Claire FountainWhen a customer leaves your store or website, that shouldn’t be the end of your relationship. There are many opportunities to interact with customers through SMS even when they’re not actively shopping.
We did extensive research, so you don’t have to, and found the best SMS marketing software for retail businesses.
Best for Small Businesses
SimpleTexting
- Easiest platform to use
- Have two-way conversations with customers
- Good customer support & resources for beginners
Best for Medium to Enterprise
Textmagic
- Easily scale up or down with pay-as-you-go pricing
- Convert emails into SMS with their "Email to SMS Gateway"
- Team-sharing function for easy collaboration
Most Integrations
Mobile Text Alerts
- Affordable monthly starting cost of $20 (paid annually)
- 5,000+ integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and more
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
11 Best SMS Software for Retail
Don't miss out on opportunities to connect with your customers! Here are our top picks for texting software for retail.
1. SimpleTexting
Best mobile app
The SMS software capabilities of SimpleTexting are an all-time favorite for retail stores of all specialties and sizes.
By using text messages, businesses can communicate with a list of contacts (customers), adding pictures and other promotional material. They can even track who clicked on each link. This allows for easy two-way conversations.
With SimpleTexting, retail businesses can manage customer data and send personalized texts about purchases easily, keeping customers updated on the current state of their orders.
It also offers integrations with Mailchimp, allowing users to integrate their contacts from there over to SimpleTexting.
Keep tabs on your marketing campaign's progress by tracking clicks and engagements for each SMS, as well as how many people unsubscribe.
Their mobile application allows retail company owners to manage SMS campaigns conveniently from their phones if they don’t have access to a computer.
Read my SimpleTexting Review.
Pros
- Intuitive Mobile App
- Two-Way Conversations
- Personalized Texts for Customers
- Mailchimp Integration
- Engagement Tracking
Cons
- Limited Advanced Features in Basic Plan
- Setup Required for Integrations
- Potential Learning Curve for Campaign Management
2. Omnisend
Best Shopify integration
With Omnisend, retailers can automate their digital marketing strategies. Connecting with existing customers and turning visitors into regulars can help eCommerce business owners increase sales while reducing the amount of work they need to do.
Businesses can automate order updates, weekly newsletters, web push notifications, pop-ups and forms, and SMS notifications and communications with customers using Omnisend's platform. This allows retailers the opportunity to create easy communication between them and their customers.
Since it is designed specifically for eCommerce companies that do most of, if not all of, their business online, Omnisend allows businesses to connect their Shopify accounts to its platform. This streamlines everything from order updates to analytics, allowing businesses to get specific about what kind of customers they have, and how to better target those customers in meaningful ways.
Read my Omnisend Review.
Pros
- Automated Digital Marketing
- Shopify Integration
- Order Updates Automation
- Multi-Channel Campaign Management
- Targeted Customer Engagement
Cons
- Primarily E-commerce Focused
- Complexity in Setup and Use
- Higher Cost for Advanced Features
3. SalesMSG
Best for small retail businesses
With a free 14-day trial, SalesMSG offers simple solutions for small retail businesses at a reasonable price.
Small retail shops can use the platform to create a unique, toll-free number to allow customers to call in, and call forwarding to forward customer calls to any office or personal number. If you already have an existing landline number, you can use that landline to enable text.
Small retail business owners can also integrate other important CRMs, calendars, and existing contacts with SalesMSG. And yes, you can also use emojis.
Pros
- 14-Day Free Trial
- Unique Toll-Free Number
- Landline Text Enabling
- CRM Integration
- Emojis in Messages
Cons
- Limited Trial Duration
- Basic Features in Free Trial
- Requires Setup for Landline Texting
4. EZ Texting
Best for retail businesses with little tech experience
If you're a small eCommerce business looking to get started with SMS marketing, EZ Texting is a great option. EZ Texting is our pick for smaller, less tech-savvy retailers (no shame in that!) looking to dip their toes in the wonderful world of SMS marketing.
EZ Texting is a great solution for small businesses that don’t need hundreds of messages per month. The price point starts at $19 per month, and you can buy additional SMS messages for a small fee.
One of the biggest selling points here? EZ Texting is, unsurprisingly, easy to use.
I tried this one myself and I found it easy to sign up, pick a plan, and begin messaging customers. They have templates for everything from sign-up forms for new customers to the messages themselves. It’s also easy to generate a QR code, add pictures or videos to your text messages, and create shortcodes for users to opt-in or make use of special promotions.
Read my EZ Texting Review.
Pros
- Affordable for Small Retailers
- User-Friendly Interface
- Flexible Pricing Options
- Pre-Made Templates
- QR Code and Media Options
Cons
- Limited Features in Basic Plan
- Extra Cost for More Messages
- Basic Plan May Not Suit Growing Needs
5. Text Magic
Best for enterprise retail businesses
With multiple options and features designed specifically for use by large enterprise businesses, Text Magic is our pick for companies of that magnitude when it comes to SMS services.
Text Magic not only offers a large variety of traditional SMS systems, but also single sign-on features for enterprises. Any of your team members can use secure identity provider credentials to log on to your platform safely and manage messaging campaigns.
Advanced analytics and reporting is a solution that Text Magic offers to retail businesses of all sizes. Enterprise businesses can save time while using audit logs, role-based access, and SSO features to keep track of SMS campaigns
Read my Text Magic Review.
Pros
- Ideal for Large Retailers
- Single Sign-On Features
- Advanced Analytics and Reporting
- Role-Based Access Controls
- Secure IDP Credentials
Cons
- Higher Cost for Larger Scale
- Complexity in Advanced Features
- Requires Technical Proficiency
6. Mobile Text Alerts
Most integrations
Mobile Text Alerts has had over a decade in business to evolve its practices and perfect SMS marketing.
Retail store owners will love features such as automated responses to customer interactions 24/7 and bulk texting to offer promotions and discounts.
You can easily keep in communication with customers no matter where you are by using the Mobile Text Alerts dashboard, which is easy to navigate and can be reached via the mobile app available for iOS and Android systems.
The convenient integrations offered by Mobile Text Alerts are great. You can integrate with Zoom, WordPress, Gmail, and more, and keep everything in one place.
Read my Mobile Text Alerts Review.
Pros
- Extensive Integrations
- User-Friendly Dashboard
- Automated Responses
- Mobile App Accessibility
- Bulk Texting Options
Cons
- Interface May Feel Overwhelming
- Learning Curve for Integrations
- Requires Constant Internet Connectivity
7. SlickText
One of the hardest things about starting an SMS marketing campaign is… well, starting it.
In response, SlickText offers a 1-on-1 account set up to help to guide retailers through the process of uploading their contacts and creating their first SMS campaign. In doing this, they can use their extensive knowledge of what works for their previous clients to educate new customers on best practices.
SlickText offers a library of SMS templates and options for automation, all designed to make SMS marketing easier for retailers.
Aside from offering plenty of integrations with your business’s CRMs and calendars, ClickText also has a fully-functional REST API to craft and develop the right solution tailored to fit your business.
Pros
- Personalized Customer Engagement
- 1-on-1 Account Setup Assistance
- Library of SMS Templates
- CRM and Calendar Integrations
- REST API for Customization
Cons
- Initial Setup Required
- Limited Free Messages
- Advanced Features May Require Tech Knowledge
8. UltraSMSScript
Best self-hosted
Founded in 2012, UltraSMSScript is an enterprise-level, self-hosted group text, and SMS marketing platform.
UltraSMSScript is a bit different from other SMS services on this list in that you pay a one-time fee for their software. There is no recurring payment and you link directly to text-messaging gateways, allowing businesses to only pay the wholesale cost of texts.
UltraSMSScript is a cheap (though self-hosted) SMS marketing software that auto dealerships on a budget can use to manage SMS communications to their customers, buyers, and employees.
Read my UltraSMSScript Review.
Pros
- Cost-Effective
- Self-Hosted Messaging
- One-Time Fee
- Direct Link to SMS Gateway
- Low-Cost Message Sending
Cons
- Requires More Hands-On Management
- One-Time Fee vs. Ongoing Support
- Self-Hosting Technical Requirements
9. ClickSend
ClickSend is a quality, easy-to-use SMS option for retailers of all sizes.
Through a cloud-based application, retail owners can manage different digital marketing campaigns, switching from email, text, fax, and even non-SMS channels like Facebook and WhatsApp on the fly.
Retailers can send customers special promotion codes, alert customers about new products, and let customers know about upcoming sales.
Business owners can also send happy birthday messages or holiday sales notifications to increase customer satisfaction.
Read my ClickSend Review.
Pros
- Integrated Digital Marketing
- Cloud-Based App
- Multi-Channel Campaign Management
- Reservation and Special Alerts
- Customer Retention Tools
Cons
- Learning Curve for Cloud-Based System
- May Require Technical Setup
- Limited Customization Options
10. TextSanity
TextSanity is the perfect solution for retailers who want to create successful text messaging campaigns for customers.
This company offers versatility and freedom for retailers who want to try different methods. Retail owners have the option to create drip campaigns, blast mass messages, or use keywords to organize customers into specific groups for easier marketing.
Webform sign-ups are offered to make it easy and quick for those who want to sign up for your text messaging campaigns. This also makes it easier for you to save and organize their contact info.
Pros
- Versatile Campaign Options
- Webform Sign-Ups
- Drip Campaigns and Mass Messaging
- Keyword-Based Customer Organization
- Easy Contact Management
Cons
- Requires Campaign Planning
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features
- Setup for Webform Integration
11. Textedly
With intuitive features perfect for any retailer, Textedly is another SMS company retail store owners should consider.
They keep things open by offering a free, no credit card-required 14-day trial so that retailers can test out their services before making any sort of long-term financial commitment.
Features include SMS automation, shortcode links, and the option to send coupons and special promotional discounts.
Textedly also has features for retail owners to invite customers to review their services or refer them to friends. You can even create customer loyalty programs to thank your customers for their business.
Pros
- 14-Day Free Trial
- SMS Automation
- Shortcode Links
- Coupon and Discount Sending
- Loyalty and Review Programs
Cons
- Limited Trial Duration
- Post-Trial Commitment
- Limited Messages in Free Trial
What Is Text Messaging for Retail?
Text messaging for retail is a useful way to keep in contact with customers and employees.
There are many SMS software services out there that have streamlined services for retailers of all sizes and specialties, making it easier to communicate through text things like product updates, special discount codes, and promotional deals.
With many SMS service providers, retail businesses can also engage in two-way texting and create automated responses, driving up customer satisfaction and retention.
What Are the Benefits of SMS for Retail?
Keep Employees up to Date
Using SMS for retail is a great way to communicate with your whole team.
Things like scheduling, recruiting, communication with prospective future employees, and general administrative tasks are so much easier with SMS software.
Communicate Easily With Customers
Using many of these SMS software options, you can utilize two-way communication.
Let customers get the responses they need quickly by using SMS communication.
Send Promo Codes/ Alerts About Sales
Sales are a great way to get new customers in the door and drive up revenue, but they’re useless if nobody knows about them.
Send your SMS contact list alerts about any sales you have going on and exclusive promo codes.
Loyalty Programs and Reviews
Want to know what your customers really think?
Sending your customers links to surveys can help you get a better understanding of what customers like about your store and what they think you could do better.
You can also offer special loyalty programs through SMS.
Check out more use cases and ready-to-use SMS templates for your retail business >>
How Does Texting for Retail Work?
Texting for retail is an easy way to communicate with your customers.
All that a retailer has to do is set up an account with an SMS software company and add their list of contacts, integrating their SMS service with other accounts like Mailchimp or Gmail.
Then, the retailer can schedule alerts about sales, and create special promo codes, and new product updates.
Retailers can also set up two-way messaging and scheduling reminders for sales associates, streamlining administrative tasks for your company.
Uses Cases of SMS in Retail
Year Round Brown
Tanning brand Year Round Brown has 10 locations with over 90 employees in South Dakota and over 37 years of experience in the business.
In the transition from spring to summer, visits to their tanning salon are more frequent. In response, Year Round Brown offers the “Biggest Sale of the Year.” But they wanted to find a way to get the word out about this discount to current and future customers.
By using SimpleTexting to text customers about promotions, Year Round Brown was able to increase profits by 20%.
Avenue Stores
Size-inclusive clothing brand Avenue Stores is another great example of how successful SMS marketing can be in retail.
Avenue Stores reported an impressive 6,600% ROI from sending customers MMS coupons and promotional content weekly.
The subscriber database for their SMS and MMS promotional text list has gone up consistently by 30%.
How to Choose the Right SMS Software for Retail
If your retail business is looking to set up SMS software, the first thing you need to do is consider your budget. How much are you willing to spend monthly, or would you rather use a one-time fee, downloadable self-hosted platform?
Then, consider functionality. How many employees do you need to communicate with? Do you want two-way communication available to customers? Do you want to use MMS to let customers know about special sales? Do you want to set up any loyalty or referral programs?
How comprehensive your SMS software is should also play into your choice. Many SMS companies for retailers also offer services like analytics and ways to track customer interaction and satisfaction.
After taking everything into consideration, do a comparative analysis of the many SMS software options available on the market and decide what is right for your retail store.
Other Uses for SMS Marketing
FAQs
What is the best SMS software for small retail stores?
Salesmsg is the best SMS software for small retailers.
What is the best SMS software for large retail stores?
Text Magic is the best SMS software for large retailers.
How can I use SMS for my retail store?
You can use SMS for sending promotional materials, alerts about sales, and general updates to your business to customers. You can also use SMS to communicate between employees.
Is SMS marketing legal for retail?
Yes, SMS marketing is legal for retail as long as customers decide to opt in.
Taylor Munsell
