Over a third (38 per cent) of UK retailers have used SMS in a campaign, whilst another 36 per cent are using a mobile site when reaching out to consumers, according to the results of a survey carried out by mBlox. Additionally, 42 per cent of UK retailers have employed an iOS app to reach consumers, followed by 17 per cent using an Android app and 10 per cent a BlackBerry app.
mBlox analyzed the mobile marketing activities of 109 UK retailers earlier this month. Andrew Bud, mBlox chief strategy officer and founder, comments: “As our research shows, adoption of SMS by retailers is certainly off to a good start, however, with more than 56m people in the UK regularly using text messages, the potential is enormous. As other mobile technologies seek consumer acceptance, the ubiquity of SMS makes it the ideal medium for retailers to enhance the consumer experience. Recent research at CTIA revealed that 59 per cent of UK consumers prefer SMS when being contacted about appointment reminders. In addition, around a third of UK consumers have already used mobile vouchers when shopping – retailers not employing mobile as a contact tool are missing an opportunity due to its sheer reach and scope.” 
mBlox hosted a retail seminar yesterday, with leading retailer case studies such as Tesco, Oasis, Blockbuster, Virgin Active and Firezza Pizza, showcasing how companies are successfully using mobile technology such as SMS, mobile websites and mobile apps to reach more consumers, increase footfall and loyalty, and generate more revenue.
