National Barcode Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Barcode Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Barcode Day is celebrated on June 26th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Barcode Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about National Barcode Day.

📅 What day is National Barcode Day 2024?

In 2024, National Barcode Day is on Monday, June 26th. It is the 4th Monday in June; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about June 26, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Barcode Day is celebrated annually on June 26th to commemorate a significant moment in the world of retail. On this day in 1974, a monumental event took place in a grocery store in Troy, Ohio, USA. The very first Universal Product Code (UPC), found on a packet of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum, was scanned for the very first time. This momentous occasion marked a turning point in the grocery industry and has since become one of its most brilliant innovations.

📜 National Barcode Day History

The Uniform Product Code Council (UPCC), established in 1973, has been responsible for defining the numerical structure of the Uniform Product Code. This led to the development of alternative symbol representations by technology companies. George J. Laurer of I.B.M. created one of these variations by making a small modification to the original symbol, which was eventually chosen as an alternative design.

On June 26, 1974, the Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio, made history by scanning the first U.P.C.-marked food item, a 10-pack of chewing gum. A fax of this transaction is now displayed at the Smithsonian.

✅ National Barcode Day Facts

🔖 Barcodes were used for railroad cars
In the 1960s and 1970s, train cars were given names using barcodes, although this method was not sustainable and was eventually discontinued.

🔖 Special optical scanners for barcodes
Barcodes can only be scanned by advanced optical scanners that are specifically designed for this purpose.

🔖 First U.P.C. Scanner Installation
The initial U.P.C. scanner was installed at Marsh’s supermarket, where the first successful barcode scanning took place as well.

👍 Why Is National Barcode Day Important

Barcodes help businesses run more effectively and efficiently. They accomplish this by tracking and storing product information.

Barcoding eliminates the need for human tracking and information gathering. It increases productivity.

Thanks to barcodes, we can easily track the products we purchased. This is useful if you ever need to get to the source.

🙂 How To Observe National Barcode Day

⚡ Share on social media

⚡ Buy some groceries
To celebrate National Barcode Day, it would be a great idea to go shopping, even if it’s just to have fun scanning barcodes.

⚡ Host a barcode party
Whatever you decide to do on National Barcode Day, be sure to share it on social media using the hashtag #NationalBarcodeDay. Nowadays, social media is the most effective means of sharing information.

📅 When is National Barcode Day?

Discover all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Barcode Day. So be sure to check back soon.