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6 Ways to Leverage QR Codes for Virtual Shopping Assistance
Quick Response (QR) Codes are transforming the way customers shop in brick-and-mortar stores, offering a gateway to digital convenience with just a scan. With QR Codes, shoppers can access online content, find out-of-stock items, explore augmented reality features, or even make quick digital payments.
These virtual support tools not only streamline the shopping journey but also create new opportunities for retailers to engage their customers and drive sales.
Ready to see how QR Codes can work for you? Here are six creative ways to elevate the in-store experience and boost revenue using QR Codes.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
1. Help customers find out-of-stock items online
QR Codes can help customers find the exact items they need, even when those products are out of stock at their local store. By placing QR Codes next to product descriptions and price tags in-store, you can easily direct shoppers to the corresponding listing on your ecommerce site.
These ecommerce industry QR Codes allow customers to either order the product online for delivery or locate a nearby store where the item is available.
In 2023, stockouts cost businesses globally an estimated $1.77 trillion, underscoring just how much revenue can be lost when products are unavailable. Using QR Codes linked to your online store reduces the likelihood of losing these potential sales.
For customers, this option offers a convenient solution when an item isn’t available in-store. Instead of leaving empty-handed, they can quickly order the product online or find it in another store. This approach alleviates frustration and gives shoppers a clear and immediate way to secure their purchase, skipping the endless “when will it restock?” guessing game.
2. Facilitate loyalty program sign-ups
Loyalty programs are a fun way to foster customer engagement and encourage repeat visits. These programs reward shoppers with points they can redeem for discounts, exclusive products, and other perks. Studies show that 85% of U.S. adults are enrolled in at least one retail loyalty program, highlighting their widespread appeal and effectiveness.
To boost sign-ups in your retail store, promote your loyalty program through QR Codes. The QR Codes can direct customers to a landing page with detailed program benefits and an easy-to-use sign-up form.
Strategically place the codes in high-traffic areas—think dressing rooms, checkout lines, or anywhere customers tend to linger—where they’re sure to grab attention. Add a clear call-to-action (CTA) that tells customers what to expect when they scan and highlights the perks, such as “Scan to join our rewards program—earn points on every purchase!”
For extra motivation, consider offering limited-time special offers like a discount on their current purchase when they sign up right away.
3. Provide augmented reality experiences
One of the most exciting use cases of QR Codes for retailers is their ability to unlock augmented reality (AR) experiences in-store. AR adds an interactive layer to the in-store experience, helping customers visualize how they’ll interact with a product in the real world. This extra insight can lead to more confident and informed purchasing decisions.
For example, if you own a boutique that sells makeup, you could add augmented reality QR Codes to product packaging that link to a virtual try-on feature. This allows customers to test colors and shades digitally, making it easy to find their perfect match.
Many brands are already weaving AR into their shopping experiences and customer journeys using QR Code campaigns. With a quick scan, customers can try on clothes in a virtual store, see how furniture will look in their homes, or even take their dream cars for a spin.
Brands like Volkswagen and Toyota have embraced AR-powered digital showrooms, offering customers an immersive view of their latest models straight from their mobile devices. Similarly, Nike brings AR into its stores with custom sneaker try-ons and interactive games, merging fun with functionality.
4. Simplify checkout with digital payments
Digital payment QR Codes can make the checkout process faster and easier, especially during peak shopping times. With just a smartphone or smartwatch, customers can complete purchases in seconds—and 85% of Gen Z customers prefer digital payments over traditional methods like cash or credit.
In addition to providing access to more convenient payment options, they help customers move through the line quickly, cutting down on wait times and creating a smoother shopping experience.
Place QR Codes at checkout counters and link them to payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Visitors can pay with the cards already saved on their devices, making checkout quick and effortless.
5. Engage shoppers with interactive in-store pop-ups
With the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores need to find creative ways to capture customer interest and keep them coming back. In-store pop-up events can transform a routine shopping trip into a fun, memorable experience.
These events can feature live entertainment, tasty treats, and even Instagram-worthy photo ops. They’re also a great chance for customers to interact with your products while mingling with others in a community-focused setting. Hosting themed pop-ups tied to holidays or new product launches can create an even bigger buzz.
Pop-ups are a tried-and-true strategy for building brand recognition. Take Warby Parker, for example—their traveling pop-up shops helped them grow a loyal following before they opened permanent storefronts. By making each event a standout experience, they built lasting connections and set themselves apart from competitors.
You can level up your pop-up marketing campaigns with QR Codes. In the weeks leading up to your event, place promotional flyers featuring your codes around your store and popular neighborhood spots, and don’t forget to share across all your social media pages.
These codes can direct readers to a landing page with all the details they need: date, time, location, and a list of activities. If you’re spotlighting a specific product, be sure to include product details to spark interest. Adding an RSVP form can also help you plan for attendance and make the event more personalized.
6. Create shoppable marketing campaigns
Ecommerce marketing with QR Codes lets you connect potential customers to your online store directly from physical ads on things like billboards, print campaigns, or in-store signage. For each ad campaign you develop, create a corresponding QR Code that links to your website.
Including shoppable features in your marketing strategy encourages customers to act fast, turning inspiration into sales with a scan. These strategies simplify the shopping process, helping customers find detailed product information without jumping through hoops.
Marketing campaigns with QR Codes work especially well for stores with limited space. If your retail locations can’t accommodate your entire product line, you can use QR Codes to promote varieties or items that aren’t physically in stock. Store staff can also guide customers to scan these codes, making the online shopping experience seamless.
For instance, large retailers like Target and Walmart have stores of varying sizes. While suburban locations tend to be larger and have more room for inventory, urban stores have less space and focus on essentials like groceries and toiletries.
Even without space for bulkier items like furniture or electronics, shoppable QR Code campaigns could allow urban shoppers to explore and purchase these products online, ensuring everyone has access to the company’s full range of offerings.
Learn how to enhance the customer experience with QR Codes
QR Code technology offers endless possibilities for enhancing the in-store shopping experience. From helping customers locate out-of-stock items online to simplifying checkout with digital payments, QR Codes can transform how shoppers interact with your brand. They also make it easy to run creative marketing campaigns, host interactive pop-up events, and connect your physical and online offerings.
With QR Code Generator PRO, you can create all the codes you need to bring your virtual shopping campaigns to life. Plus, it’s easy to customize your QR Codes to reflect your brand’s identity, track scans in real time, and measure engagement to uncover what truly resonates with your customers—all from one user-friendly platform.
Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO today to transform your customers’ shopping experience.