During the pandemic, supermarkets like Costco, Trader Joe’s or ALDI, were forced to make changes due to public health issues, and we lost one of the strongholds of supermarket visits: free samples. I just love going down the aisles and trying everything they offer me because, what the heck! Who doesn’t like gifts? No one reasonable, at least!
As you should know, Costco has always had a solid free samples strategy to keep you happy during shopping. And, although it had been suspended due to COVID-19, now that we are almost all vaccinated, guys, we can go back for those toothpicks loaded with sausage or Manchego cheese. Trader Joe’s had also stopped delivering samples for the same reason, but friends, I have great news for you: they are slowly making a comeback in their locations all over the United States!
Grab it, buddy: Its free!
Even though I’m a Costco shopper, God knows I can’t help but walk in when I’m in front of a Trader Joe’s. They are beautifully decorated, clean as an operating room, and everybody is always smiley. There are very rare and particular things that can only be bought in its stores, and I take one or two new items with me when I feel adventurous. That’s how I discovered the TJ’s Crispy Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies, and now they are my best friends from time to time when I’m having my evening Coffee (which I get from TJ’s, as well).
For now, the implementation of the free samples strategy -post pandemic- is limited and started with its supermarkets in California and New York, but it is expected to be generalized to all its locations over time.
However, I’m not glad to announce that the fragrant, delicious free coffee they used to offer will not return. I think it has a lot to do with a safety issue: it doesn’t seem like a great idea to give dozens of customers cups with hot liquids that can lead to injury, and Trader Joe’s just doesn’t want to take risks.
Obviously, free samples are not a “waste of money” per se: they are an investment that makes customers try new products that they may not be willing to try on a voluntary basis.
They also improve the shopping experience if you go with children, because you can keep them entertained by trying interesting and novel products. When I go with my nephews (I don’t have children, they miss by not existing) we usually go through the stands more than once, which for us is a way to beat the system. Double score!
By now, Costco has already expanded its free sample policy in stores across the United States, getting ahead of its other competitors.
Doubts? Ask for help
Another way to try Trader Joe’s products is to ask a store employee if you can get a free product sample from the shelf. This is not always possible -and depends on the item- but it is worth asking. My friend Haley had a hard time replacing some Trader Joe’s coconut cookies that her children took to school (were discontinued in 2021), and when they were trying to decide on new ones in the shelf, an employee came over and opened a couple of boxes for them to try and make it easier to make the decision.
So, you know: go get your free samples next Saturday and, if you don’t know what to buy, you can try to get some with a little help. May be you find your new favorite sausage or that weird but enchanting cheese you’ve been watching in the shelf for weeks but haven’t had the courage to try.
