QR Codes in Retail: Simplifying the Shopping Experience
Since the start of 2020, Statista recorded that 32 percent of shoppers are scanning QR codes showing how they’re gaining more recognition from shoppers today.
It also helps that more retail stores are getting more creative in using QR codes in their marketing and business operations.
With the wide availability of the best QR code generator software , integrating QR codes in their operations and marketing is made a lot simpler.
Curious about how retail stores use these 2D barcodes? Here are some ways you may unknowingly see or use them while shopping.
How are QR codes used in retailing?
Checkout and Payment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, retail stores place QR codes in their checkout booths to speed up the process and serve more customers.
It’s not for everyone, but some customers are just more comfortable scanning QR codes to pay for the items they purchased. Today, some groceries and retail stores are offering these codes as an option for customers when checking out.
As mobile payments start to get more popular, you can expect that more retail stores will post QR codes to offer customers with a contactless payment option.
Product sales and inventory tracking
Retail stores are modernizing their product sales and inventory tracking. Imagine a one-scan method of keeping track of the products they put on the shelves and how much they sold.
Most retail stores use three standard technologies to identify and track individual product units: UPC, RFID, and QR codes.
But as far as budget and usability are concerned, retail stores use QR codes to track their sales and inventory. QR codes just cost less and store more data than these other technologies combined.
Shop windows display
Retail stores take advantage of using QR codes by redirecting customers to their online store or placing a catalog of limited time offers. These can even be posted outside of their retail store windows so people can stop and scan them.
Both online and physical stores can use a PDF QR code and lead customers to their digital catalog. This file can then be easily saved on their device. Customers can view the catalog later and look for the item they want to purchase next time.
Receive Customer Feedback
Retail stores continue to improve their service and operations thanks to customer suggestions and feedback.
They place a suggestion box on their store counter or near the exit of their stores. But as the strategy of receiving customer feedback becomes a burden for some customers, they are tapping in on the use of digital survey forms.
To create an accessible offline to online survey for shoppers, retail stores use QR codes and place them on their counters or on the entrance or exit points of the store.
Retail stores can get creative with the design of the Feedback QR code using a QR code generator with logo software online.
They can add their logo and customize it so more customers will be enticed to leave reviews.
Share Discounts
Retail stores are also running discounts or clearance sales at the end of each season.
To promote this, they can include QR codes in their ads and online marketing campaigns. It’s a seamless and convenient way for customers to save the discount coupons or codes on their phones, so they’re ready to hand it out at the store.
QR codes enable retailers to simplify most of their marketing and operations, and give customers a better shopping experience.
If you are a retail store owner planning to modernize your store operations, you can always rely on QR codes and think of new ways to use them in your day-to-day operations.
