QR Codes in Retail: A Guide to Using QR Codes in End Cap Displays

End caps are an essential component of in-store product displays. These eye-catching shelves sit at the end of an aisle and feature bold signage to capture shoppers’ attention. But what if you could do even more to make these displays engaging and effective?

Incorporating QR Codes into your design helps you take end cap displays to the next level. With a quick scan, shoppers can unlock product details, special offers, or interactive content—keeping them engaged and more likely to make a purchase.

QR Codes make it easy to bridge the gap between your in-store displays and digital marketing. This guide will teach you how to use QR Codes in end cap displays to grab attention and enhance the shopping experience.

Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.

What are QR Codes?

QR Codes are scannable barcodes that instantly connect users to digital content, like website pages or videos. Instead of typing out a long web address, shoppers can simply scan the code with their smartphone camera to access the information in seconds.

QR Codes work by storing data in a format that smartphones can instantly read and decode. This makes them a simple way to connect customers with digital content—whether it’s a product page, special offer, or how-to guide. Their convenience and speed have made them a handy tool for retailers that want to create a more interactive shopping experience.

How QR Codes enhance aisle end cap displays

End cap displays can result in a 32% increase in product sales, they also create a prime opportunity to grab attention and connect with shoppers in a meaningful way. Retailers use QR Codes to take these displays even further, making it easy for customers to engage with a brand, explore product details, and access exclusive offers directly on their devices.

There’s only so much information you can fit on a sign, but with QR Codes, you can share as much content as you want without any space limitations. 

Here’s how QR Codes add even more value to prominent end cap displays.

Provide relevance in a digital world

Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in sustainable digital communications over clunky brochures. QR Codes that link to informational landing pages are a perfect alternative to using paper products in your end cap displays.

Beyond reducing waste, QR Codes offer flexibility that standard signs can’t. With Dynamic QR Codes, retailers can update the URL link anytime—without reprinting materials—so end caps always stay fresh and relevant. Plus, Dynamic QR Codes let you track QR Code scans so you can monitor engagement in real time and adjust your strategies for even more impact.

Inspire shoppers to take action

In-store shoppers are constantly comparing brands, product designs, and prices. When paired with a bold call to action (CTA), QR Codes can influence how customers make choices and encourage specific actions. Consider an end cap QR Code that links to a coupon for a limited-time discount on a cereal, prompting customers to buy that brand over other options.

QR Code CTAs should be short and punchy, and they should let customers know what to expect. Something like “Scan for 50% off!” tells customers what to do without overwhelming them with information.

Measure customer engagement

Adding QR Codes to end cap displays helps retailers better understand in-store customer behavior. With a traditional end cap display, there’s no easy way to know if and how shoppers are engaging. When you add a QR Code to your displays, you can track scan data for powerful customer insights.

You can even use QR Codes to conduct A/B testing with different end cap designs. To do this, create a unique QR Code for each design, and track the scans for each QR Code in real time. This will tell you which display resonates with customers most and encourages them to take action.

Maintain a consistent brand identity

When building your end caps, it’s important to maintain a cohesive brand identity throughout the design. QR Codes are easy to customize with your brand’s colors and logo, ensuring that they complement the rest of your end cap.

By using custom-branded QR Codes instead of generic ones, you help establish trust among your shoppers. Over time, consumers start to recognize and respond to visual elements associated with brands they trust, which can encourage future purchases.

Create QR Codes with QR Code Generator PRO

QR Code Generator PRO is a powerful marketing tool that helps you create custom QR Codes for end cap designs in just minutes. Follow this step-by-step breakdown to create your first QR Code.

1. Sign up or log into QR Code Generator PRO. You can log in with an email and password or with your Google account.
   
   
2. Select the type of QR Code you want to create. Most end cap designs will require a URL QR Code, but you can also use these barcodes to share social media posts, app store listings, WiFi login details, PDFs, and much more.
   
   
3. Enter the URL, content, or upload the file you want your QR Code to direct to.
   
   
4. Name your QR Code. This will make it easier to find later, especially if you’re generating multiple QR Codes at once.
   
   
5. Access scan analytics to monitor engagement in real time.
   
   
6. Customize the QR Code’s design. You can select from a variety of pre-set frame and shape options. You can also add your brand’s colors and logo for a professional look.
   
   
7. Download your QR Code in JPG, SVG, or EPS formats. (SVG and EPS are recommended for maximum print quality. Note: EPS is black and white at this time.) Then, you can upload the QR Code to your end cap display design.
   
   
8. Print a prototype and test the QR Code on multiple devices. It’s important to make sure it is scannable on both iOS and Android devices for accessibility. You may need to resize or adjust the QR Code after the initial test.

Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO today to start building your retail QR Codes. Your first 14 days are free!

Customize QR Codes with branded elements

With QR Code Generator PRO, you can truly make your QR Codes your own. Here’s how to customize your QR Codes with bold branded elements.

Upload a brand logo

You can upload your brand’s logo to QR Code Generator PRO to include it in your barcode designs. The logo will sit in the center of your QR Code, where it’s highly visible. Adding your logo to your QR Code helps your audience feel comfortable and confident scanning it, knowing it comes from your trusted brand.

Choose a QR Code frame

With QR Code Generator PRO, you can choose from nine different frames to add even more visual interest to your QR Codes. Remember, the more interesting and eye-catching your display is, the more likely customers are to engage with it.

Add a call-to-action

The frames available on QR Code Generator PRO each feature a call to action so customers know exactly what to do. The majority of consumers are already familiar with QR Codes— 68% of consumers report using them at least once in the past year. However, adding a call to action provides some extra guidance for those who have not used QR Codes in the past.

“Scan Me” is a standard CTA for these QR Codes, but you can customize the CTA to align with other marketing copy or promotions.

Edit the QR Code shape

You can also adjust the shapes used in the barcode pattern as part of your QR Code design. There are several different shape options to choose from, including circles, squares, and numerous options in between.

By changing these shapes, you can help your QR Code better match the rest of your end cap designs. For example, if you use fonts that have curved, rounded details, you might want curved edges in your QR Code as well.

Customize the color scheme

One of the easiest ways to personalize your QR Code is to change the color scheme to make it pop. When customizing your QR Code, consider which other colors will be used in the end cap display and choose a color that is fully visible against the design’s background.

Use a custom short link

When you create a QR Code with QR Code Generator PRO, you also get a short link to use in your marketing campaigns—like email newsletters or social media posts.

Customizing this short link helps build trust with your audience. A branded link reassures people that they’re clicking on a safe, legitimate page and makes it easier for them to connect your content with your brand. 

You can customize this short link to reflect your branding by choosing from several available options or adding a custom domain. You can also change the back half of the link, which makes it much easier to identify.

QR Code generation best practices

When creating QR Codes for your end cap displays and other retail marketing campaigns, follow these best practices to create a positive user experience.

Use the right type of QR Code

Selecting the right type of QR Code sets your brand up for retail marketing success. There are two primary types of QR Codes: Static and Dynamic. Static QR Codes cannot be edited after their initial creation.

Dynamic QR Codes, on the other hand, are editable, which means you can change the linked content at any time. This also gives you the ability to repurpose your QR Codes for future retail marketing campaigns instead of creating a new one from scratch.

There are also several different types of Dynamic QR Codes, including:

• URL QR Codes
  
  
• Social Media QR Codes
  
  
• App Store QR Codes
  
  
• PDF QR Codes

Be sure to select the QR Code type that’s appropriate for the type of media you want to share.

Follow minimum size guidelines

If a QR Code is too small, smartphone cameras may struggle to scan it, leading to frustration for customers. To avoid this, always follow minimum QR Code size guidelines for clear visibility and easy scanning.

The smallest recommended size for a scannable QR Code is 2 x 2 cm, but the ideal size depends on your end cap display. Larger displays may require bigger QR Codes, especially in large stores where customers might scan from a distance. Adjust the size accordingly to ensure a smooth scanning experience.

Use contrasting colors

In order for QR Codes to scan properly, they need to be highly visible. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure the QR Code is a contrasting color from the background of your display. You can customize your QR Code colors by selecting a shade from the palette or entering the corresponding hex code. 

Test before publishing

Before publishing your QR Code and setting up your end cap displays, be sure to test the QR Codes with several different types of devices. This will give you the opportunity to find and correct any QR Code scanning problems before your marketing campaign starts.

Proactive QR Code testing helps you identify broken links, improperly sized QR Codes, or other issues that interfere with the QR Code scanning experience.

Monitor QR Code performance

Once you’ve launched your end caps, use QR Code tracking to see how customers are engaging with your displays. You’ll be able to see when store visitors scan these QR Codes in real time, giving you instant insights into how well the display is performing.

QR Code analytics provide even more insight into your marketing strategies. You’ll be able to see when and where your QR Codes were scanned, as well as the type of device that customers are using.

12 ways to use QR Codes in end cap displays

There are many creative ways to implement QR Codes in your end cap displays. Pairing in-store displays with vibrant online content helps your brand stand out and creates a high-quality shopping experience for your customers. Here are just a few of the many ways you can add QR Codes to your end cap displays.

1. Share coupons and other sales

Coupons and discounts are powerful sales drivers. In fact, 62% of consumers will delay a clothing purchase until they can get a discount.

To boost end cap sales, you can include a Coupon QR Code that links to exclusive online coupons and other discounts. A strategically placed discount can encourage consumers to buy your brand rather than a competitor. You can even link to coupons for future purchases to encourage shoppers to return to your store.

2. Drive online sales

Including QR Codes on your end cap displays lets you connect your in-person retail customers with your e-commerce store. This gives your in-store customers access to a wider range of products.

Say you’re a clothing brand that only stocks items for the current season in-store. An end cap display with a QR Code could link to the brand’s entire collection, allowing shoppers to order items that are currently out of stock or choose from an extended size range.

3. Highlight product demonstrations

QR Codes for product demos are an effective way to get shoppers engaged. Video QR Codes linking to demonstrations helps customers better understand how a product works.

These demonstrations are particularly effective for new electronics or other gadgets that consumers might not be familiar with yet. Watching a demonstration helps consumers picture the ways they’ll use the product in their daily lives. If a shopper is on the fence about a purchase, watching a demo could help them make a decision.

4. Recommend other related products

End cap QR Codes that link to product recommendations are another way to upsell customers during their in-store shopping experience.

A shoe store might include end cap QR Codes that link to socks, shoe cleaning kits, and other relevant items that consumers might be interested in, providing information on where to find these items in the store or how to order them online.

5. Display recipes that spotlight seasonal produce

In grocery stores, end caps are often used to feature seasonal produce and other limited-time items. With these displays, you can use QR Codes that link to online recipes featuring specific items. These recipes inspire shoppers to purchase highlighted items and get creative in the kitchen.

6. Promote fashion lookbooks

Clothing brands can use end cap QR Codes to give their shoppers fashion inspiration. Image Gallery QR Codes can direct users to online lookbooks featuring photos or videos of each product styled in different ways.

By providing this type of outfit inspiration, you’ll help your customers feel more confident in their clothing purchases. Many customers hesitate to try new styles, feeling unsure of how they’ll fit into their everyday wardrobe. Lookbooks help your customers picture different ways to wear each item, encouraging them to make a purchase.

7. Advertise upcoming sales, promotions, and events

To keep your customers coming back for more, use your end caps to advertise upcoming sales, promotions, and events. Your QR Codes can link to landing pages with all the details about upcoming seasonal sales or exclusive promotions so your customers never miss a discount.

If your store hosts in-person events, you can also use QR Codes to link to an RSVP page with ticketing information and other key details. Hosting live events is a perfect opportunity to get to know your customers and build a strong local community.

8. Encourage loyalty program sign-ups

If your store has a loyalty program, your end cap displays are the perfect place to attract new members. Promote your loyalty program through QR Codes that link to the signup page so that customers can start the process directly from their phones.

Be sure to include text on the end cap display that highlights the benefits of joining the loyalty program, whether that’s reward points, exclusive items, or other unique perks. Including a signup bonus or discount can help incentivize customers to sign up in-store. Once customers have signed up, loyalty programs will help keep them coming back to your store for future purchases.

9. Facilitate giveaways and other contests

Hosting giveaways and contests is a fun way to get your target audience engaged and drum up excitement for your brand. If you’re currently hosting a giveaway or contest, include QR Codes on your end cap displays that link to the entry page.

Dynamic QR Codes are essential when promoting giveaways and contests. This way, when the contest ends, you can change the QR Code URL to a different landing page to redirect customers who are interested in learning more about your brand.

10. Ask shoppers for feedback

Feedback QR Codes can help you get honest reviews from your customers to help you improve your products and customer service. End cap displays are a perfect place to promote your feedback surveys, as customers can provide feedback while they are still in the store. As with your loyalty program, you may need to offer a discount or other incentive to encourage shoppers to take the survey.

11. Support informed purchase decisions

With a QR Code, you can provide customers with product information that wouldn’t fit on an end cap display. One way to do this is to link to reviews from previous customers or social media posts featuring the product. This provides social proof for your customers beyond what they would get in-store, encouraging them to complete the purchase.

12. Give out product fact sheets

End cap displays are also a perfect opportunity to share product fact sheets. To do this, leverage a PDF QR Code that opens a PDF with relevant details, or direct customers to a landing page that outlines features, available colors and sizes, pricing, and more.

Providing product fact sheets is particularly helpful for large purchases like electronics, furniture, or luxury items. Detailed fact sheets help answer customer questions and can be a deciding factor for unsure shoppers.

Strengthen retail marketing with QR Code Generator PRO

End cap displays are an effective way to catch shoppers’ attention and promote quality products. By adding QR Codes to your end cap displays, you can easily share digital content to improve the customer experience and encourage a purchase.

QR Code Generator PRO has all the features you need to create retail QR Codes. With detailed customization, a wide range of QR Code types, and Dynamic QR Code tracking, QR Code Generator PRO supports your retail marketing process from start to finish.

Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO today to start building your QR Code end cap displays.