UHF RFID Revolution in Footwear and Apparel: Efficiency & Growth

Have you ever wondered how a large clothing store knows where all the clothes and shoes are? Has any been lost? How much have they sold? In fact, the answer lies in a small tag called “UHF RFID”.

This RFID tag is like a thin piece of paper with an “ID card” hidden inside. It uses 860 to 960MHz radio waves, just like a mobile phone signal, and can “talk” without contact. It is also very powerful, not afraid of water or heat, and can be read even if it is hidden in clothes, and it can read many tags at a time, and the speed is very fast.

What are the uses of RFID for shoes and clothes?

Smarter inventory management
RFID helps merchants know the location and quantity of each item in real time, when to restock, and where the shortage is clear at a glance.

Anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft
Each RFID tag has a unique number. Fakes can’t be made, and you can tell whether they are real or not by just reading them. If the goods are taken out of the store without being paid, the system will automatically alarm.

Faster warehouse operation
Warehouses that used to take hours or even days to inventory can now be done in minutes. Efficiency has been improved and there are fewer errors.

Smart fitting experience
RFID is not only useful in warehouses. In fitting rooms, it can also help merchants record your favorite styles and recommend more suitable styles to you next time.

Fast checkout
No longer need to scan barcodes one by one, RFID allows customers to check out faster, without waiting in long lines, and have a more comfortable experience.

How is this technology developing in China?

In China, the clothing and footwear industry uses RFID the most. In 2021, this industry accounted for 79% of the country’s UHF RFID applications. This year, 5.21 billion RFID tags for shoes and clothes alone were issued, which is equivalent to several per person per year!

However, most of the tags are still imported from abroad, which also reminds us that there is still a lot of room for improvement in our own technology.

Summary: The future is here

Although a small RFID tag looks inconspicuous, it is quietly changing the entire footwear and clothing industry. It makes merchants work more efficiently, customers shop more easily, and makes the entire supply chain smarter and faster.