wine from local breweries and wineries are a growing trend, providing a unique selling point for businesses that wish to promote local consumption. ## What the Check-Out Sampling trend means for industry ### For Alcohol Retail Retail stores that specialize in the sale of wine, beer, and liquor can benefit from offering tastings, emphasizing local and artisanal products, and creating an experiential shopping environment. ### For Grocery Stores Grocery stores that offer beer and wine tastings, allow customers to sip while they shop, or otherwise provide an experiential, memorable shopping experience can increase brand loyalty and stand out in a crowded market. ### For E-commerce Digital wine clubs that combine online shopping with in-person experiences can create a unique value proposition that appeals to consumers who desire high-quality wine and personalized service. ## Workshop question How can you provide hands-on product experience to potential customers to increase brand awareness? ## Trend signals for Check-Out Sampling Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 73%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 73% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Check-Out Sampling trend 5 featured examples from Jul 7 to Dec 8, 2015. - [Futuristic Liquor Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enostore): Toronto's EnoStore Makes Shopping Trips Experiential for Wine Lovers (Category: Business) Implication: The rise of experiential liquor stores like EnoStore presents opportunities for the retail industry to create unique and immersive shopping experiences for consumers. - [Market-Style Food Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-store-designs): The Home Park High Quality Food Store Designs are Separated by Function (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative fixtures and displays for retail stores that enhance product visibility, attract customers, and create a unique ambiance. - [Digital Wine Club Showrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wine-club): Club Francais Du Vin Launched Its First 'Store-to-Web' Concept (Category: Business) Implication: The wine industry can leverage digital wine club showrooms to enhance their brand presence and provide a more immersive and interactive wine-buying experience for customers. - [Pop-Up Bloody Mary Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ketel-one): Vodka Brand Ketel One is Hosting a Summertime Pop-Up Bar in London (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Creating branded experiences to capture consumer attention and build brand loyalty. - [Beer-Serving Grocery Markets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gateway-market): The Gateway Market Offers Consumers the Option to Sip Beer and Shop (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Integrating beer-sipping experiences within grocery markets presents an opportunity for grocery retailers to differentiate themselves and engage customers in a unique way. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)