Introduction:
This weekend when you head out for your Black Friday shopping, or decide to do some online shopping at home on your computer, it’s important to realize the inventions that have facilitated your ability to shop comfortably. Over the last centuries, retail has changed dramatically, evolving from simple small local markets to massive global industries. Many of the inventions that transformed everyday shopping also helped shape what we now recognize as Black Friday
Five Most Important Inventions
The Price Tag:
Created in 1861, the price tag was the first of its kind. Derived from ethical and moral shopping dilemmas, the price tag ensured equality in product prices. Prior to the price tag, all prices were determined on the individuals attire and the general wealth displayed. This called for an influx in bargaining power for both sides, and caused some people to get exploited by buying cheaper products for more. John Wanamaker was a Christian man, with strong moral obligations. He was intent on making the world a better place with his modest intentions, this was by implementing his idea of price tags and opening a store. This store faced harsh criticism from other surrounding merchants, but customers were impressed and kept returning. John Wanamaker’s store was a hit.
The Coupon:
An invention from Coca-Cola started a revolution of marketing tactics. The coupon creates interest and need for products you never knew you needed. Selling items at a cheaper price entices the public and allows them to try products. In 1887 Coca-Cola’s Asa Candler devised the idea and execution of the coupon by creating a voucher of 5 cents for one Coca-Cola. “It’s estimated that one out of every nine Americans had received a free Coke — meaning that 8.5 million free drinks had been distributed to the public”. The idea was a success, and people flocked towards the product for a a good sale. To this day, many people use coupons, increasing many companies revenue and company awareness. Overall this invention opened hundreds of new marketing tactics that allow people to shop at certain locations, shops, and businesses.
The Computer:
The first mechanical computer was created in 1822. The history of the computer is quite long and starts even before 1822, but the first mechanical computer has been traced back to 1822. Charles Babbage started the idea of an machine performing complex work for an individual. In his case it was approximating polynomials and other mathematematic equations. Later in 1837, he started to propose the idea of his Analytical Engine. But in the end it was never made, until other scientists brought it to life in 1936. After all of this the most recognizable computer was made in 1945. The Computer is an invention that manipulates and collects information. Computers store information and can search for them on the web making it have endless possibilities. All of this information is displayed on your computer screen ready to use and making it one of the most used inventions in the world. This invention was useful to retail in the long run as it stored the companies products on a single device, improved store security by creating protective systems, stored business documents, tracked customer purchases and even self started self checkout.
The Barcode:
Invented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in 1952, the barcode is a technology that identifies and differentiates products from each other and creates unique identities for each one. Barcodes coded products into specific design of bars that made it easier to scan, ring up products and track inventory. Behind each of these codes, all the information about the product was stored and kept, and it could be accessed by a scan by a device. This has impacted modern retail as it has sped up the process of shopping and convenience for the employees and shoppers. What was once a tedious process has turned into a process that accommodates revenue of 114 billion dollars in Canada alone.
The QR Code:
Originating from the video game ‘GO’, in 1994 Masahiro Hara created the idea of the QR code. QR Code stands for ‘Quick Response Code’. The similar black and white tile layout resembles the QR code and its unique layout that is attached to a specific link. Hara realized that a grid layout could hold much more information and could be scanned from any angle or direction, making the QR Code a huge accessible innovation. The QR Code has impacted retail by being a way to collect customer reviews and gain feedback by scanning codes. Many times these codes lead to incentives as well, many times if you fill out the surveys you receive for example $5 off your next purchase. These surveys collect customer data and ask shoppers to specify brand likes and dislikes or other supply questions which is also beneficial to businesses.
Conclusion:
These five inventions shaped the modern retail world and made today’s shopping possible! As you head out for Black Friday deals this weekend, or if you already have, remind yourself that every scan, every sale, and every price tag is part of a long history of innovation that built the modern shopping experience!