The Home Depot is tapping into the growing mobile barcode trend by providing 2D (QR) barcodes from Scanbuy in print advertising, direct mail pieces and on store shelves. By scanning the codes with their smart phones, shoppers will have immediate access to product ratings and reviews, how-to guides and videos.
“We know our customers are already using their mobile device to assist in the purchasing process, and now Home Depot is embracing this technology to more closely connect our stores and customers to our digital content,” said Tom Sweeney, Senior Director of Online Strategy for Homedepot.com, in a press statement.
QR Codes Gaining Quick Acceptance
Mobile barcode scanning has surged in consumer use and acceptance, increasing 1,600% in 2010, according to research conducted by Scanbuy. More than 25 million people in the U.S. alone currently have access to barcode scanning on their mobile devices.
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Realizing the potential benefits of the 2D QR codes, a number of retailers have recently joined the fray. Macy’s , CVS and Walgreens recently added the technology, as reported by Retail TouchPoints. Best Buy was the first U.S. retailer to add QR codes to in-store product information, adding to the fact tags in all U.S. stores in September 2010.
The new Home Depot service was introduced in print ads for Martha Stewart Living kitchens, as well as direct mail marketing pieces. Additionally, The Home Depot added some unique codes onto store shelves and signage in stores. Shoppers who access these codes also have the option to purchase online.
Using Scanbuy’s ScanLife system, The Home Depot is able to edit and customize the codes to create new content without having to print new marketing materials.
ScanLife also is providing the retailer with valuable marketing information, such as products searched, location of the interaction, demographics and purchases completed.
