New Steps in Technology for Downtown Chatham

A technology is being used that is new to Downtown Chatham. Thanks to the efforts of A. Thiel Marketing, Visitors and patrons coming downtown will start to see unusual pictures posted in some merchants’ windows. These strange pictures are QR codes. Patrons will be able to scan the image with their smart phones to receive the website and information about the business. Anyone using their smart phone will be able to connect to our free Downtown Chatham Wifi network as well.

A QR Code is a two-dimensional code, readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data. Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. QR is the abbreviation for Quick Response, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

“We immediately saw the marketing potential that QR codes represented,” says Andrew Thiel, President of A. Thiel Marketing & Graphic Design. “I think QR codes will eventually be used in all facets of traditional media. Imagine having a QR code that promotes your business in the background at a media release event, or giving 50 t-shirts with a QR code that promotes your business at a rock concert or night club. It is a fun way to get your message to a segment of the market that can afford most products.”

QR Codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards, or on just about any object about which users might need information. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR Code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the phone’s browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is known as a hardlink or physical world hyperlinks.

“We are very pleased to be taking advantage of the new technology that is available to businesses. As we move forward in today’s ever changing market, it’s imperative that we embrace these technologies, and use them to enhance business and tourism in our area” says Lorie Gore, Executive Director of the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA.