Retail: “Best Time to Send SMS & MMS Campaigns”
When’s the best time to send SMS and MMS campaigns in retail? This guide reveals proven strategies based on consumer behaviour to maximise the effectiveness of your retail SMS marketing. We cover ideal send times for daily promos, holiday flash sales, and in-store traffic messages—plus timing tips to align with pay cycles and customer habits. Whether you're sending your first retail text or optimising campaigns at scale, this blog will help you drive more sales and reduce opt-outs.
Why Timing Matters in Retail
Retail SMS success isn’t just about what you say — it’s about when you say it. While consumers check their phones over 50 times a day, research shows purchase intent spikes during specific windows. Think just before a lunch break, ahead of the weekend rush, or during a Thursday afternoon commute when weekend planning starts. Knowing the right timing can mean the difference between a sale and a swipe-away.
Optimal Send Windows (Local Time)
Weekdays 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Best for: Daily deals, new-arrival alerts
Why: Mid-morning coffee breaks are prime scroll time. Shoppers are browsing and more likely to tap.
Thursday–Friday 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Best for: Flash sales, BOGO offers
Why: Customers are mentally shifting to the weekend. This is a golden time for sparking impulse buys.
Saturday 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Best for: In-store events, limited-stock promotions
Why: This is the sweet spot for physical store foot-traffic. Most shoppers are out and about right after opening hours.
Timing Tips That Work
- Sync with Pay Cycles
Send higher-ticket item promotions about 24 hours after local payday. This hits wallets when they’re most active. - Leverage Holidays (But Do It Smartly)
Instead of blasting offers on the morning of the holiday, send a “last chance” SMS two days prior. Conversion is higher with urgency and preparation time. - Segment & A/B Test
Not all customers act the same. VIPs might respond early in the day, while deal hunters wait for final-hour offers. Test and refine.
What to Avoid
Don’t send messages late at night or first thing on Monday mornings. Specifically:
- After 9:00 PM — people are winding down, and opt-out rates climb.
- Monday at 7:00 AM — inbox fatigue is real. Unsubscribes spike by up to 23%.
This guide is designed to help you maximise your ROI from retail SMS and MMS campaigns. Looking for advanced segmentation, scheduling, and delivery tracking? Cellcast is purpose-built for retailers.
Want to explore how Cellcast can increase foot traffic and sales? Let’s chat.
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