It’s not a secret that QR code popularity and acceptance is growing by the second and here at rVue, we’re big fans of those cute little (or big) scan-able squares. Consumers can expect to see QR codes pop up in retail locations, such as malls, more frequently as the holiday season approaches.           

It’s becoming increasingly important for retailers to offer a mobile component, or website, that can provide information, deals and prices about brands and products. According to a new 2011 Holiday survey by Deloitte, 42% of consumers own a smartphone and of those, 27% of them will use will use their device while shopping for the holidays. Furthermore, 41% of smartphone users will use their mobile devices to find coupons, 51% to find product information and 40% to scan barcodes. So, why not bring the information consumers are seeking directly to them through the use of QR codes.

Whether offering coupons, selling products (as seen in the Lucky Magazine digital signage image) or providing more information about a product, QR codes provide a great tool for advertisers to engage consumers, educate the audience and extend the shelf life of an advertisement. By offering a scanable QR code - along with a countdown so users know how long they have to scan the code - advertisers can instantly bring consumers up-to-date information and coupons while they're in the purchasing mindframe. For example, the digital advertisement for Lucky Magazine offers a product incentive- a free purse- to sign up for a year subscription of the magazine. By scanning the QR code, users are taken to an easy to use purchase form that can be completed quickly... which is key for a successful digital signage + mobile campaign. In addition to QR codes, Lucky Magazine, in partnership with AdSpace Mall Network, are providing shoppers with style tips from editors and celebrities, along with other content taking viewers inside the making of the magazine.

Other ads playing on the network were promoting retail locations within the mall, lending great opportunity for retailers to offer coupons and incentives to draw shoppers in to stores. Consumers have many choices to make this upcoming holiday season, but ultimately consumers will be looking for their best bang for their buck. In fact, 59.9% of consumers said they would be looking for coupons and discounts to make purchases for friends and families.

Sears and Kmart are also using QR codes in their latest marketing push for the holidays. Through the use of QR codes in out-of-home advertising, shoppers can buy the holidays hottest toys directly from their smartphones. The Sears "mobile shopping wall" can be found in high traffic areas, such as airports, malls, movie theaters and bus shelters across the country. “We have seen a large growth in usage of QR codes as a promotional tool, driven primarily by positive response from our customers," said Imran Jooma, senior vice president and president of marketing and the online business unit at Sears Holdings, Hoffman Estates, IL.

Time to spread the holiday cheer through QR codes!

If you want to learn more about QR codes and how to use them, watch our QR Educate video series with Nick Sears here.