SOS, the female-founded company transforming wellness on-the-go through a fast-growing network of smart vending machines, announced an exclusive partnership with Ulta Beauty, a large beauty retailer, to usher in a new era of in-store product discovery driven by digital innovation. The pilot will elevate Ulta Beauty’s in-store sampling program and test its first digital in-store advertising program to deepen customer engagement and drive growth for brand partners. The SOS machines will also offer complimentary Rael period care products for Ulta Beauty guests, conveniently providing more access to necessities in stores.
"We’re proud to be recognized by Ulta Beauty to help transform their in-store sampling program and build upon their retail media network with digital in-store advertising,” Susanna Twarog, co-founder and co-CEO of SOS, said in the annoucement. “Our partnership not only reinforces our mission to help consumers discover new products when and where they want them, but it provides opportunities for Ulta Beauty to drive growth for brand partners through personalized customer engagement, sampling, media and data collection.”
Launching in select Ulta Beauty locations across 10 cities in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, California and Texas, the SOS machines will provide a seamless sampling experience for Ultamate Rewards members and incentivize new member sign-ups.
Members will be able to claim one free sample every week from a variety of travel-sized products from leading brands across cosmetics, skincare and haircare. Guests can enter their phone or email to access their Ultamate rewards account to receive a free sample, while non-member guests can sign-up and create an account at the machine to receive.
Alongside the consumer-driven sampling experience, the smart vending machines also serve as dynamic, interactive advertising platforms using digital screens for sampling awareness, product launches and brand messaging.
“At Ulta Beauty we are committed to delivering new, engaging ways for guests to experience, try, and fall in love with new products.” Maria Salcedo, senior vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty, added in the announcement. “Through our pilot program with SOS, we have the ability to learn how guests are engaging with vending machines and digital brand touchpoints in store, opening up new opportunities to transform the beauty shopping experience. This collaboration further exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in beauty retail with a guest centric approach.”
SOS is transforming wellness on the go through a network of smart vending machines that deliver just-in-time necessities. Each machine offers modern, premium health and wellness products from brands such as Rael, Hero Cosmetics, Luxury Brand Partners and more. The company’s design-first hardware features a large, engaging touchscreen and serves as a visually rich advertising and marketing platform. SOS currently has more than 100 locations spread across high-trafficked areas including New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center and top sports and entertainment venues such as Fenway Park, Amerant Bank Arena and EverBank Stadium.
