NearStore: connecting sampling to in-store sales

Imagine you’ve just sampled a new product, you love it, but now you’re left wondering where to actually buy it. Without a clear next step, the likelihood of making a purchase often dwindles. For brands, this challenge represents missed sales opportunities and wasted potential.

That’s why we developed NearStore – a feature that links digital sampling with in-store locations. NearStore uses location data to show consumers the closest store where they can buy the product. We can even include a coupon to further increase conversion and measure full funnel.

_.

Struggling to convert trial into purchase?

Brand and trade marketing managers often face the problem of converting trials into purchases, especially when there’s no straightforward way to guide consumers to a store.

This is a big challenge if they are launching NPD and distribution is still low. They need to drive rate of sale from day 1 to gain retailer confidence and increase rate of sale, but the product won't be available everywhere.

Without location-based guidance, you may inadvertently send consumers to distant retailers or stores that don’t stock the product, lowering the chance of conversion. This not only costs sales but also makes it challenging to track the effectiveness of trial-to-purchase journeys.

NearStore directly addresses these challenges by ensuring consumers have a clear call-to-action and know exactly where to find the product.

_.

Introducing NearStore: connecting online to offline

NearStore takes engaged consumers from digital sampling to a nearby retailer, making it easy for them to go from trial to purchase. By using location based guidance and clear CTAs, NearStore simplifies the consumer’s journey. Plus, brands can direct consumers to priority retailers, driving footfall and sales where it matters most.

_.

Core features

1. Location-based mapping
NearStore uses consumers' location data to guide them to the nearest retailer with one-click directions. This means less friction between sampling and buying.

2. Easily upload your retailers
NearStore enables brands to upload their retailer list easily, using only postcode and retailer name, simplifying the process of connecting trial to in-store. This ensures brands can control which retailers consumers are directed to, optimising for relevance and store footfall.

3. Coupon integration and tracking
Brands can link redeemable coupons to NearStore, adding a final incentive to buy. NearStore tracks clicks, allowing brands to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and ensure a better return on investment.

4. Inbuilt logic to increase sales
If a consumer is too far from a retail location, NearStore can provide an online option instead, ensuring each suggestion is relevant to the consumer’s location and needs. This feature reduces waste and ensures consumers are always directed to viable purchasing options.

_.

Results our customers have seen

“When we saw how integrated sampling can drive both trials and conversions—getting people to actually buy the product through a trackable coupon—that’s when we realised this approach could be a game-changer for us,” - Michael Cheeseman, Marketing Director at Bio&Me.

Bio&Me saw an 18% coupon redemption rate in Tesco by guiding sample recipients to the closest store, creating a smooth path from sampling to sale.

_.

How to get started with NearStore

Using NearStore is straightforward:

1. Provide distribution details: Share the list of retailers and locations where your product is stocked with us.
2. Set up incentives: If desired, establish any coupon or cashback mechanism to encourage purchases.
3. Coordinate with your campaign manager: Work with your account or campaign manager to incorporate NearStore into your campaign strategy.
4. Measure: Monitor the campaign and optimise it. You can see in real time if it's having the impact that you want.

Customisation tips: For the most impact, personalise NearStore recommendations by prioritising select retailers or scheduling activations during key promotional windows. We can work with you on the strategy that works best for your campaign.

_.

Connecting online and offline: the future with NearStore

NearStore marks a critical step in Sampl’s vision to redefine customer acquisition by linking digital sampling with real-world purchases. As we continue evolving NearStore, we’re exploring advanced in-store measurement capabilities and deeper integrations with retail partners, allowing brands to drive even more value from their sampling efforts.