QR Codes in Retail Stores: What You Need to Know

Retailers that continue to bring modern solutions to their stores are a sign that they’re building trust and delivering a better experience for customers. One such solution is the QR code. The adoption of QR codes has exploded in popularity over the past few decades. The retail industry, in particular, is reaping numerous benefits because of it. What are QR codes? Are there any pros and cons? How can these QR codes in retail stores be used?

QR codes, or quick-response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that store information in a matrix of squares. They were first developed in 1994 by a Japanese company named Denso Wave for labeling automobile parts. Today, they hold thousands of potential. Unlike traditional barcodes, which are one-dimensional and store data horizontally, QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to hold much more information and giving them unique flexibility.

Nowadays, QR codes can store various types of data, including URLs, text, contact information, or other digital content. They are typically scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader, which then processes the data encoded in the QR code and displays the content or information. QR codes are widely used for marketing, product tracking, payment systems, and more because of their ability to quickly convey information to mobile devices of various audiences. In fact, according to Statista, an estimated 89 million smartphone users scanned a QR code in the United States in 2022. This number is estimated to reach over 100 million by 2025.

With the flexibility and adaptability of QR codes, different kinds of individuals and organizations use them for various purposes. They can even be found and used across various industries and niches. Here are some key users of QR codes:

1. Event Organizers

• Promotional Materials: Event organizers often include QR codes in event flyers and posters for easy access to event details or registration.
• Ticketing: QR codes on tickets are scanned for quick entry to events.

2. Education and Teaching Professionals

• Student Identification: Some educational institutions use QR codes on student IDs for quick access to records or attendance tracking.
• Educational Content: Teachers usually use QR codes to link to additional resources, videos, or assignments.

3. Real Estate Experts and Professionals

• Property Listings: Real estate professionals can use QR codes on for-sale signs linked to detailed property listings or contact information for agents.
• Promotions and Highlights: QR codes can lead to virtual tours, social media videos, and other promotional materials.

3. Government and Public Services

• Public Information: Various government organizations and offices use QR codes on posters or mailings to direct citizens to official information or services.
• Document Verification: Some official documents include QR codes for easy verification of authenticity.

5. Entrepreneurs and Solo Business Owners

• Marketing and Information: New entrepreneurs and solo business owners might have a hard time with their marketing efforts and information dissemination. QR codes can help them boost their exposure and highlight their offerings to the audience.
• Mobile Payments: Entrepreneurs and solo business owners can also use QR codes for mobile payments. They can redirect to digital payment systems like PayPal, Venmo, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, allowing users to make payments by scanning a code.

6. Transportation and Travel

• Boarding Passes: Airlines use QR codes for mobile boarding passes or confirmation.
• Ticketing: QR codes are commonly used on bus, train, and subway tickets for easy scanning.
• Additional information: Various transportation hubs and providers can use QR codes to disseminate additional information like schedules, announcements, weather warnings, and more.

7. Healthcare Providers or Medical Professionals

• Patient Information: QR codes on medical equipment or patient wristbands can store critical information for quick access by healthcare professionals.
• Vaccination Certificates: Some countries have started using QR codes to verify COVID-19 vaccination status.

8. Restaurants and Cafes

• Digital Menus: Many restaurants and dining establishments use QR codes to provide contactless menus that customers can view on their phones.
• Order and Payment: Some establishments allow customers to order and pay by scanning a QR code at their table.

9. Other Individuals

• Personal Use: People use QR codes for personal purposes to share contact information, Wi-Fi passwords, social media profiles, and more.

10. Retailers and Marketing Professionals

• Product Information: Various retailers and marketers use QR codes on packaging to link to detailed product information, user manuals, or promotional videos.
• Promotions and Discounts: Retailers use QR codes in ads or in-store displays to offer discounts or special deals.
• Loyalty Programs: Customers can scan QR codes to earn points or redeem rewards.

QR codes in retail stores offer a lot of potential. Retailers can find a variety of innovative ways to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive sales with this kind of matrix barcode.

Here’s how QR codes in retail are used:

#1 They show product information
QR codes on product packaging or tags can link to detailed product descriptions, usage instructions, ingredient lists, and even allergen warnings. Scanning a QR code can also direct customers to online reviews, helping them make informed purchase decisions. Retailers can also use QR codes to link to videos that demonstrate how to use a product.

#2 They can be used for promotions and discounts
QR codes in retail stores can be found in displays, posters, or receipts that will link to special offers or exclusive discounts. Customers can scan these QR codes and redeem these offers online or at the checkout. They can also use these codes to join loyalty programs, earn points, or access member-only deals.

#3 They create seamless checkout and payments
Retailers can use QR codes to facilitate contactless payments, where customers scan the code with their mobile payment apps to complete a transaction. Some stores use QR codes at self-checkout kiosks, which allow customers to scan items and pay through their phones.

#4 They can enhance the in-store experience
QR codes on digital or physical displays can provide additional content, such as product comparisons, styling tips, or augmented reality experiences. As a result, this will create a modern environment and better in-store experiences. Retailers may also place QR codes in window displays for a virtual storefront, enabling customers to shop online even when the store is closed.

#5 They help improve inventory management
QR codes can be used by store staff to quickly access inventory details, check stock levels, or reorder items directly from the warehouse. Some stores allow customers to scan QR codes on shelves or products to check prices or see if there are any special deals available.

#6 They can facilitate customer engagement and feedback
After a purchase, customers can scan a QR code on their receipt to provide feedback or fill out a survey, often with the incentive of a discount on future purchases. Retailers can also use QR codes to encourage customers to follow their social media accounts, share their purchases online, or participate in contests.

#7 They help with omnichannel integration
QR codes can be used to streamline the BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store) process, where customers scan a code to notify the store they’ve arrived at to pick up their online order. QR codes in retail stores can also allow customers to check the online availability of product variations, different sizes, colors, or related products.

#8 They personalize the shopping experience
By scanning QR codes in retail stores, customers can receive personalized offers or product recommendations based on their shopping behavior or preferences. Customers can use QR codes to add items to gift registries or wish lists while shopping in-store.

#9 They help with event marketing and pop-up shops
QR codes on event posters or emails can link to registration pages, event details, and other marketing materials for the audience. Retailers can also use QR codes at pop-up locations to drive traffic to their main stores or websites.

#10 They enforce retail sustainability
Retailers can offer digital receipts via QR codes, reducing paper waste in retail and providing an easy way for customers to store and access their purchase history. QR codes can provide information on the sustainability of a product or the actual retailer, such as its carbon footprint, ethical sourcing, or recyclability.

While using QR codes in retail stores offers several advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks that retailers also need to think about and consider. If you want to maximize the use of QR codes, you need to be ready to address any potential QR code issues in your retail stores.

Here's a balanced view of the pros and cons:

1. Pros of QR codes in retail

• Enhanced customer engagement
• Convenience and efficiency
• Cost-effective marketing
• Sustainability
• Personalization

2. Cons of QR codes in retail

• Dependency on technology
• Security concerns
• User-experience or adoption challenges
• Aesthetic and branding concerns

SOLUM’s very own Newton TOUCH can be used to implement QR codes in retail stores and beyond. Newton TOUCH is a high-impact, interactive digital signage that can transform the retail experience.

Customers only need to use their mobile phone’s camera feature or a QR code reader to scan QR codes on the Newton TOUCH screen. They will then be directed to more information on a multitude of products or in-store promotions. They can also be shown multimedia content like instructional videos, as well as exclusive offers that they can immediately avail themselves of. Newton TOUCH with QR codes can also be redirected to digital brochures, interactive menus, and more. This makes the retail experience much more engaging and inviting.

Aside from a QR code display, Newton TOUCH also has other interactive features that will encourage engagement and purchase decisions from customers. This includes a touchscreen display with simple commands and gestures, two size variations for various marketing and visual purposes, in-depth product details for customer browsing, and IPS screen technology with anti-glare coating. 

At the end of the day, incorporating QR codes in retail store strategies allows retailers to create more dynamic and interactive shopping experiences. This ultimately leads to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales. But before that could happen, you need an effective solution like Newton TOUCH. Talk to SOLUM experts today and know what other benefits aside from QR codes await your retail store.

References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code 
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/1297768/us-smartphone-users-qr-scanner/
• https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/executive-viewpoints/4-ways-qr-codes-are-transforming-the-retail-shopping-experience
• https://www.solumesl.com/en/solution/newtontouch

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