A worker prepares bread to offer as samples to shoppers in a Costco warehouse
A worker prepares bread to offer as samples to shoppers in a Costco warehouse.
  • More retailers and brands are offering free samples as an alternative to advertising.
  • Companies like Walmart and Oreo-maker Mondelez are among those expanding sampling.
  • The strategy took a hit during the pandemic as stores like Costco scaled back freebies.

Expect to see free samples like what you get at Costco at more stores soon.