The dollar nursed steep losses against major currencies on Tuesday in a wild start to the week after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed the bombing of Iran’s power grid, a move that allayed fear of a prolonged war in the Middle East.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. and Iran had held “very good and productive” conversations about a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in ‌the Middle East”. ⁠Iran denied ⁠it had engaged in any direct negotiations.

The contrasting comments left markets on edge after a risk-on rally immediately after Trump’s post in which he postponed the bombing for five days. Still, markets were mindful of the war all but halting shipments of about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sterling eased 0.5% to $1.33925 after jumping nearly 1% on Monday, while the euro was down 0.2% at $1.1593 after gaining 0.4% in the previous trading session.

The ⁠dollar index, ‌which measures the U.S. currency against a basket of peers, rose nearly 0.2% to 99.35 after dipping to near a two-week low on Monday.

“The news overnight is ⁠giving a breather to volatility at least, but it’s difficult to see that this is going to trigger a risk-on trend,” said Rodrigo Catril, a currency strategist at National Australia Bank.
However, Trump’s policy track record was keeping markets wary, with traders uncertain whether this marked the start of genuine negotiations or simply a retreat from volatility-inducing threats, he said. The Australian dollar fell 0.2% to $0.6993 in early trade, pulling back from a six-week high. The New Zealand dollar was down 0.23% at $0.5845.

Oil prices edged higher after plunging more ‌than 10% on Monday, with Brent crude futures retopping $100.94 a barrel as supply fear keeps sentiment cautious.

“The key question is whether participants see this as a genuine extension that brings a deal closer, or ⁠simply a delay that prolongs uncertainty,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone.

“The U.S. dollar has seen selling on the back of the move lower in crude and the broader repositioning in risk. However, there is little conviction in the move, and conditions remain ripe for sharp reversals.”

The yen was steady at 158.61 a dollar after Japan’s core consumer inflation rate hit 1.6% in February. That was below the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the first time in nearly four years, complicating the bank’s efforts to justify further interest rate hikes.

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s economy, already strained by years of international sanctions, has suffered severe setbacks from the U.S.-Israeli military campaign that began Feb. 28, 2026, with widespread infrastructure destruction, disrupted trade routes and soaring global energy prices amplifying the pain. While precise figures remain elusive due to limited official disclosures from Tehran and the fluid nature of the conflict, analysts estimate the direct physical damage and immediate economic losses could reach tens of billions of dollars, exacerbating a pre-war contraction and threatening food security.

The joint U.S.-Israeli operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by some military sources, targeted Iranian military sites, leadership compounds, air defenses and energy infrastructure in a bid to degrade capabilities and pressure the regime. By early March, reports indicated over 4,000 civilian buildings had been damaged or destroyed across the country, according to TRT World and other outlets citing Iranian sources and satellite imagery. These strikes hit urban areas, industrial facilities and transportation hubs, compounding existing vulnerabilities.

Iran’s economy was already contracting under heavy sanctions before the war, with GDP growth negative in recent years and inflation rampant. The conflict has accelerated this decline. Wikipedia’s entry on the economic impact of the 2026 Iran War notes severe infrastructure damage and revenue losses, particularly from disrupted oil and gas exports. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response disrupted roughly 20% of global oil supplies and significant liquefied natural gas volumes, but the move backfired by isolating Iran’s own imports.

Iran relies heavily on Persian Gulf ports for grain shipments, with about 30% of its wheat imported. By March 6, nine grain vessels waited outside the strait, unable to enter amid the blockade and hostilities. Food import funding, already challenging, became nearly impossible as revenues from oil exports plummeted and global prices spiked.

Direct physical damage estimates are scarce from Iranian authorities, who have downplayed impacts to maintain domestic morale. Intelligence assessments cited in reports suggest the strikes have not yet toppled the clerical or military structure, but the economic harm is substantial. Chatham House analysis indicates Iran’s GDP could fall more than 10% due to the war, based on parallels with other conflict zones, though official data has not been released since 2024.

The war’s broader toll includes lost export revenues from energy. Pre-war, Iran exported limited oil under sanctions waivers, but strikes on facilities and export terminals have curtailed even that. Global oil prices surged over 40-50% since late February, with Brent crude reaching $106 per barrel by mid-March, per Al Jazeera reporting. This windfall bypassed Iran due to disrupted flows and sanctions, while domestic energy infrastructure repairs will demand billions.

Civilian and industrial losses add to the bill. Strikes near critical sites, including one projectile incident close to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (confirmed undamaged by the IAEA), raised fears of environmental and economic fallout. Repeated hits on airports like Mehrabad in Tehran and military airbases degraded logistics. Overhead photos and reports show craters and structural damage at various locations, with costs for rebuilding likely in the high billions.

The conflict has also strained Iran’s ability to respond. Degraded air defenses—around 85% of surface-to-air missiles destroyed by mid-March, per Israeli Army Radio citing IDF sources—left the country exposed, forcing resource diversion from economic recovery to military defense. Desertions among personnel and confusion in security forces further hampered response.

Globally, the war’s ripple effects have indirectly hurt Iran. Higher energy prices strained import-dependent economies, but for Iran, the inability to capitalize on high oil prices while facing blockade compounded losses. Capital Economics and Oxford Economics reports forecast limited short-term global GDP hits outside the Gulf if the war ends quickly, but prolonged fighting could see oil at $130-150 per barrel, worsening Iran’s isolation.

Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in the region caused about $800 million in damage in the first two weeks, per BBC analysis, but these pale against Iran’s own infrastructure hits. The U.S. has borne massive costs—Pentagon estimates put the first six days at over $11.3 billion, rising to potentially $16.5 billion by day 12 per CSIS, with daily expenses around $500 million thereafter. Israel’s Finance Ministry projected weekly economic losses of up to $2.93 billion from disruptions and mobilizations.

As of March 23, 2026, the conflict shows no immediate end, with ongoing strikes and diplomatic efforts faltering. U.S. officials have floated easing some sanctions on Iranian oil to stabilize markets, but progress remains uncertain. Iran’s regime maintains resilience claims, but analysts warn the cumulative economic pressure—physical destruction, lost revenues, import disruptions and inflation—could fuel internal unrest over time.

Rebuilding estimates vary widely. Repairing thousands of damaged buildings, restoring energy facilities and reopening trade routes could cost tens of billions, potentially rivaling or exceeding U.S. war expenditures if prolonged. Food security remains a flashpoint, with grain shortages looming if ports stay blocked.

The war underscores Iran’s economic fragility amid geopolitical confrontation. While military damage assessments focus on strategic degradation, the human and financial cost to ordinary Iranians—higher prices, shortages and uncertainty—may prove the most enduring legacy. As battles continue, the full USD toll on Iran’s economy remains a moving target, but early indicators point to devastation measured in the tens of billions, with recovery years away even if hostilities cease soon.

At 37, Russell Westbrook continues to etch his name deeper into NBA history books while navigating a season of ups and downs with the Sacramento Kings, where his veteran presence has provided stability amid team struggles and sparked discussions about a potential return next year.

The nine-time All-Star and 2017 MVP surged into fifth place on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard during a March 17, 2026, game against the San Antonio Spurs, surpassing legends Mark Jackson and Steve Nash with his 10,336th career assist. The milestone came in a tough 104-132 loss, where Westbrook dished out 10 assists in 25 minutes despite limited scoring. NBA social media celebrated the feat, with posts highlighting his elite status among point guards and countering past criticisms of his play style.

Westbrook’s historic climb underscores a resilient campaign for the future Hall of Famer, who signed a one-year veteran’s minimum deal with Sacramento last October after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets. In Denver, he contributed to a playoff run but later revealed the team encouraged him to test free agency, saying they “didn’t want me back.” The move to the Kings has offered a fresh start, where he’s averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game across 64 appearances through late March, shooting 42.7% from the field and 33.8% from three.

His per-game numbers reflect a reliable bench spark and occasional starter, with strong March performances including a 12-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double threat in a win over the Clippers on March 14. Yet consistency has been challenged by injuries. Westbrook missed multiple games in March due to right foot soreness and a quadriceps contusion, sitting out contests against the Utah Jazz on March 15 and Brooklyn Nets on March 22-23 weekend. The Kings ruled him out for the Nets matchup with right foot soreness, opting for a cautious approach as the team battles for draft lottery positioning in a disappointing season near the Western Conference basement.

Recent outings showed mixed results: In a March 20 blowout loss to Philadelphia, Westbrook posted 11 points, eight assists, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 27 minutes, but the team fell 118-139. Earlier quiet scoring nights and turnover issues (averaging 3.3 per game) have drawn scrutiny, though his leadership off the court has earned praise. Teammates and coaches value his voice in the locker room, particularly mentoring younger players on a roster eyeing potential high draft picks.

Insider reports suggest Westbrook could re-sign with Sacramento this summer. NBA analyst Brett Siegel noted in late February that the Kings appreciate his production and on-court/off-court impact, calling it the first time in years a team truly values his skills. With limited interest from playoff contenders and Westbrook thriving in a mentorship role, a reunion on another minimum deal—projected around $3.9 million—appears realistic. Discussions on Kings podcasts and media outlets debate the fit, with some arguing his high-usage style might clash with rebuilding plans, while others see benefits in retaining his experience for incoming prospects.

Westbrook’s journey reflects perseverance. After stints with six teams post-Oklahoma City, including high-profile runs with the Lakers and Clippers, the California native has embraced a bench role, focusing on facilitating and energy. Off-court challenges, including a fan’s threatening message to his wife earlier this season, added personal strain, but he’s maintained focus on basketball.

The Kings’ season has been tough, with injuries piling up—including long-term absences for Domantas Sabonis and others—leaving Westbrook as a key contributor when healthy. His ability to rack up assists and triple-double threats keeps him relevant, even as the team grapples with losses and lottery implications.

As free agency looms, Westbrook’s legacy grows. Climbing the assists list places him among the greatest point guards, with top rankings in points, rebounds and steals for the position. Fans and analysts alike watch whether Sacramento offers stability or if another chapter awaits.

For now, Westbrook remains a driving force, turning heads with historic feats and veteran grit amid a challenging campaign. His next game could see him return from soreness, ready to push the Kings—and his record—further.

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Castle Biosciences, Inc. (CSTL) Discusses Clinical Utility and Evidence Supporting DecisionDx Melanoma Test and DECIDE Study March 23, 2026 4:30 PM EDT

Company Participants

Matthew Goldberg – Senior Vice President of Medical
Camilla Zuckero – Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs
Derek Maetzold – Founder, CEO, President & Director

Conference Call Participants

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J. Michael Guenther
Catherine Ramsey – Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Research Division
Thomas Flaten – Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC, Research Division
Jin-Yep Penikis – Leerink Partners LLC, Research Division
Vidyun Bais – BTIG, LLC, Research Division
Mason Carrico – Stephens Inc., Research Division

Presentation

Operator

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Good afternoon, and welcome to Castle Biosciences DecisionDx-Melanoma Webcast. As a reminder, today’s webcast is being recorded. Drs. Guenther and Goldberg will begin with a presentation that follows the accompanying slide deck, followed by a brief question-and-answer session. I would now like to turn the call over to Dr. Matthew Goldberg, Senior Vice President of Medical for Castle Biosciences.

Matthew Goldberg
Senior Vice President of Medical

Thank you, operator, and good afternoon, everyone. My name is Matt Goldberg. I’m a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist and I serve as Senior Vice President of Medical here at Castle Biosciences. Before we get into the DECIDE publication itself and before Dr. Guenther takes us through the data in detail, I want to spend a few minutes setting the clinical stage for why this study matters. And my goal here is to ground the discussion to questions physicians are actually trying to answer in early-stage melanoma and then to level set that DecisionDx-Melanoma is already a well-validated test with a strong evidentiary foundation. And this foundation includes retrospective and prospective studies along with meaningful real-world evidence. So from this perspective, the DECIDE trial is best viewed not at the beginning of the story, but as an important new prospective multicenter addition to an already strong body of evidence supporting DecisionDx-Melanoma and Stage

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What does it take to lead in the skill-based gaming industry?

For Michael Anthony Griffin Sr., it started long before the boardroom. It began in a small town in Eastern North Carolina, on ball fields and in a busy household with 9 brothers and sisters.

Today, Griffin serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board of National Business Center, Inc. He also leads Vegas-Style Skill Games and Blue Bull Gaming. His path to the top did not follow a straight line. It was built step by step, role by role, inside the very industry he now helps shape.

“I didn’t start at the top,” Griffin says. “I started as a player. I learned the business from the ground up.”

Early Life in Eastern North Carolina

Michael Griffin is the son of the late Accie and Evelyn Griffin of Hobgood, North Carolina. Growing up in a large family taught him structure, resilience, and competition.

“With 9 brothers and sisters, you learn quickly how to stand your ground,” he says. “You also learn how to work together.”

Sports played a major role in his early life. He played baseball and football in high school. He even tried out for professional baseball.

“Baseball taught me patience,” Griffin says. “Football taught me toughness. Both taught me discipline.”

He graduated from high school and later attended college, though he did not complete his degree. Instead, life pulled him toward work and opportunity.

How Michael Griffin Entered the Gaming Industry

Griffin’s entry into gaming was not executive-level. It was hands-on.

He spent years in the customer service industry. Over time, he transitioned into the gaming business, first as a player. That experience shaped how he views the industry today.

“When you’ve sat on the other side of the machine, you understand the customer,” he explains. “You see what works. You see what doesn’t.”

That perspective became a competitive advantage. Griffin moved through different leadership roles. He learned operations. He studied customer behavior. He paid attention to compliance and market shifts.

By March 2018, he was named CEO of National Business Center, Inc.

Leading National Business Center, Inc.

As CEO, Griffin oversees operations and development across multiple brands, including Vegas-Style Skill Games and Blue Bull Gaming. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for all three entities.

His leadership style is practical. He focuses on systems, people, and long-term positioning.

“We’re in a fast-moving space,” Griffin says. “If you don’t adapt, you fall behind.”

One of his key initiatives was the creation of the Vegas-Style Rewards program. The goal was simple: strengthen customer engagement and build loyalty in a competitive market.

“Loyalty isn’t automatic,” he says. “You have to earn it.”

He also oversaw development of the Vegas-Style online casino platform. The move into digital expanded the company’s reach and aligned with shifting consumer behavior.

“The customer doesn’t just live in one place anymore,” Griffin notes. “You have to meet them where they are.”

Navigating COVID-19 as a Gaming CEO

The 2019–2020 COVID-19 pandemic tested leaders across every industry. Gaming was no exception.

Operations slowed. Regulations shifted. Uncertainty grew.

Griffin focused on stability and continuity.

“In tough times, people look to leadership for calm,” he says. “You have to stay steady.”

He worked with his team to manage operational challenges while protecting the company’s long-term vision. The period required flexibility and clear communication.

“You can’t control everything,” he adds. “But you can control how you respond.”

The experience strengthened his emphasis on planning and adaptability.

What Sets Michael Griffin Apart in the Gaming Industry?

Griffin’s career arc stands out because of where it began.

Many executives enter from finance or corporate backgrounds. Michael Griffin entered the industry as a participant.

“I’ve seen every level,” he says. “That gives me perspective.”

He understands customer experience firsthand. He also understands operational complexity at scale.

His approach blends practical knowledge with executive oversight. He focuses on sustainable growth rather than quick wins.

“This business changes fast,” Griffin says. “You have to think long term.”

Life Outside the Office

Away from work, Griffin returns to the activities that shaped his early years.

He enjoys golf and is a member of a country club. He also spends time playing basketball and baseball. Drawing and gaming round out his interests.

“Golf keeps me sharp,” he says. “It’s strategy and patience.”

Sports remain a steady theme in his life. They inform how he thinks about leadership.

“A team only works when everyone knows their role,” he says. “Business is no different.”

The Ongoing Journey

Michael Griffin’s story is not one of overnight success. It is a story of steady progression.

From a young athlete in Eastern North Carolina to CEO and board chairman, his path reflects persistence and hands-on learning.

“I’ve always believed in learning by doing,” he says. “Every role taught me something.”

In an industry that continues to evolve, Griffin remains focused on adaptation, operational discipline, and understanding the customer.

“The work isn’t finished,” he says. “You build, you adjust, and you keep moving forward.”

For Griffin, leadership is not about titles. It is about responsibility.

And that mindset continues to define his role in the gaming business today.

NEW YORK — Two pilots died late Sunday when an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, injuring dozens of people and forcing the busy hub to close for most of Monday as federal investigators examined the cause.

The crash occurred shortly before 11:40 p.m. on March 22, 2026, when the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, operating as Jazz Aviation Flight AC8921 from Montreal, struck the firefighting vehicle on Runway 4 moments after landing. Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia confirmed at a news conference that the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the impact, which crushed the nose of the plane. Air Canada’s care team notified the families.

The plane carried 72 passengers and four crew members, for a total of 76 people aboard. Forty-one individuals were transported to area hospitals — 39 from the aircraft and two Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting officers from the truck. Injuries ranged from minor to serious, though no additional fatalities were reported as of Monday morning. Some passengers sustained critical conditions requiring ongoing treatment.

The fire truck was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines aircraft that reported an odor in the cabin, Garcia said. The vehicle was positioned on the runway when the incoming jet, traveling at approximately 24 mph according to FlightRadar24 data, struck it. Photos from the scene showed severe damage to the plane’s forward section, with debris scattered and the cockpit area heavily compromised.

LaGuardia, one of the nation’s busiest airports, halted all operations immediately after the collision. A ground stop was issued, leading to more than 500 flight cancellations and widespread delays rippling across the Northeast. Officials reopened the airport around 2 p.m. Monday, but air traffic control faced significant backlog. Passengers described chaotic scenes, with some evacuating via emergency slides amid smoke and confusion.

Survivors recounted terrifying moments. One passenger told NBC News the landing felt normal until a sudden jolt and screeching metal. “We hit something hard — the plane shuddered, lights flickered, and then we smelled smoke,” the individual said. Crew members assisted with evacuation as emergency responders arrived quickly. No fire erupted on the aircraft, though fuel leaks were reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board launched a full investigation Monday, dispatching a go-team to the site. Preliminary focus includes runway incursion protocols, visibility conditions — clear skies were reported — and communication between air traffic control, the aircraft and ground vehicles. The Federal Aviation Administration is assisting, reviewing radar data, cockpit voice recordings and flight data recorder information once recovered.

Air Canada issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: “We are devastated by the loss of our two pilots and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with all those injured and affected.” The airline activated support teams for passengers and families, offering accommodations and rebooking options.

Jazz Aviation, the regional partner operating the flight, cooperated fully with authorities. The CRJ-900, a twin-engine jet commonly used for short-haul routes, sustained substantial structural damage but remained intact enough for evacuation.

The incident revives concerns about runway safety at congested U.S. airports. LaGuardia, constrained by its urban location and water boundaries, has seen prior close calls but no fatal collisions of this nature in recent decades. Experts noted that ground vehicle movements during active landings require precise coordination to prevent such tragedies.

Passenger reactions varied from shock to relief. Many praised the crew’s swift actions in guiding evacuation. One traveler posted on social media: “Chaos but everyone got out — thankful for the flight attendants.” Others criticized airport operations, questioning why a rescue vehicle was on an active runway.

As of Monday afternoon, 41 people remained hospitalized, with nine still under care. The two injured firefighters were treated for non-life-threatening conditions.

The crash adds to a string of aviation incidents drawing scrutiny, though most recent U.S. events have involved minor injuries or near-misses. The NTSB’s final report, expected months away, will detail contributing factors and recommend safety improvements.

For now, travelers face disruptions at LaGuardia and connecting airports. Airlines rerouted flights to nearby hubs like Newark and JFK, straining resources. The Port Authority urged passengers to check status before heading to the airport.

This tragedy underscores the risks inherent in busy air operations, where split-second decisions can have devastating consequences. As investigators comb the wreckage and records, the focus remains on honoring the fallen pilots and supporting the injured while preventing future occurrences.

Shopping has become faster, easier and more convenient than it used to be. A few taps on a phone can bring almost anything to the doorstep, often within days.

That kind of speed matters. So does variety. But convenience alone is no longer enough, especially in product categories where personal experience shapes the final decision.

Beauty and fragrance sit right in that space. People do not choose a perfume the same way they choose batteries. Scent is emotional. It is tied to memory, mood, skin chemistry and plain personal preference. A fragrance that smells refined on one person may feel too sharp or too sweet on someone else. That is why many shoppers want to test the fragrance first, even when they prefer buying online.

The challenge of buying sensory products online

Online retail does a lot well. It gives customers access to more brands, more price points and more reviews than most physical shops ever could. It also lets people take their time. They can read feedback, check ingredients and browse if they want to. Still, for sensory products, a screen can only take the customer so far.

A product page can describe a perfume as woody, powdery, smoky or fresh. It can list bergamot, jasmine, amber or musk. Reviews can help too. Yet none of that fully answers the real question in the buyer’s mind: will I actually like this on me?

That hesitation is understandable. Fragrance is not static. It changes after application. The opening can feel bright and appealing, while the dry-down tells a different story twenty minutes later. Skincare and makeup carry the same uncertainty. Texture, finish, comfort and wear time are personal. What feels light to one person may feel greasy to another. What looks natural in one room can look completely different in daylight.

In a physical store, people deal with this uncertainty casually. They spray a tester, walk around, come back, compare two options, ask a question, then decide. Online shopping removes that in-between stage. It often turns a gradual decision into an immediate one. For some shoppers, that is fine. For others, it creates enough doubt to delay the purchase or skip it altogether.

Sampling as a bridge between discovery and purchase

This is where sampling earns its place. It gives people room to explore without asking them to commit too early. Instead of gambling on a full-size bottle, they can live with a smaller amount for a day or two and see what happens.

Trying a sample at home is also more honest than a rushed store test. People can wear it in normal life, not under shop lighting or around ten other perfumes in the air. They can see how it behaves in the morning, in the evening, outdoors or during a long day. They can notice whether they keep reaching for it or whether it starts to annoy them after an hour.

Preference is rarely instant. Plenty of people have bought fragrances based on first impressions, only to realize later that the scent becomes too heavy, too flat or too loud once it settles. A sample reduces that risk. It gives the customer a better basis for judgment and removes some of the pressure that often comes with beauty purchases.

It also opens the door for curiosity. Someone who would never spend blindly on an unfamiliar perfume may happily try a smaller version first. That makes discovery feel enjoyable rather than expensive. Retailers such as Notino understand that this is not just about selling less before selling more. It is about letting the customer build certainty in a category where certainty matters.

Supporting informed and confident purchasing behaviour

When shoppers feel confident, buying gets easier. Confidence affects satisfaction, trust and the likelihood of coming back. A person who chooses well is less likely to regret the purchase, complain afterwards or send the product back.

This is especially important in online retail, where one poor experience can damage the relationship. If a customer orders a fragrance based on hype, receives it, dislikes it and feels misled, the issue is not only the product. The platform itself loses credibility. When the buying journey feels thoughtful and low-pressure, customers remember that too.

There is a practical side to this. Returns are expensive. Disappointment creates friction. Stronger purchase confidence can reduce both. It can also improve how shoppers view the retailer. Instead of seeing the store as a place that pushes products, they begin to see it as a place that helps them choose properly.

That difference matters more now than it did a few years ago. Consumers are overloaded with options. They are reading reviews, watching videos, checking dupes and comparing prices. They do not just want access. They want clarity. Giving them a chance to test the fragrance first makes the decision feel grounded in their own experience rather than in marketing language.

The psychology behind trying before buying

There is another reason this model works. It matches the way people naturally make decisions when something feels personal. Buyers want convenience, yes, but they also want a sense of control. They want to feel that they arrived at the right choice.

Sampling supports that feeling. It lowers perceived risk and replaces guesswork with evidence. Not hard data, maybe, but personal evidence, which is often more persuasive. Once someone has worn a scent, noticed how it develops and decided it suits them, the purchase becomes much easier to justify.

This also explains why sample-led retail feels modern rather than old-fashioned. It is not a step backward from e-commerce. It is a smarter version of it. Good digital retail is not about forcing every category into the same transaction model. It is about recognizing where customers need a little more reassurance and building that into the journey.

The rise of personal shopping expectations

Retail has become more personal in general. Customers expect recommendations, edits, suggestions and offers that feel relevant to them. They do not want to be treated like everyone else. In fragrance and beauty, that expectation is even stronger because the products themselves are tied to identity and routine.

A sample respects that. It quietly says: you do not have to guess, and you do not have to rush. That can make a brand feel more confident, not less. It shows a willingness to let the product speak for itself. For platforms like Notino, that matters because the online experience can sometimes feel overwhelming when the catalogue is large and the choices are endless. That alone changes behaviour.

Integrating sampling into the online customer journey

From a retail perspective, sampling should not be treated as a side tactic or a throwaway promotion. It works best when it is built into the customer journey naturally. It can help at the discovery stage, when someone is trying a scent family. It can help in comparison, when two or three products look equally promising. It can also help at the decision point, when interest is high but hesitation remains.

What makes this approach effective is that it adds realism to digital commerce. It accepts that not every purchase can be made confidently from a product description alone. In categories driven by feel, scent and personal reaction, that is not a weakness of online retail. It is simply reality.

A model that reinforces trust in digital retail

Providing opportunities to experience products before committing to them reflects a broader effort to build trust in online retail environments. By offering curated selections and sample options, platforms such as Notino demonstrate how e-commerce can accommodate the need for experimentation without sacrificing speed or convenience. This approach aligns with modern consumer behaviour, where discovery, testing and purchasing increasingly form a continuous and integrated journey rather than separate steps.