The numbers of people with a smartphone in the United States have reached a tipping point. Recent numbers are hovering between 46 and 48 percent. The number of people who are familiar with QR codes is also rising; I saw an estimate as high as 24% the other day. It’s making more and more sense to implement the cross-channel tool.

I’m not the only one who has noticed. QR code pop-up malls are appearing all over the world. Product images with QR codes for on-the-spot ordering adorn temporary walls or permanent pillars in train stations, metro stations and outdoor marketing locations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B1F-_QzUPA&feature=player_embedded
Procter & Gamble and Walmart have even implemented roving shopping trucks that combine our current love of food trucks with our desire for convenience.

But what does this all really mean? Are we really so time starved that QR codes are the new answer? Actually, for now, it’s something fun to try. Yes, we do still like spending time on the things we love and will shop online to save time and/or money. And yet, according to Iconoculture, we are reprioritizing our time. If waiting for a train anyway, why not use that time to accomplish a chore such as buying deodorant? Many of these pop-ups offer free shipping when the order amount reaches a certain level, such as $45.
Since this is happening, there is now room to make it more exciting. If a truly viable option and more shopping through this medium is made available, brands will start to differentiate themselves to attract more attention. Shoppers could start to see more interesting and fun ways the idea is shared.