A MAJOR shopping feature could face the axe in a bold new retail shake-up.
The days of traditional bar codes could be numbered, with experts predicting they’ll disappear within five years as “smart” QR codes revolutionise shopping.
These cutting-edge codes, are already being tested in 48 countries and could give shoppers instant access to detailed information about products.
A quick scan with a smartphone could inform buyers from everything about their product’s environmental impact to ethical production standards.
The helpful feature will also alert shoppers of any harmful ingredients, expired goods, or recalled items.
Retail leaders are backing the major change with a recent study revealing that 96% believe QR codes will dominate by 2030.
The study was carried out by by GS1 UK and major global brands, including PepsiCo, Walmart, Tesco, and P&G, are already adopting the innovation.
Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK, said the shift comes as shoppers demand more transparency.
She added: “Smart QR codes allow consumers to make informed decisions based on sustainability, environmental, or ethical standards that matter most to them.”
As it stands, many stores are still relying on technology from the 1990s, with 91% of senior retail executives admitting the industry has been slow to evolve.
However, the report revealed that 84% of retail leaders believe those slow to adopt smart QR codes risk losing billions of pounds in revenue.
The technology offers benefits beyond information sharing. Real-time expiry date management, instant markdowns, and reduced waste are just some of the advantages expected to boost consumer trust.
Eight in ten retail bosses believe this will help rebuild brand loyalty, which has waned in the past decade.
Smart QR codes could also lead to sweeping changes on the high street, with 51% of executives predicting traditional checkouts will disappear by 2030.
Immersive in-store technologies, such as augmented reality features and interactive displays, are also tipped to reshape the shopping experience.
The shift could ease the strain during busy periods, with QR codes helping by cutting queues, reducing stock errors, and speeding up the checkout process.
For customers, this means a smoother, more satisfying shopping experience with less reliance on staff.
Insights into products’ carbon footprints was also a popular attraction of customers surveyed, with 32% of people saying its what they want most out of a shopping experience.
The transition is already gaining momentum, but experts warn that lagging behind in adopting these changes could leave retailers struggling to compete in the evolving marketplace.
With high-street revival on the agenda, smart QR codes could prove to be the key to unlocking a new era of retail.
It comes as major transformations take place in the retail space.
One of which includes the revival of the high street – which could be underway thanks to Gen Z and independent stores.
A number of major retailers are also expanding their number of operational stores across the UK.
Aldi wants to open hundreds more stores as it looks to have a branch in all corners of England, Wales and Scotland.
Discounter Home Bargains also says it wants to open roughly 400 more branches as part of major expansion plans.
The new owners of White Stuff want to continue its drive to open more stores across the UK too.
Add to that some new names including as Oysho, Bath and Body Works and Miniso.
