QR Codes and Santa Tags at J.C. Penney

J.C. Penney wants to use QR codes and keep its customers in the Christmas spirit, so what better way to combine the two than with Santa Tags.

Through this program, customers can personalize their holiday season by using QR tags and mobile phone technology. Santa Tags allows shoppers to record a personalized gift message for each of their gifts. The Santa Tags project is part of the “Who’s Your Santa” campaign, including “Who’s Your Santa” gift cards, a Facebook game and catalog themes.

J.C. Penney is offering the QR code promotion at 1,100 of its stores.

By going to customer service, shoppers will be able to get QR code gift tags that allow them to scan the code, record a personal voice message, and then place the tag to their gift. Once the gift recipient scans the QR code, they will hear the pre-recorded message from the gift-giver.

For the past year, J.C. Penney has been incorporating QR codes into its marketing and in-store signage and Santa Tags is the latest example of how “we are using this new technology to connect with customers with digital experiences that are personalized and impactful,” says J.C. Penney spokesperson Kate Coultas. “Santa Tags are an easy way for gift givers to add a little extra fun to their gifts this season. Customer response has been very positive.”

Coultas says Santa Tags will be offered through Christmas while supplies last. Recordings will remain live until Jan. 31, 2012.

Does this work only with smart phones? “You do not need a smart phone to record the message,” Coultas says. “You can call 1-888-881-6577 to record your message for your specific tag. However, you do need a smart phone to scan the QR code to listen to your message.”

Santa Tags are free with a purchase and can be picked up at any of the participating stores’ customer service desks.