8 Clever Uses for QR Codes in Outdoor Shopping Centers

QR codes linking to URL addresses are some of the most common, and it’s easy to see why. Trying to remember or type in a long web address into your browser can be frustrating, and if you get one character wrong, the whole thing likely won’t work. 

QR codes, however, provide a quick and easy way to access websites all without having to type in a single letter. All a person would need to do is point their device's camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up. 

The official website for the shopping center or specific business can be greatly beneficial to patrons, as they can use it to get a general vibe of the establishment, see what stores and other services are provided, and much more. 

Expanding on the previous point, important store and center information, like operating hours, policies, and other notices, can be provided to guests and staff all via QR codes. This eliminates the need to print or update paper notices and allows all who visit the center to stay up to date on any current events. 

Free public WiFi access is essential to any business in the modern age. As Linda Belcher once said “people expect free Wi-Fi nowadays. Free Wi-Fi is this generation's free pens at the bank”. 

However, you don’t want to just leave a network unprotected, as that can be very dangerous to the data of all those who visit the center. Luckily, a QR code can be easily set up which allows visitors and staff to easily sign in to a WiFi network without having to enter a password, all while still keeping their data relatively safe. 

Outdoor shopping centers often do more than just provide a space for stores and other businesses. They often host special events, like craft fairs, farmers markets, concerts, and much more. 

QR codes can provide guests with any information related to these events, like schedules, policies, participating businesses, and even registration and ticket purchasing. 

Outdoor shopping centers can often be confusing to navigate for those who are directionally challenged, and there’s only so much a traditional directory can do. Fortunately, QR codes can connect guests with up to date maps on the shopping centers, as well as the businesses within. 

Some can even provide step by step directions on how to get to a particular location within the center. 

One of the biggest draws of outdoor shopping centers is that many of them offer housing and office space for people to rent out, while being within a bustling and eager community. Information on how to rent these properties can also be distributed via QR code, and even connect interested parties directly to an agent that can assist them. 

One of the fastest growing uses for QR codes is as a payment method, and it’s easy to see why. QR code payments allow customers to pay for goods and services without needing to bring cash or a bank card with them. All they need to do is scan a code set up by the business, and they’re all set! 

This can be greatly beneficial to owners of businesses within outdoor shopping centers, as it allows for another payment method to guests and greatly speeds up the buying process. 

Customer feedback is essential to any business, big or small. It’s important to know what you’re doing right and what you can improve upon. Getting that feedback, however, can be a struggle. 

Customers often want to simply walk in, buy their goods, and go, not wanting to stick around to fill out a survey. Fortunately, a QR code linking to a customer satisfaction survey can be printed on a card or receipt included with their purchase, allowing them access to your review page on their own time. 

QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up. 

QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code. 

By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards. 

QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding. 

The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space. 

If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.