
Specialty retailer Brookstone is experimenting with QR codes in 30 of its New York-area stores to provide shoppers with reviews, videos and product information. Shoppers in participating stores in New York City and New Jersey — including Brookstone’s Rockefeller Center, Seaport Marketplace and JFK airport locations — will see QR codes located next to products, by scanning which they will be able to access additional information and/or shop for similar products from Brookstone.com.
Apparently, 32% of U.S. smartphone users have already scanned a QR code while 70% said they plan to use a QR code again or for the first time. In Europe, code scanning is widely adopted with QR codes appearing even on places such as bus and tram stations, providing passengers with information about public transportation. We’re curious to see whether Americans will adopt this technology as widely as Europeans did (we think they will).
Commenting on the news, Brookstone’s CEO Ron Boire said: “Brookstone customers seek information so they can make informed purchase decisions. Using technology such as QR codes in-store complements our knowledgeable staff and creates an online information experience in-store.”