Retail

GS1 standards are the trusted data foundation behind modern retail.

Why Retail Needs GS1

GS1 has a long history in retail and the ubiquitous beep of the GS1 barcode is heard at store checkouts over 10 billion times a day.

Today’s retail industry faces mounting pressure: fragmented supply chains, rising consumer demand for transparency, the growth of e-commerce and marketplaces, and the shift toward AI-driven and social commerce.

Whether online or in-store, GS1 barcodes still provide the trusted data foundation for retailers and brands, helping businesses large and small identify products and share data accurately.

Core Standards Used in Retail

  • GTIN – unique product identification, the backbone of every barcode scan
  • EAN/UPC (1D barcodes) – the familiar checkout barcode
  • QR Code (2D barcodes) – next-gen carriers holding richer data (batch, expiry, serial number) in the same footprint
  • GS1 Digital Link – connects a barcode to web content: provenance, recall info, sustainability data, loyalty offers
  • GLN – identifies locations (stores, warehouses, distribution centers)
  • SSCC – tracks logistics units/shipments

For More Information

GS1 in Retail

Download GS1 standards in Retail brochure

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