New Apps Help Canadians Buy Local with Barcode Scanning Technology
Amid growing interest in supporting local businesses, two Canadian-made apps are helping shoppers identify Canadian-made products using barcode scanning technology.
Shop Canadian: A Response to Trade Tensions
Edmonton software developers Matthew Suddaby and William Boytinck created Shop Canadian in response to trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. The app allows users to scan a barcode and instantly see if a product is from a Canadian company.
“Like many Canadians, we wanted to support local businesses,” said Boytinck. “We built this app to make that easier.”
The app pulls data from a global standardization database to verify company registrations. While the developers are fine-tuning the system, user feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Within 24 hours of launch, thousands of users downloaded the app.
O SCANada: AI-Powered Product Identification
In Calgary, Cathy and Ryan Checora launched O SCANada, an AI-powered app designed to help users quickly find Canadian-made products. The app, available on the Apple App Store, provides results by either scanning a barcode or typing a product name.
“AI gathers data from the barcode and tells users if a product is Canadian-made or not,” said Ryan. If a product is not Canadian-made, the app suggests alternative brands that support the Canadian economy.
For example, if a shopper scans Pringles, the app suggests alternatives like Old Dutch or Humpty Dumpty, which are Canadian brands.
User Growth and Future Updates
Both apps have seen a surge in downloads as more Canadians look for ways to support local brands. Shop Canadian has reached thousands of users in just days, while O SCANada is expanding its database with more Canadian-made products.
The Checoras plan to introduce more local retailers and expand app features based on user feedback. An Android version of O SCANada is also in development.
A Growing Movement for Buying Local
With Canadian consumers actively seeking homegrown alternatives, these apps provide a convenient way to make informed shopping decisions. As more updates roll out, they could become essential tools for Canadians looking to keep their spending within the country.
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