“Try Before You Buy” is a Brand Ritual to Live By

Kiehl’s opened its doors in the East Village over 150 years ago, and one of the brand rituals that started with the founder himself is still prominently pleasing customers today – product sampling.

At any customer’s request (often my own), Kiehl’s provides hand-mixed samples of any product. But it doesn’t stop there. Product samples are enough to last a customer for three days. It’s purposefully just enough to give the product a proper trial before buying an entire bottle. Not only is it a feel-good experience to walk out with a coveted freebie, it’s also a ritual that’s been ingrained in what it means to shop at Kiehl’s.

When the ritual of product sampling started over a century and a half ago, Kiehl’s motto quietly became “Try before you buy!” and it’s amazing that it’s still practiced today.

Sure, anyone can give out a prepackaged bit of moisturizer. But there’s something about a hand-packed vial of Kiehl’s that makes it all the more special. Plus, it makes spending $17 on a bottle of Creme de Corps just a liiiiittle bit easier to swallow.