How Research-Backed Products Can Help You Get Into Retail

Retail buyers are constantly on the lookout for brands that stand out, not just in packaging, but in proof. In today’s competitive landscape, clinical research is no longer just a "nice to have"; it's a powerful lever to gain shelf space and build lasting partnerships with retailers. If you're trying to get your wellness, skincare, or supplement brand into retail, scientific validation may be your ticket in.

Why Retailers Care About Clinically Backed Products

Retailers want products that sell. But increasingly, they also want products that are credible, differentiated, and aligned with consumer trends, especially in health and wellness-driven categories.

Key reasons clinical research matters to retailers:

• Trust: A clinically tested or validated claim increases trust with both buyers and end consumers.

• Marketing Edge: Products with substantiated claims tend to perform better in advertising and in-store promotions.

• Lower Risk: Retailers face reputational risks when a product makes unverified claims. Research helps de-risk the partnership.

• Premium Positioning: Scientifically supported products often command higher price points, which benefits both the brand and the retailer.

Turning Research into Retail Readiness

Simply having a product that works isn’t enough. To make an impact with retailers, you need to translate your clinical findings into actionable retail value.

1. Use the Right Type of Research

Retailers don’t expect pharmaceutical-level RCTs, but they do expect:

• Independent third-party studies

• Human-subject clinical trials (especially for ingestibles and skincare)

• Clear and measurable endpoints like hydration, wrinkle depth, energy, or mood improvements

2. Build Retail-Focused Materials

Your research should be woven into your:

• Sell sheets

• Retail pitch decks

• Packaging and labels

• Point-of-sale materials

These assets should clearly highlight the benefits supported by your research (e.g., “Clinically shown to improve skin firmness by 32% in 4 weeks”).

3. Tell a Compelling Story

Retail buyers are consumers, too. They respond to data with storytelling. Present your clinical findings in a way that connects to the customer journey:

• What problem does your product solve?

• How was the benefit proven?

• What kind of results can consumers expect?

Retail Trends That Favor Science-Backed Brands

More than ever, retail is driven by evidence-based wellness. Here are a few key retail trends working in your favor:

• Clean and clinical: The rise of brands that combine clean ingredients with clinical efficacy (think Sephora’s “Clean + Clinical” category).

• Transparency and trust: Gen Z and Millennial consumers actively seek products with published results and transparent testing methods.

• Retailer differentiation: Stores want exclusive or standout products they can’t find elsewhere, having research is a strong USP (unique selling proposition).

Case Study Examples

• A skincare brand ran a four-week clinical trial with 30 participants showing a 40% reduction in wrinkle depth. They used this data to secure placement in a major beauty retailer.

• A supplement brand used a decentralized clinical trial to validate energy improvement. Their results helped them land national distribution in a health food chain.

• A pet health brand backed their calming chews with a double-blind study and saw interest spike from independent pet retailers looking for trustworthy SKUs.

How to Get Started with Clinical Trials for Retail Success

Clinical research is more accessible than you might think. Brands today can:

• Partner with research providers that specialize in affordable, fast-turnaround clinical trials

• Use decentralized trials to cut costs and reach diverse demographics

• Leverage claims like "clinically tested" or "clinically validated" on packaging (with proper substantiation)

If you’re unsure where to start, look for a research partner that understands consumer product testing, not just academic or pharmaceutical research.

Research as a Revenue Driver

Retailers are no longer just gatekeepers, they're strategic partners looking for products that sell, resonate, and perform. Backing your products with research not only improves your credibility but also accelerates your path to shelf. In a world full of bold claims, science sells, and it’s your edge in an increasingly crowded market.

Looking to conduct research to boost your chances of getting into retail? Learn more about how we can help you conduct customized clinical trials tailored to your brand.