Goodbye Barcodes! QR Codes Set to Revolutionize Shopping with Unlimited Product Information!

For the past 50 years, barcodes have been a staple at checkout counters in stores—from supermarkets to clothing retailers. However, this may soon change as retailers are moving towards a more modern solution: QR codes.

According to GS1, the sole global provider of Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), QR codes are set to replace traditional barcodes. These new pixel-based QR codes can hold significantly more information about products, such as ingredients, allergens, and even recipe suggestions for food items.

Traditional barcodes currently store only seven pieces of information: the product name, manufacturer, type, size, color, weight, and price. In contrast, QR codes have the capability to provide a much richer and more dynamic experience for consumers.

Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK, reveals that nearly half of British retailers have already started updating their checkouts to accommodate QR codes. “Very soon, we will say goodbye to the old-fashioned barcode, and every product will have one QR code that holds all the information you need,” she stated in an interview with Mail Online.

QR codes have been gaining popularity for some time, especially in shops and restaurants. During the pandemic, they became a common tool for ordering food and drinks via menus in bars and restaurants. Now, they are being integrated onto product packaging, offering consumers additional information or links to online content.

Anne Godfrey explains, “The old barcodes do what they’re supposed to do — they beep, show the price, and get you through the checkout. But today’s consumers want more information about the products they buy.”

She further elaborated on the power of QR codes, emphasizing their ability to connect physical products to the digital world, allowing real-time access to information. This enables consumers to make more informed, sustainable, and safer purchasing decisions.

Supermarkets like Tesco and Morrisons have already adopted QR codes, and other retailers are expected to follow suit soon or risk falling behind in the competitive retail landscape. Additionally, major global brands, including PepsiCo, Amazon, and Walmart, are embracing this shift towards the more advanced technology.

With QR codes, the future of shopping looks set to be more transparent and connected, enhancing the overall shopping experience for consumers worldwide.