PARKnSHOP Adopts 1QR to Reshapes Shopping Experience
Background
As the Hong Kong's leading O+O supermarket chain, PARKnSHOP has always been the forerunner in the adoption of retail technology. Spearheaded to adopt GS1 barcodes to facilitate management 35 years ago, PARKnSHOP has always pioneered to deploy innovations like GS1 HK's “1QR”.
Solution
In recent years, PARKnSHOP has piloted the use of "1QR" on its private label FRRMFRESH and other brands, covering more than 200 SKUs. Consumers can simply scan the "1QR" code with their mobile phone to browse extensive product details, including product origin and sustainability certifications.
Benefit
The adoption of 1QR supports PARKnSHOP to provide in-depth product information that gives consumers a peace of mind, while creating seamless O+O shopping experience and taking heed to the sustainability trends that meet consumers’ expectations.
Background
As the Hong Kong's leading O+O supermarket chain, PARKnSHOP has always been the forerunner in the adoption of innovative retail technology. 35 years ago when price stickers and manual price input were still common, PARKnSHOP had already spearheaded to adopt GS1 barcodes to facilitate warehouse management, retail checkout, stock replenishment and more.
Over the years, PARKnSHOP has been evolving and meeting the diverse needs of local customers. Some of the highlights include the launch of Hong Kong's largest membership programme "MoneyBack" to provide personalised service experiences for members, as well as self-checkout counters, electronic price tags, "Click and Collect" service, and "PNS eShop" mobile app, etc., allowing customers to enjoy seamless O+O shopping experiences anytime, anywhere.
In today’s smartphone-savvy society where QR code scanning becomes the norm, PARKnSHOP again take the lead to adopt the new QR codes with GS1 standards as it debuted in the market.
Solution – Surprising Customer with 1QR
In recent years, PARKnSHOP has piloted the use of GS1 HK's "1QR" on its private label FARMFRESH, and expanding gradually to other brands such as SELECT, Imperial Banquet, Baker's Choice, covering more than 200 SKUs. Consumers can simply scan the "1QR" code with their mobile phone to browse extensive product details, offers, certifications, nutritional information etc. Not only does it provide extended information beyond packaging, but also meets the online info search habits of the young.
The integration of PARKnSHOP's ERP system with GS1 HK's BarcodePlus product information platform allows staff to easily upload product information, which can then automatically generate barcodes and QR codes simultaneously.
Peace of Mind with Certificates
Dedicated to providing quality food choices to consumers, PARKnSHOP now offers almost 2,000 organic or sustainable products, including over 120 plant-based food and over 50 sustainable seafood.
"1QR" is able to display product sustainability information, such as product origin and sustainability certifications (e.g. ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) – Farm Certificate by SELECT's frozen skin-on Atlantic salmon fillet, or FSC® certification by SELECT's Soft & Strong Facial Tissue 5S–Mascot). The platform is also recognised by the Centre for Food Safety to show the “Salt / Sugar” Label Scheme for Prepackaged Food Products to promote healthy diet. This is especially important for edible products or those applied on skin, as consumers tend to trust and favor brands more after knowing products in details, which in turn help to boost sales.
Calls for Industry Support on QR codes Adoption
With thousands of suppliers and brand partners, PARKnSHOP calls on the industry to adopt the new QR codes. While manufacturers should start implementing "1QR", the QR code with GS1 standards, on product packages, PARKnSHOP as a leading retailer is also exploring the feasibility of scanning “1QR” at its POS checkout across all stores, by reviewing the technologies and processes revamp needed.
Benefit
The adoption of 1QR helps PARKnSHOP to:
- Provide in-depth information that gives consumers a peace of mind
- Create seamless O+O shopping experience with enhanced consumer journey
- Take heed to the sustainability trends and meet consumers’ expectations
PARKnSHOP prioritizes delivering an exceptional shopping experience to customers through the integration of innovation & technology while also emphasizing sustainable development as a core focus. As one of the founding members of the WWF-Hong Kong's "Sustainable Seafood Business Membership Programme", we are dedicated to protecting marine environment and biodiversity. We are expanding our selection of unpackaged fresh food with in stores to encourage eco-friendly shopping practices.
Freda Ng
Managing Director of PARKnSHOP
Leveraging GS1 HK's QR code technology may appear as a minor step in digitalisation, yet its impact can be profound. The ‘1QR’ is compact in size yet rich in functionality, enables consumers to effortlessly scan and access a wealth of product information including sustainability messages. This convenience enhances customers’ confidence, prompting us to encourage businesses to join us in adopting this technology.
Freda Ng
Managing Director of PARKnSHOP
GS1 standards used or solutions/services used
GS1 standards used or solution (s) /service (s) used
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Company Background
Established in 1972, PARKnSHOP is Hong Kong's leading O+O supermarket chain and one of the most trusted brands in Hong Kong. Part of AS Watson Group, PARKnSHOP now operates about 250 outlets in Hong Kong and Macau, which covers some famous retail brands like TASTE, TASTE x FRESH, FUSION, food le parc, GOURMET, GREAT FOOD HALL. Website: PNS.hk
