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Key QR Code Scanning Trends in Retail and E-Commerce in 2025

QR codes have come a long way since their early use, when they were primarily applied in manufacturing and logistics. Today, much like traditional one-dimensional barcodes on product packaging, QR codes have become an essential tool in retail and e-commerce, going far beyond digital business cards.

In 2025, their role extends well beyond simple link sharing. QR codes are shaping a new consumer experience, increasing brand transparency, simplifying purchases, and strengthening customer engagement. Let’s take a closer look at the key QR code scanning trends in retail and e-commerce that are defining the industry’s development.

Growth of QR Code Usage in Retail

Retail is showing rapid growth in QR code adoption. Compared to previous years, the number of QR codes created in retail has increased by 88% since 2022. This growth also includes FMCG companies (fast-moving consumer goods) such as food, beverages, and apparel.

Why Retail Is Actively Adopting QR Codes

The main driver behind this growth is the widespread placement of QR codes on product packaging. They are used to:

  • improve customer experience;

  • provide extended product information;

  • track supply chains;

  • increase trust in brands.

Share of E-Commerce in Total QR Code Scans

The e-commerce industry currently accounts for approximately 6.8% of all global QR code scans. While this may seem like a modest figure, it is enough for e-commerce to rank fourth among all industries actively using QR codes.

How QR Codes Are Used in Online Commerce

In e-commerce, QR codes are used to:

  • enable quick access to product pages;

  • activate personalized offers;

  • deliver digital coupons and discounts;

  • connect offline and online sales channels.

Geography of QR Code Scanning: Market Leaders

QR code scanning is widely used around the world, but the United States remains the clear leader, accounting for 42.2% of all scans.

Countries with the Highest Share of QR Code Scans

  • India — 16.1%;

  • France — 6.4%;

  • United Kingdom — 3.6%;

  • Canada — 3.6%.

This confirms that the North American market sets the pace for QR technology adoption in retail and e-commerce.

Self-Service as a Key QR Code Use Case

One of the most popular QR code applications in retail is self-service. Between 2021 and 2023, QR code usage in the consumer goods sector increased by 247%.

Most Popular Self-Service Scenarios

  • self-checkout and order placement;

  • access to detailed product information;

  • contactless payments;

  • activation of personalized promotions.

Consumers increasingly prefer minimal interaction with staff, opting for fast and digital ways to access information and make payments.

QR Codes as a Tool for Transparency and Trust

Modern consumers are increasingly interested in the origin and production of the products they buy. Around 40% of consumers say they are willing to scan QR codes to learn more about:

  • product ingredients;

  • manufacturing conditions;

  • supply chain details.

Studies show that using QR codes to provide product origin information has a positive impact on brand perception and increases customer satisfaction.

Additional data confirms that 42% of shoppers report a better in-store shopping experience when QR codes lead to reviews, price comparisons, detailed descriptions, and digital coupons.

Adoption by Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses are also actively adopting QR codes.

QR Code Adoption Growth Among Businesses

  • small businesses increased QR code creation by 175%;

  • mid-sized companies increased it by 184%.

QR codes allow these businesses to:

  • interact with customers in a more personalized way;

  • offer value-added services;

  • increase engagement without large marketing budgets.

Convenience as a Key Purchase Driver

Convenience remains one of the most important factors influencing purchase decisions. 40% of consumers rank it first or second among their buying criteria.

How QR Codes Enhance Convenience

QR codes make it possible to:

  • access information instantly;

  • reduce the number of steps in the buying process;

  • seamlessly combine offline and online experiences.

Consumer Readiness for Long-Term QR Code Use

Most consumers view QR codes as a permanent part of the shopping experience. 59% of U.S. consumers believe that QR code scanning will become an integral part of smartphone usage in the future.

Growing Interest in Serialized QR Codes

Serialized QR codes, where each product is assigned a unique identifier, are attracting growing interest. According to surveys, 66.1% of respondents see such codes as a promising tool.

What Serialized QR Codes Enable

They allow businesses to:

  • track individual products;

  • deliver personalized content;

  • strengthen customer interaction at the single-item level.

QR Codes on Packaging as a Consumer Standard

Around 64% of shoppers have already scanned QR codes on product packaging in stores.

Why Consumers Scan QR Codes on Packaging

  • payments;

  • hidden or exclusive content;

  • special offers;

  • additional product information.

As a result, store aisles are turning into interactive environments where packaging becomes a digital touchpoint between brands and consumers.

Interest in Augmented Reality and Product Visualization

Approximately 40% of consumers show strong interest in using QR codes for:

  • virtual try-ons;

  • augmented reality product visualization.

These technologies allow shoppers to explore product variations that may not be physically displayed and make more confident purchase decisions.

Willingness to Engage in More Complex Journeys for Greater Value

Despite a strong preference for convenience, 34% of consumers are willing to go through multi-step processes after scanning a QR code if the expected benefit is significant.

What This Means for Brands

  • QR codes should be fast and simple by default;

  • but can offer deeper experiences when users clearly see the value.

Transition to 2D Codes and the Sunrise 2027 Initiative

Retail is on the verge of major transformation. The Sunrise 2027 initiative, supported by GS1, aims to gradually replace traditional one-dimensional barcodes with two-dimensional codes such as QR codes.

What the Shift to 2D Codes Will Deliver

This transition will:

  • integrate 2D codes into point-of-sale systems;

  • expand the capabilities of product packaging;

  • connect logistics, marketing, and customer experience.

Although the transition will not happen overnight, 2025 is already becoming a critical preparation phase for the new standard.