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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to wonder why supermarkets don't do those free sample stalls anymore?

53 replies

dodobedo · 04/09/2025 21:29

Does anyone remember when supermarkets used to give out free samples, especially for new products. There would be someone behind a temporary stand giving out free chocolate or anything edible really.

It's been years since I saw this. Why don't they do it anymore

OP posts:
AliTheMinx · 04/09/2025 22:31

My local Sainsbury's does samples quite regularly and it's always the same lady.

Parques · 04/09/2025 22:32

I used to especially like the wine tasting in Waitrose on a Saturday morning, in my late teens, whilst helping mum with her weekly shop!

Xiaoxiong · 04/09/2025 22:33

@TheChosenTwo Lillet is delicious, though I confess I hadn't previously spotted the tampon similar name!! It's a wine spirit that's about 17%. A Lillet and tonic or a rose spritz is a glorious summer drink - better than a G&T as it won't give you a headache next day. It's only about 4-5% when diluted with ice and tonic.

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/316174546?srsltid=AfmBOoqmO3Q_E0-PX2R9uCSkd7l8tkXaL-0VqgEcdGilFUxbkylbgk_4

nomas · 04/09/2025 22:35

Tesco still does like. Recent stalls: kids yoghurt, Violife vegan cheese, Kind bars, sushi, bread, and loads more that I can’t recall.

Tiedbutchorestodo · 04/09/2025 22:41

Our Sainsbury’s seems to have one most weekends - my youngest loves it and gets v annoyed when it’s alcohol and they can’t try anything.

NuovaPilbeam · 04/09/2025 22:42

They have these regularly in my local store.

NoThanksNeeded · 04/09/2025 22:42

Definitely see them in Asda

And Coke are often around giving free cans out in the city centre 🤣

randomchap · 04/09/2025 22:44

Booths do them regularly

Tried some lovely cheese last week. Can't remember what it was called though.

Thisgrillisonfire · 04/09/2025 23:15

PiggyPigalle · 04/09/2025 22:18

There were two nice young men or lads in my local Waitrose recently, just after opening.
They were at a tasting stand tucking into bread dipped in cups of olive oil, like they were starving. I was just thinking "weird breakfast" when they looked at me and laughed as though they agreed.

Super weird post

PollyBell · 04/09/2025 23:16

Because people eat the food but dont buy the products, they are not there as a charity

MoveOnTheCards · 04/09/2025 23:38

They do still happen, but they’ve always had to be paid for as a marketing exercise by the brands featured and they’re actually really expensive. The cost per acquisition (new customer they entice) is usually really high, so brands spend their money in other ways.

Even if supermarket own-brands, that bit of the supermarket (the particular buyer’s section, such as ‘beers, wines & spirits’ or ‘baked goods’) will have to use some of their marketing budget to pay for anything they do, including this.

Mydadsbirthday · 04/09/2025 23:42

Nourishinghandcream · 04/09/2025 22:13

Costco is jammed with them, so much so that navigating through with a (jumbo sized) trolly is a nightmare as people congregate around them.
I prefer to go there after 6pm as they have packed up by then.

What...? That's the best part of going to Costco on a Saturday - you can practically have lunch from the samples on offer 😂

blackbunny · 05/09/2025 00:38

ohfook · 04/09/2025 21:32

I havent seen one since before covid!

Yes Covid would have ended them. I’ve not seen any freebie tasters since before then.

Talkingfrog · 05/09/2025 01:03

I haven't tried anything ftom one fir a while, but have seen them in my local sainsburys recently.

I would only try a sample if it was something I was interested in- most of the ones i ser are products I am not interested in, even when the sample is free.

Can't remember seeing them in my lixal tesco or asda, but not there are often- sainsburys is closer.

MyLittleSodaPop · 05/09/2025 01:14

A neighbour of my Mum’s worked for a supermarket chain doing free samples. She had a geographical area to cover so wasn’t at one store. She hoarded free stock in her garage for her own personal use for use.

CherryRipe1 · 05/09/2025 18:24

I did food tastings & demos in Sydney for a marketing company, all the big brands, sometimes I was cooking Tasmanian salmon, other times Birds eye veg, or just tasters of cups of soya milk. Drinks promos in night clubs, theatres or concerts were great. It was a fun job & met some interesting people. It seemed more commonplace there than in the UK.

Willyoujust · 05/09/2025 20:29

I also see them quite regularly. Think I bought some espresso tia Maria due to one a few months ago 😋😅

AnnoyedByAlfieBear · 05/09/2025 21:14

My Sainsburys have them all the time.

OdeToTheNorthWestWind · 05/09/2025 21:16

Mine does. I was offered mince pies today😋

EchoedSilence · 05/09/2025 21:18

Our big Tesco does. I like it when they have alcohol samples.

RoverReturn · 05/09/2025 21:19

I've not seen this for years either. Our local waitrose used to have a older chap (I'd guess 70 ) whose job it was to stand with tasting samples of wine.
I do miss him.

ButterPiesAreGreat · 05/09/2025 21:23

Theres regularly one in our Asda. And I don’t go in Asda often but every time I go in, I see one.

JaceLancs · 05/09/2025 21:29

Booths do them regularly - not seen them elsewhere but I usually shop after work and think it’s more of a day time thing

Laura95167 · 05/09/2025 21:31

Tesco has them all the time. Flavoured Pepsi, pot noodles and crackers being the most recent ones

Moon30 · 05/09/2025 21:38

Funny you should say this, I saw a walkers stand in my local Asda store today, he was handing out little tubs with a few crisps in, it looked as though they were new flavours.