What is a retail shop QR code?
QR codes for retail are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using a smartphone camera or a QR code reader app to redirect users to digital content about the retail store.
Brands use QR codes to share various information about the products without pushing down advertisements to customers.
The main feature of a QR code used in retail is its flexibility to cater to various campaigns. Whether for marketing promotions, online payments, discounts, or product information, QR codes are made to be simple and highly usable.
5 creative ways to use QR codes in retail shops
There are endless creative ways to use QR codes in retail stores. The key is understanding customers' needs and preferences and creating an engaging, interactive, and personal experience.
Interactive product displays
Customers can purchase with their mobile devices using a contactless payment QR code. This is possible by scanning a mobile payment app’s QR code display.
Retail stores or brands must create QR codes for their e-wallet accounts. Some e-wallet apps allow in-app QR code generation, but only in static format.
It's still best to have your customized QR code in dynamic form.
Mobile payments
Customers can purchase with their mobile devices using a contactless payment QR code. This is possible by scanning a QR code at the point of sale or using a QR code in a mobile wallet app.
Retail stores or brands must create a QR code for their e-wallet accounts. Some e-wallet apps allow in-app QR code generation but only in static format. It's still best to have your customized QR code in dynamic form.
Loyalty program
QR code strategies retail customer engagement helps customers monitor spending habits and loyalty. Retailers can use this to provide discounts and other incentives.
For instance, customers can earn points or rewards for future purchases by scanning QR codes displayed at the store front or among displayed products.
In-store scavenger hunt
Merchants can use QR codes to organize in-store treasure hunts to increase foot traffic and sales. Scannable store window QR codes link consumers to content that can help them solve puzzles and unlock special offers.
Virtual try-on
The use of QR codes enables a virtual trying-on experience for the consumer. Customers can try on clothes virtually before buying them by scanning a QR code placed next to them.
Real-life uses cases of QR codes in retail
The brands mentioned below have figured out how to use QR codes for retail businesses to improve their customer's shopping experience by making it easier for them to find what they need and giving them more control over their purchases.
Sephora
Cosmetics and beauty retailer Sephora uses QR codes to give customers access to more information and virtual try-on experience for their products.
Additionally, customers can access information like reviews, how-to videos, and virtual try-on options by scanning a QR code on the in-store display or the product packaging.
Starbucks
QR codes are a popular payment method at Starbucks. QR codes allow buyers to pay with their smartphones at the register, streamlining the buying process and eliminating long queues.
IKEA
This Swedish furniture store provides QR codes to customers to learn more about pieces they find interesting. Customers can learn more about the product, see how it's put together, and even take a virtual tour of it in use by scanning Ikea’s QR code displayed nearby.
Lowe’s
Home improvement retailer Lowe's gives customers access to many extra materials and information via QR codes.
Customers can access tutorial videos, product reviews, and even virtual consultations with experts by scanning a QR code on the in-store display.
Zara
Zara, a clothing retailer, uses clothing QR codes in its advertising campaigns to direct consumers to its online resources.
It allows customers to experience premium features or special offers by scanning a QR code on a printed advertisement.
Big companies use QR codes in several ways, and you can use them too! Try creating your own at a free QR code generator online.
How to make a retail QR code
Creating a QR code is very simple. Even non-tech-savvy people can indeed make one on their own.
Below, you can read the step-by-step guide for creating a QR code:
- Visit the Free QR Code Generator.
- Choose the QR code solution you wish to use. Every QR code maker offers varying solutions. Choose the solution that best addresses your purpose.
- Attach or input the needed details for the chosen solution.
- Click the Generate the QR code button.
- Customize your QR code to make it more appealing to the crowd. You may add color, change frames, change eyes, and add a call to action.
- Test your QR code.
- Download your QR code according to the format you desire. QR code makers usually offer PNG or SVG format.
- Print and distribute your QR code to promotional materials.
Placement suggestion of QR codes for retail businesses
It's crucial to strategically place your QR codes, especially in a place as big as a retail shop, to ensure it gets scanned.
QR codes in retail shops can be in various locations for the best results. Some popular areas include:
On product displays
QR codes on product displays, like product reviews, how-to videos, and virtual try-on experiences, will be helpful for customers, especially when making purchases, so it's essential to consider adding this information.
Aside from displays,
At the point of sale
Customers can use their mobile devices to pay for purchases and redeem coupons straight from the store after scanning QR codes at the point of sale.
On marketing materials
Customers can access unique content or discounts by scanning QR codes in marketing or promotional materials such as billboards or print advertisements.
Since many are still into printed marketing, catering to these audiences is also essential.
On loyalty cards or membership cards
Loyalty cards are often used to gain points and acquire discounts, especially when shopping. Placing a QR code is a good spot, as customers will always bring their cards.
It's an excellent place to attach a URL or social media QR code to drive traffic and boost engagement.
On the packaging
Placing QR codes on the packaging allows customers to access additional information about the product, even after they have left the store.
It's important to note that the placement of QR codes should be easily accessible and visible to customers.
The QR code on product packaging should be placed in a location that makes sense for the intended use, for example, placing a QR code for making payments at the point of sale.
Also, it's recommended that clear instructions and indications on how to scan the code and the expected result after scanning it be provided.
Be the game changer in retail with a free QR code generator today
If QR codes have worked wonders for big brands, what makes you think they won't work the same for yours?
You can step ahead of your competitors using creativity and technology like QR codes.
You can also apply all the tips shared above to start your campaign and set up your strategy using retail QR codes. Marketing creativity never ends with tools like these.
To test if it’s worth the hype, head over to the Free QR Code Generator and start creating better business strategies today.
FAQs
Can QR codes help in tracking product authenticity?
Yes, QR codes can help track product authenticity by:
- Verification Links: A QR code can redirect users to official pages and websites where they can verify whether the product is authentic.
- Traceability: Unique QR codes can provide the product's information by tracking its supply chain to ensure transparency from manufacturing to retail.
How do QR codes improve in-store navigation?
QR codes are well-known for their great versatility, and using them as a navigation tool is no problem. Great ways to use QR codes as in-store mapping by providing:
- Interactive directories: This type of QR code can help customers be informed about the store's layout and other services, improving their shopping experience significantly.
- Product locators: Scanning a QR code can help consumers locate specific products in aisles or departments and know if they are available on the shelf.
