What BFCM Teaches Us About QR Codes and Shopper Engagement
Uniqode reports that 74% of shoppers prefer QR Codes that provide real value, highlighting their importance as key tools in retail engagement.
Every Black Friday and Cyber Monday, millions of shoppers become part of retail’s largest behavioral experiment. Under the pressure of flash sales and countdown timers, shoppers reveal which digital touchpoints are effective and which are not.
This year’s data from the BFCM QR Code Marketing Report shows that 74% of shoppers were willing to scan QR Codes when these codes delivered genuine value.
According to the report, “74% of shoppers were ready to scan QR Codes when those codes delivered genuine value.”
This insight matters because BFCM removes the politeness bias that often affects consumer research. When shoppers are quickly comparing prices across multiple apps with time running out, they have no patience for tools that don't immediately help them. They either accept a tool or reject it—there is no middle ground.
The performance of QR Codes in these high-pressure conditions points to their evolution beyond a seasonal trend. They are becoming essential infrastructure for shopping.
QR Codes not only passed the BFCM stress test but excelled, and tools that perform well during retail’s toughest moments usually set the standards for the coming year.
The most common reason shoppers scan QR Codes during BFCM is to find discounts, with 56% seeking promotional offers.
“Discounts are the top individual expectation when someone scans a QR Code during BFCM, with 56% looking for promotional offers.”
Uniqode's findings signal a clear shift: QR Codes are moving from experimental technology to indispensable elements of the retail shopping experience.
Author's summary: QR Codes proved crucial during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, evolving into must-have tools as 74% of shoppers scan them for immediate value and discounts.