# In-Store Beauty Sampling Kiosks Ulta Beauty and SOS are Partnering to Promote Product Discovery By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-10-25 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ulta-beauty-and-sos References: [adage](https://adage.com/article/marketing-news-strategy/ulta-beauty-pilots-store-sampling-machines/2524121)  [Ulta Beauty and SOS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wellness-by-ulta-beauty), a startup that provides digital vending machines, are teaming up for a pilot program that will introduce smart vending machines across 10 stores across the United States. The SOS machines will support a seamless sampling experience, encourage product discovery and incentivize new member sign-ups for Ulta’s Ultamate Rewards. Members will have the chance to claim one free sample every week, including travel-sized cosmetics, skincare and hair care solutions. The SOS vending machine units are set to make an appearance in Ulta Beauty locations in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, California and Texas. Complete with [large digital screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snapchat-and-loreal), the machines double as interactive advertising platforms to bring attention to new launches and brand messaging. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 19% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Smart Vending Machines:** The partnership between Ulta Beauty and SOS introduces smart vending machines that provide a seamless sampling experience and encourage product discovery. - **Seamless Sampling:** The SOS vending machines allow Ulta Beauty members to claim one free sample every week, promoting product discovery and incentivizing new member sign-ups. - **Interactive Advertising Platforms:** The SOS vending machines feature large digital screens that double as interactive advertising platforms, creating opportunities to bring attention to new launches and brand messaging. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Retail:** The partnership between Ulta Beauty and SOS introduces smart vending machines that revolutionize the in-store beauty sampling experience. - **Cosmetics:** The SOS vending machines offer a variety of travel-sized cosmetics and promote product discovery, enticing customers to try new beauty products. - **Digital Advertising:** The SOS vending machines act as interactive advertising platforms, creating new opportunities for brands to engage with consumers in-store. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Makeup Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-express.md) - [Wellness Shop-in-Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wellness-by-ulta-beauty.md) - [In-Store Beauty Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-beauty-bars.md) - [Indie Hair Removal Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugardoh.md) - [Mobile Beauty Supply Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sally-beauty1.md) - [Collaborative Beauty Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ulta-beauty-partners.md) - [Virtual Beauty Speakeasies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-luxe-lounge.md) - [Immersive Beauty Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elf-cosmetics-4.md) - [Interactive Beauty Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superdrug-beauty-playground.md)