Success with Text? Look to Retail.

Musicians looking for case studies and examples of where Text Marketing is having success can look to Retail. And since retailers are typically targeting the same consumer demographic that represents a Fan, the appeal of text for Artists to connect with fans is obvious.  Here are how some (of many) retailers are using text to connect with consumers both inside and outside their storefronts.

Abercrombie & Fitch - recently launched “club” programs that focus on mobile communications. Customers who “opt-in”for membership receive exclusive product offers and content, plus value-added services.  A representative states “growing our text file has been a very strong focus. You do have some issues on what and how often you can communicate to consumers via text because there are spam laws. But we’ve grown our text file essentially from a couple of hundred thousand to one or more million in the span of twelve months.”

Aerie & American Eagle Outfitters  - created a sweepstakes (contest) that includes a text-to-enter instant-win game wherein participants have the opportunity to win American Eagle Outfitters shorts and Aerie swim suits. While in the fitting room trying on the latest spring styles of American Eagle Outfitters shorts and Aerie swim suits, shoppers can enter to instantly win by texting in to American Eagle Outfitters or Aerie.

Aeropostale – created an opt in text campaign for an exclusive VIP invite to the launch of Aero by having consumers text REVEAL to 237687 (AERO87) and signing up for Aero Texts.

Toys  R Us – has grown their text database to over 450,000 subscribers. The retailer sends regular text messages supporting key shopping periods and promoting important new product launches.

Dress Barn – A representative states “More and more we are seeing that our consumers and target audience are extremely receptive to using both SMS messaging and their mobile phones to stay in contact and receive updates from brands with which they associate themselves.”

Kohls - is using SMS texts to inform consumers that if they spend $30, they can win various prizes including discounts at other retailers like Staples.

Lord & Taylor  With hundreds of the largest brands now running text message marketing campaigns, it’s no wonder that many of these brands sent SMS promotions to their customers in celebration of July 4th. It’s common for brands such as Lord & Taylor, Tommy Bahamas, JCPenney, Michaels, Simon Malls, Stage and Payless Shoes to use holidays as a chance to promote some special offer.