Simmons, JCPenney launch in-store QR tag program

Simmons Bedding Company has announced the launch of an in-store QR (Quick Response) tagging application aimed at simplifying the buying process for consumers as they shop for mattresses and bedding. Beginning today, consumers will find QR tags at JCPenney stores for mattresses from Simmons' new 2010 Beautyrest line, making the rollout the first of its kind at retail stores nationwide.

QR tags are small barcode-like visuals that may be scanned and "read" by smart phones, with the goal of making in-store signage more interactive for consumers. Once scanned by a smart phone such as the iPhone, DROID or BlackBerry, the QR tag makes additional information, images and videos easily available to the user via their phone's Web browser, providing consumers with added product detail and demonstration, netting a more robust shopping experience.

When consumers scan the QR tag for a Beautyrest mattress, they receive access to a 3-D construction rendering of that particular Beautyrest model. In addition, tag users will have the option to play a Beautyrest video.

"Consumer engagement happens within 'the last five feet' of the bed," said Simmons executive vice president of marketing Tim Oakhill. "QR tags bring point-of-sale to life, educating and engaging the consumer at the point where purchase decisions are made."