"It's a Saturday afternoon, and you're trawling for samples like any good Costco cardholder would. You're dreaming of mini quiches and frozen dumplings, smoothie mixes and chicken skewers. But as you round the corner of the second to last aisle, you're suddenly met by an unfamiliar sight. It's a tray full of Pepto-Bismol tablets, and it's probably not a particularly appetizing surprise."
"Across the internet, Costco fans have been trying to wrap their heads around the store replacing a traditional food sample with an over-the-counter medication known for a jingle that mentions "nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea." In an r/Costco Reddit thread, one Redditor wrote, "Wow that is the strangest sample," before wondering what you'd even say to promote chewable Pepto-Bismol tablets."
"Given the intended use of Pepto-Bismol, it's unsurprising that the overwhelming majority of commenters couldn't help but crack a few jokes. A Redditor suggested that the station should've been set up "next to the food court," while a second said they "needed this after having a regrettable breakfast" before walking into Costco. So you may be wondering what exactly would possess the store to offer up Pepto-Bismol, especially when the perennially popular option of pretzels and hummus exists."
Costco handed out chewable Pepto-Bismol tablets as in-store samples, surprising shoppers who expected food items. Social media users reacted with disbelief and jokes, posting on Reddit and Instagram and questioning how to promote a medication as a sample. Commenters suggested placing the station near the food court and noted personal reasons for needing the product after a bad breakfast. Free samples often drive impulse buys even when the sampled product differs from typical offerings. Little is publicly known about the decision process behind sample selections at Costco. The event prompted widespread online conversation about retail sampling choices.
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