Retailers ring changes with phone codes

QR codes have become the latest weapon in the armoury of traders in Leith as they fight back against competition from online traders.

The square, barcode-style images created by local company Scanzo enable smartphone users to scan the code and be taken directly to the shop's website to browse its goods and prices online.

Alan Rudland, chairman of the Leith Business Association, who runs Arkay Imaging on Leith Walk, said he thought it would offer a great opportunity for traders, who had been offered the chance to take part in the trial free of charge.

He said: "From our point of view it's something new, something inventive, something very cutting edge."