We continue to see 2D barcodes popping up all around us.  From sweepstakes to catalogs to facilitating the wait at your favorite restaurant, 2D barcodes are proving to be a versatile technology for the mobile consumer. Here’s a look at some recent campaigns:

Home Depot Joins the Fray

Home Depot is one of the newest large brands to jump on the mobile barcode bandwagon.  A few weeks ago they announced a partnership with ScanBuy to include 2D barcodes in print ads, in-store and other signage.  The codes lead shoppers to more information on do-it-yourself projects including how-to videos and product demos. They can even enable shoppers to buy products online directly from their smartphone. For more information, read the Mashable article: Mobile Barcodes Come to the Home Depot.

Jet Blue Getaway’s Program

JetBlue launched a sweepstakes contest for a winter travel packets to St. Petersburg, Florida.  To promote this campaign, JetBlue prominently featured 2D barcodes in it is print ads. When scanned, the consumer can opt-in to receive more details on the promotion and enter the sweepstakes. More information can be found in this Media Post article: JetBlue Campaign Uplifts 2D Codes

Macy’s Backstage Pass Campaign

In late February, Macy’s launched a new campaign using 2D barcodes to connect consumers to video content such as fashion advice.  The codes appear everywhere from television advertising to print ads to in-store signage. In order to educate consumers on 2D barcodes and drive usage, Macy’s has also developed an educational video that explains 2D barcode and how they work.  More information on the campaigns can be found in this Media Post article: New to Macy’s Spring Lineup: QR Codes.

DC United Kicks Up the Codes

DC United kicked-off a print advertising campaign which encourages consumers to take pictures of its ads and share them on Facebook or Twitter for a chance to win team gear. The ads also feature 2D barcodes which, when scanned, take users to a special D.C. United video.  See Represent Olsen’s Army and Win for more details on the campaign.

WalkIn Facilitates Restaurant Wait Lists

This unique application of 2D barcodes came about at the SXSW show as a result of a start-up competition called StartupBus. The mobile application allows users to scan a QR code at the door to save their place on the restaurant’s waiting list. For more information, read the Mashable article: Scan a QR Code & Save Your Place on the Restaurant Wait List.

We’re excited to see so many brands embrace this technology and experiment with it in new and exciting ways. Neustar continues to play a key role in helping to facilitate interoperability among the mobile barcode ecosystem with its clearinghouse model.

Please feel free to add to this list and share some of your favorite mobile barcode campaigns via a comment.

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