Retail media is booming, and the latest partnership between Upshop and Swish Brand Experiences is about to take it to the next level. Their game-changing collaboration is turning product sampling into a data-driven, revenue-generating retail media experience that benefits retailers, brands, and consumers alike.
Why This Matters for Marketers
Retail media is one of the fastest-growing advertising channels, with Bain & Co. predicting 12% annual growth, pushing the market to a staggering $140 billion by 2026. Retailers are catching on—18% plan to launch a retail media network in the next 12-18 months, according to Progressive Grocer’s Grocery Tech Trends Study, and another 20% want to learn more.
For marketers, this means new ways to connect with high-intent shoppers at the point of purchase. And now, thanks to Swish and Upshop, product sampling—once a largely in-store or direct-mail experience—is going programmatic, measurable, and seamlessly integrated into e-commerce.
How It Works
Swish’s sponsored product sampling technology integrates directly into Upshop’s e-commerce order management system, enabling retailers to deliver:
✅ Data-driven sampling campaigns for CPG brands
✅ Personalized recommendations linked to real-world product trials
✅ Frictionless execution—no extra work for store teams
✅ New revenue streams while enhancing the customer experience
✅ Seamless omnichannel engagement, bridging the gap between digital and in-store shopping
The Marketing Edge: Sampling as a Performance Channel
Traditional sampling campaigns often lacked measurement and attribution. But with Swish’s adtech-powered platform, marketers can now track, optimize, and scale sampling like any other digital campaign—turning trial into repeat purchases and long-term loyalty.
“This partnership removes technical barriers and expands the Swish network, giving CPG brands a seamless way to reach their next best customers through measurable, programmatic sampling at scale,” said Adam Stave, CEO of Swish Brand Experiences.
Mike Weber, CMO of Upshop, adds that this is more than just another retail media play—it’s about real shopper value. “This partnership adds real value to the shopper experience without any additional work for the store team. The opportunities in e-commerce are limitless.”
Meet the Power Players
🔹 Upshop (Austin, TX) powers 450+ retailers like Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, and SpartanNash with SaaS solutions for inventory, forecasting, and e-commerce efficiency.
🔹 Swish Brand Experiences (Northville, MI) is a programmatic sampling leader, bringing adtech innovation to retail media through data-driven, sponsored product trials.
Final Takeaway
For marketers, this partnership is a wake-up call: sampling is no longer just a brand awareness tool—it’s a performance channel. With data-led targeting, frictionless execution, and measurable results, this could be the next big move in retail media.
Are you ready to put product sampling into your media mix? 🚀