BUSINESS CENTS
to the development of newer barcodes with exponentially greater data capacity that offers the potential to forever change the way we shop, once again, while better serving the demands of increasingly sophisticated consumers. Enter the almighty QR code.
Empowering Consumers Through Information. How many times have you studied a product label only to find little or none of the information you were seeking? Have you ever wished you could quickly access reliable, detailed specifics about a product before you bought it - and after? If so, you're not alone.
A recent survey by GS1 US, a standards organization best known for administering UPC barcodes, found that 77% of consumers believe product information is crucial when making a purchase. Additionally, 79% are more likely to purchase products with a scannable barcode/QR Code (via smartphone) that provides the additional product information that they would want to see. Yet many have experienced the frustration of shopping with insufficient facts and yearn for better clarity. In an age of digital technology and perpetual connectivity, It's a
reasonable expectation that brands and retailers are eager to meet.
77% of consumers believe product information is crucial when making a purchase (GS1 US survey)In fact, many brands are creating new ways to provide easy access to the trusted product information shoppers want, exactly when they want it, by upgrading product packaging with new standardized QR codes designed for the digital age. Combining the functionality of QR codes and UPCs, shoppers will increasingly be able to scan these barcodes with their smartphones to get enhanced product information. Additionally, cashiers will soon be able to scan them at their registers, confirming the item and price with the familiar "beep," since retailers have committed to implement QR code scanning at checkout by 2027. This integration will create a more seamless and enriched purchasing process, aligning with the growing expectations of consumers and current technology.
Brands are increasingly using these QR codes, powered by GS1, on their products to communicate directly with consumers, clearing the way for an entirely transformed future shopping experience to unfold with a myriad of benefits:
1. Transparency and traceability: Want to know where your product comes from? QR codes can reveal a product's origin, manufacturing process and supply chain details. If you're prioritizing healthy, ethical and sustainable purchases, this transparency is invaluable for understanding the qualities you care about.
2. Enhanced product information: Scanning a QR code can provide instant access to a wealth of information,