20 Stores You Only Went to for the Free Samples
Here's a nostalgic list of 20 real stores that became famous for luring shoppers in with free samples, rather than just their products.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Free samples have always been a clever marketing strategy, but for many people, they were the main attraction. From bulk retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club to mall favorites like See’s Candies, Auntie Anne’s, and Baskin-Robbins, these stores turned snacking into an experience. This list takes you on a tasty trip down memory lane, reminding us how a little free bite could make shopping trips far more exciting than the actual purchase.
1. Costco
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Costco’s free samples are legendary, often drawing shoppers who have no plans of actually buying bulk items. You could walk through the aisles and practically have lunch without paying a cent. For many, the samples were the real reason for that membership card.
2. Sam’s Club
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Sam’s Club is known for its weekend sampling stations, giving out everything from frozen appetizers to desserts. Shoppers would circle back more than once to grab another bite. The samples often convinced people to buy products they didn’t originally come in for.
3. Trader Joe’s
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Trader Joe’s offered samples of coffee, snacks, and frozen foods to encourage discovery. Shoppers often lingered around the demo counter, curious to try new and quirky items. It made the store feel less like a supermarket and more like a friendly community kitchen.
4. Whole Foods
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Whole Foods has always been generous with samples, whether it’s cheese, dips, or plant-based snacks. Walking in, you might find yourself snacking your way through different health foods without spending. Many people visited just to taste-test premium items they wouldn’t normally buy.
5. IKEA
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The Swedish giant is known for its furniture, but its food court and free sample stations always drew a crowd. Customers would often test meatballs, cookies, or candies before grabbing a pack for home. It made wandering the showroom more rewarding.
6. Hickory Farms
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Often found in malls during the holiday season, Hickory Farms drew customers in with free sausage, cheese, and mustard samples. People would stop by just for a toothpick taste. Many visitors walked away full without ever buying a gift basket.
7. See’s Candies
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See’s Candies is famous for giving customers a free chocolate sample when they walk in. It didn’t matter if you bought anything; you were guaranteed a treat. For kids especially, the store felt like a little piece of heaven.
8. Godiva
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Godiva boutiques once handed out free truffles to visitors, making them a sweet stop during mall trips. The rich chocolates were enough to lure in window shoppers. Many people never left without at least nibbling on the luxury sample.
9. Harry & David
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Known for its gourmet gift baskets, Harry & David often let shoppers sample its famous Moose Munch or premium snacks. The free bites made the pricey products seem more appealing. Even without buying, customers enjoyed the indulgent tasting experience.
10. Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
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Ghirardelli’s flagship stores used to hand out free squares of chocolate to anyone who walked through the door. This tradition made the shop a must-visit for tourists. A quick sweet bite was often enough to brighten the day.
11. Williams-Sonoma
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The kitchenware store was also known for its food demos, serving samples of soups, sauces, and desserts. Shoppers lingered by the counter, sometimes more interested in the free bites than the cookware. The tastings turned shopping into a culinary event.
12. Auntie Anne’s
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The pretzel chain often handed out tiny pretzel nugget samples in mall hallways. The smell alone pulled people closer, but the free bite sealed the deal. Many customers admitted they only walked by for that salty taste.
13. Wetzel’s Pretzels
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Similar to Auntie Anne’s, Wetzel’s reeled in mall-goers with little pretzel bites on toothpicks. You could often find teens circling back for another sample. The strategy worked well to tempt people into buying a full pretzel.
14. Baskin-Robbins
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Baskin-Robbins was the king of tiny pink sample spoons. You could try flavor after flavor without ever committing to a scoop. Many people went in just for a taste of the new seasonal releases.
15. Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops
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Known for quirky flavors, Ben & Jerry’s let customers sample as many as they wanted before buying. The sampling often felt like a free dessert adventure. For some, the mini bites were enough to satisfy a craving.
16. Cold Stone Creamery
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Cold Stone offered free tastes of ice cream flavors before you chose your mix-in. Shoppers sometimes tried multiple flavors without buying a cone. It was a sweet excuse to stop by even without plans of spending.
17. Mrs. Fields Cookies
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Walking past Mrs. Fields in the mall, you could often snag a warm cookie sample. The smell of fresh-baked cookies drew you in, but the bite kept you there. Many people walked away with nothing more than that little treat.
18. Godfather’s Pizza (Buffet Locations)
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Some buffet-style Godfather’s Pizza locations offered sample-sized slices to entice walk-ins. The free cheesy bite was enough to lure hungry shoppers. It became a clever way to promote their pizza deals.
19. Sprouts Farmers Market
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Sprouts often had sampling tables for snacks, drinks, and natural products. You could make a quick grocery run and leave with new tastes in mind. For bargain hunters, it felt like a free tasting tour.
20. Kroger
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Kroger and its affiliates frequently hosted “sample days,” handing out everything from chips to beverages. These events sometimes made the store feel like a festival. Many shoppers admitted they timed their trips around when the free samples were offered.