If shopping feels like the same three products at the top of every search, you’re not imagining it. We sat down with Al Schuster and Heather Johnson of Polaris Brand Promotions to unpack how experiential retail brings back real choice, and how their new app, SampleFinder, turns a store trip into discovery, instant perks, and meaningful feedback.
We start with the problem: passive digital ads and delivery apps narrow options and flatten brand stories. Al explains why a brand is a promise and how authenticity only lands when people can taste, touch, and question in real time. Heather shares the on-the-ground reality, trained brand ambassadors field questions you actually care about, from ingredients and sourcing to value and taste, delivering confidence at the moment of purchase.
Then we dive into SampleFinder. The app reveals nearby demos, pop-ups, and festivals in list and map views; lets you favorite events; and unlocks on-site discounts when you check in. Gamification keeps it fun: points, tiers, and Trivia Tuesdays reward curiosity and help you remember the brands you love. For marketers and retailers, the payoff is clean, voluntary data captured right after the experience, sentiment, star ratings, and purchase intent, fueling smarter, permission-based campaigns that reach true fans, not rented audiences.
We also preview the CES and NRF launch plan, including a live “sample hour” where ambassadors bring the experience to life on the show floor. The broader mission is bold: save retail by transforming stores from pickup points into places of exploration. If you believe shopping should feel like discovery again, this conversation shows a practical path forward. If you enjoyed the episode, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves trying what’s new.
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