The technology Zara implemented in its stores in 2014 was radio-frequency identification, or RFID.
RFID uses tiny electronic tags and radio signals to identify individual garments without requiring each item to be scanned one at a time by a conventional barcode reader. Zara used the system to track products from logistics centers through store inventory and sale, giving staff a more precise view of what styles, colors, and sizes were available.
The wording “all its stores in 2014” simplifies a phased rollout. Inditex reported that by the end of 2014, RFID had reached all logistics centers and nearly 1,000 Zara stores in 22 countries. The company finished deploying the technology across all Zara stores in 2016. RFID therefore remains the canonical answer, even though the worldwide implementation was completed later.
RFID is sometimes confused with NFC, Bluetooth, or QR codes. NFC is also radio-based but is designed mainly for very short-range communication, while QR codes require optical scanning. RFID’s advantage in retail is that multiple tagged items can be identified quickly, helping with stock checks, replenishment, and customer requests.