GMDC and Sampler Partner for Trendsetter Panel

Recognizing that retailers always seek the next big trend to incorporate into their assortments, the Global Market Development Center (GMDC) has partnered with Sampler, a product sampling technology organization, to launch the Retail Tomorrow Trendsetter Panel—an initiative focused on connecting today’s buyers with tomorrow’s shoppers.

"The Retail Tomorrow Trendsetter Panel is a unique opportunity to give our retailers access to quick consumer feedback on products they're looking to list,” said Patrick Spear, GMDC president and CEO. “With Sampler, our members will be able to give consumers the power to define what will be in the stores they visit.”

Leveraging the Sampler platform, brands will be able to submit their trending products for review by high-value consumers who shop in stores such as Kroger, Dollar General, Albertsons, H-E-B and more. The banners’ retail buyers, in turn, will be able to gain insights on products that are resonating with consumers while providing market feedback about the new products.

To begin, GMDC members will identify trends they’re looking for, and brands will submit products that mesh with those trends. Sampler will then distribute trial-sized products and a digital consumer feedback survey to high-value shoppers. Consumer insights will be collected in real-time, compiled and published in a report, which participating retailers will receive along with samples of products that would be a good match for their stores.

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“We think this is a unique opportunity not only for the retail buyers who are part of the GMDC membership, but also for the emerging products and brands Sampler works with every day,” said Marie Chevrier, founder of Sampler. “Our brands are always looking for new ways to get the attention of retail buyers.”

 For more information, visit www.gmdc.org/trendsetter-panel.