Black Friday is here and retailers are looking enlisting the aid of QR codes to help manage the crowds of shoppers heading their way. For retailers, barcodes have been a valuable tool for decades. QR codes are becoming more popular with businesses due to their ability to streamline and expedite the shopping process. Companies like Sears, JC Penney, Kmart and Macy’s are using the codes to weather the storm of shoppers on the busiest day for the retail industry.
Sears has integrated QR codes into their expansive holiday shopping strategy. The company has erected several “gift walls” in stores around the country. The walls are filled with QR codes which are linked to mobile websites detailing the most popular items being sold that day and where shoppers can find the best deals. These walls are conveniently located near checkout to take advantage of shoppers standing in line.
Toys “R” Us has added the blocky barcodes to their famous Great Big Toys “R” Us Book. When scanned, the codes take consumers to a mobile website where they can see videos of popular toys in action, giving them a taste of what they can expect when they buy a particular item.
QR codes will likely see a great deal of use this holiday season, as they are one of the few tools that will allow shoppers to be in more than one place at a time.