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Bid farewell to the barcode

ended 30. December 2024

A journalist at the Mail Online is writing a follow-up piece to a news story yesterday about barcodes, which are set to disappear in favour of QR codes according to GS1, the global body behind barcodes. He's keen to get reaction from retailers and retail experts on whether this will be another cost for retailers at an already challenging time and whether it will involve a significant upgrade to their systems. Will it benefit shoppers long term and what might happen to those retailers who cannot afford to upgrade? Any other thoughts on the transition from barcodes to QR codes, send them across. Deadline is ASAP as story is being written today.

 



 

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Editor
Gabriel McKeown
Political & Economics Writer at Sad Rabbit - Substack Newsletter
From pandemic necessity to retail revolution, QR codes have triggered the barcode’s swan song after 50 years of faithful beeping. As GS1 pushes for a transition to QR codes by 2027, retailers are bracing for a seismic shift at a time where they are already grappling with inflationary pressures and shifting consumer behaviours. This transition presents a double-edged sword, as on one hand it promises enhanced inventory management and a wealth of consumer data, yet on the other it demands significant investment in an era where every pound counts. However, QR codes for retailers will offer far more sophisticated inventory tracking capabilities, potentially reducing waste and improving stock management. As the retail world stands on the precipice of this digital transformation, it’s clear that this isn't just about changing how we scan products, but instead about reimagining the entire retail experience.