Pandemic and QR codes
Although QR codes have been around for almost three decades, their popularity has increased manifold after the pandemic. COVID-19 has encouraged people to embrace a contactless world, which gave rise to QR codes. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the application of QR codes has increased dramatically across all industries.
Restaurants and retailers were among the first to use these codes to facilitate online mobile payments, quick access to digital menus, and much more.
Let's look at some statistics that show the impact of COVID-19 on QR code adoption.
18.8% of consumers in the US and UK believe they have seen an increase in QR code usage after the pandemic.
Gartner predicted in a 2020 study that around 80% of payments and checkout services will be contactless by 2024.
In 2023, QR code scans increased to 26.95 million , a remarkable 433% increase over the past two years.
Over 68% of consumers worldwide are using QR codes to access COVID-related information.
According to a research report by McKinsey & Company, there has been an 80/20 increase in digital payments during COVID-19.
Woman paying with QR code
Nike : American sportswear brand Nike has incorporated QR codes into its product marketing strategy to offer student database customers a mobile shopping experience like never before.
QR codes link to detailed product information, exclusive deals and offers, and even customer reviews. With this move, the brand aims to improve the in-store experience for customers, increase sales, and strengthen brand loyalty.
Starbucks : Leading American coffee chain Starbucks has leveraged QR code technology in an effort to improve the customer experience.
The brand integrated QR codes into its mobile app to allow customers to make quick purchases, access exclusive offers, and earn rewards. It also printed QR codes on coffee cups and many promotional materials to increase customer engagement.
L'Oréal : L'Oréal, a global leader in beauty and personal care, used AR technology to enhance its QR code marketing campaign.