Mobile barcode scanners are becoming increasingly popular in a range of retail settings, helping to enhance the shopping experience and make businesses more efficient – which provides opportunities for resellers.
For retailers on the high street, competition is fierce – not just among themselves, but also against online rivals. This means retailers are looking for ways to enhance shopping experiences as well as increasing efficiency in front and back of shop and in the warehouse.
An increasingly important part of helping to achieve this are mobile barcode scanners. As Andres Avila, retail lead at Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services, says, mobile barcode scanners play a pivotal role in supporting evolving trends and changing demands in retail. “They enable real-time inventory management and seamless checkout experiences, which are critical for unified commerce,” he says. “They also allow staff to access customer preferences and purchase history on the spot, facilitating hyper-personalised service.
“This technology also empowers the workforce. Mobile scanners streamline workflows and training, making staff more efficient and responsive. And, by providing accurate data on product lifecycle and returns, they support circular models and eco-friendly initiatives.”
Jong il Lee, product sales manager at Bluebird, a TSC Company, agrees that mobile barcode scanners have many uses in retail. “Mobile barcode scanners improve inventory accuracy, providing real-time visibility into where items are located as well as how much stock is available on the shop floor or in the backroom,” he says. “This is a fundamental factor in the operational success of any retail store.
“Mobile barcode scanners – or more broadly, mobile computers – empower retail associates with the information they need to deliver consultative sales experiences. By enabling staff to guide customers to the correct aisle, check backroom inventory, or assist them in completing a purchase without queuing at tills, these devices transform traditional retail interactions into seamless, informed engagements and make shopping a more pleasurable and positive experience.
“In essence, the mobile computer serves as a tool for inventory visibility and accuracy, and a means to elevate customer experience through informed, data-driven service.”
Trends
The increase in popularity of mobile barcode scanners is being driven by several trends currently. For instance, Jong says there is a need for more data in labels. “This is being driven by transitions such as the GS1 Sunrise 2027 where there is an industry move towards QR (2D) or RFID labels instead of the traditional EAN/UPC 1D barcode,” he says.
“The purpose is to increase visibility throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing all the way to when the product reaches consumers’ hands. The fact that 2D and RFID labels can carry more data and, more importantly, convert and update the data, are the focal points of this movement.
“The second trend in this market is the growing and continuous demand for automation and inventory accuracy, which is leading to a strong push for RFID. Overall, consumer demands are increasing, faster shipping times are required as is accurate data information. If you’re offering buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) you need to be able to supply inventory in a very short amount of time and this is becoming paramount to a retailer’s success and is an essential core component of the customer experience. We are seeing many customers throughout retail adopt RFID for different use cases and whereas it might predominantly have been used in the past for cycle counting in retail stores, we’re now also seeing it used for different applications across other verticals such as manufacturing.”
Another major trend is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mobile barcode scanning, says Andres. “That will continue into the next several years,” he adds. “For example, using AI algorithms, high-speed processing and decoding enhancements, certain mobile scanners can increase scanning speed by an average of 45% compared to prior models without AI. This allows workers in distribution centres and retail to perform tasks faster and ultimately serve customers more efficiently.
“Scan-As-You-Shop (SAYS) technology is another key trend providing retailers opportunities for brand engagement and shortening checkout times for shoppers. SAYS enables shoppers to use mobile barcode readers to scan items as they shop, streamlining the checkout process and providing real-time tracking of spending. Some SAYS technology also allows for checkout directly from a mobile device versus waiting in line at checkout. Customers benefit from a more convenient and personalised shopping experience through tailored coupons and loyalty program information accessed directly on an easy-to-use device.”
Andres adds that eco-accountability is another key trend driving technology investment in retail. “Customers are actively seeking brands that prioritise sustainability,” he says. “Circular business models – offering repairs or resale – and adopting sustainable packaging are no longer just nice-to-have – they are major differentiators that can influence purchasing decisions.”
Customer experience
The customer experience is another driving factor in uptake. “In retail there is, and always will be, a big emphasis on customer experience,” says Jong. “We now live in a world where, with a single click of a button, we can get items shipped and delivered within a short space of time. Having accurate inventory and being able to deliver and ship to these standards is what retailers have to compete with. This reinforces the demand for automation and the push for RFID as inventory accuracy is the cornerstone to achieve success.”
Andres adds that today’s shoppers are seeking seamless, personalised and responsible retail experiences. “Unified commerce is a growing expectation: customers want a consistent experience whether shopping online, in-store or through mobile,” he says. “They expect real-time product availability, accessible order history and returns to be easily managed across all channels. This requires retailers to operate from a single, connected system that delivers visibility and reliability at every touchpoint.
“Hyper-personalisation is also shaping customer expectations. Shoppers want offers, product recommendations and experiences tailored to their preferences and behaviours. AI-powered solutions that leverage unified customer data are becoming essential for delivering these ultra-relevant interactions, helping brands stand out in a crowded marketplace.
“Additionally, customers increasingly value knowledgeable, empowered store associates who can provide fast, helpful service. Smart workforce tools like AI-driven training programs, mobile inventory scanners and automated workflows are equipping staff to deliver better service, fewer errors and shorter wait times, all while improving employee satisfaction and reducing turnover.”
Mobile receipt and label printers
Paul Kim, managing director of BIXOLON Europe GmbH, adds that one effective solution to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience is to implement mobile receipt and label printers alongside mobile barcode scanners. “These devices can play a pivotal role in helping to manage queues, speed up payments and provide real-time pricing updates – all of which are key elements for improving efficiency and productivity during peak trading periods,” he says.
“Mobile linerless label printers allow staff to print updated price labels directly on the shop floor, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided to customers. The use of linerless labels eliminates the waste and mess associated with traditional labels and can be printed to any appropriate length needed, offering benefits for customisability and sustainability. This flexibility enables retailers to make rapid adjustments during seasonal markdowns or promotional periods, ensuring that products are correctly labelled in real-time. These same printers can be used within ecommerce distribution centres too, with labels being printed for parcels as they come in and out of warehouses.
“Long queues at checkout are a common source of frustration for many customers. For retailers, the ability to process payments quickly and efficiently to reduce bottlenecks at traditional points of sale in stores is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and maximising sales. Mobile receipt printers, when paired with mobile point-of-sale (PoS) systems, provide a practical solution to this issue.”
Different solutions
There are various solutions on the market, which are suited to specific sectors within retail, notes Jong. “What grocery stores and supermarkets need compared to fashion retail stores is quite different because of the kinds of inventory they carry,” he adds.
“For example, grocery stores might need a PoS integrated solution that has a weight scale where they can key in an item’s weight and type at the check-out counter. Apparel stores, on the other hand, require a fully integrated solution, where, for example, mobile computers empower staff members on the store floor to do a more consultative role to support the customer practice of trying on clothes and going through the shop experience before purchasing. Different again are supermarkets and hypermarkets, which carry large amounts of varying inventory and materials.”
Andres adds that solutions vary from traditional handheld scanners to presentation scanners and those integrated into mobile computers. “SAYS technology, for instance, where scanning technology is part of a mobile computer, may be best suited for grocery and pharmacy retailers where customers are filling a basket or cart with smaller items they can easily carry,” he says.
“Regardless of the type of scanner, the industry will continue to see a focus on increasing speed and accuracy and tailoring the type of solution to the customer need. Scanning ultimately plays a critical role in making shopping seamless, convenient and personalised.”
Future
Jong says he has strong expectations demand to continue to grow for mobile barcode scanners in 2026. “Demand for inventory accuracy and automation will continue to grow, and TSC is well-prepared with the right portfolio and a strong partner ecosystem to deliver end-to-end solutions,” he says.
“With a proven footprint among leading fashion retailers and in retail generally, we remain focused on innovating solutions that will define the next evolutionary phase of our industry. As consumer expectations continue to rise, it will be essential for retailers to collaborate with partners who are pushing the boundaries of technology and advancing IT infrastructure to meet these new standards.”
Andres says the retail technology market is poised for significant transformation driven by several converging trends. “According to the Gartner Hype Cycle for Retail Technologies, solutions like RFID, AI and computer vision are set to reach the ‘plateau of productivity’ within the next several years,” he says. “These technologies will become foundational in retailers’ technology strategies, enabling smarter inventory management, personalised experiences and seamless store operations.
“Data collection will continue to be a top priority, powering everything from real-time analytics to tailored marketing. AI is at the centre of most retail tech conversations, not only optimising backend operations but also directly enhancing customer engagement. Contactless and biometric payments such as facial recognition, palm scans and mobile wallets are rapidly becoming mainstream. These innovations deliver greater convenience for shoppers while simultaneously providing retailers with deeper insights into customer preferences and behaviours.
“Mobile barcode scanners, meanwhile, are evolving beyond simple checkout tools. In the future, they’ll play a key role in enhancing the in-store experience by supporting loyalty programs, enabling instant product information and streamlining returns and exchanges. These devices will help bridge the gap between digital and physical retail by providing faster, more personalised service, rewarding customer loyalty and making shopping more convenient and enjoyable.
“Ultimately, as retailers focus on experiential shopping to draw customers away from online competitors, mobile barcode scanners will be essential in delivering the seamless, data-driven service shoppers expect.”
