
20 May 2025

Bri Barnett
20 May 2025
Bri Barnett
Memorial Day is the third most popular event in the US after Christmas and Thanksgiving. It not only signals the start of summer, but it is an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect with their consumers, promote seasonal products, drive sales, show appreciation, and clear out extra inventory to accommodate new items and collections. Imagine families gathering for backyard barbeques, American flags waving proudly, and a collective pause to honor the heroes who served the nation. Don’t you think it’s a golden opportunity for businesses to be a part of those moments with heartfelt and creative Memorial Day marketing ideas? These Memorial Day ideas will not only boost sales but also build loyalty.
This blog will discuss why Memorial Day marketing matters, explore its meaningful themes and unleash creative SMS marketing campaigns that can help your business shine. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, there is something for everyone.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Memorial Day is an official holiday in the US to honor those who lost their lives to serve the country. Also, it’s the unofficial start of summer and the biggest holiday in the US. People are eager to spend time on travel, fashion, electronics, or home improvements during this weekend.
However, Memorial Day marketing is not only about discounts and deals. It’s about connection. Brands can use this weekend to express gratitude and honor veterans, show authenticity by giving back, tap into the excitement of summer starting, and celebrate family and community values.
If brands do it right, it can enhance their goodwill, drive engagement, and increase sales.
Choosing the right theme is crucial in SMS marketing for Memorial Day. It helps you craft messages that drive sales and connect with your customers. Here are some SMS-friendly themes that you can build campaigns around.
Memorial Day is all about celebrating and honoring American heroes. So, you can build an SMS campaign around patriotism. You can think about red, blue, and white color schemes, emojis, striped images, flag symbols, heartfelt messages, etc., that truly resonate with the customers’ emotions.
For example,
Proud to be American! Celebrate Memorial Day with 17.76% Off sitewide.
Today only!
Shop Now – [Link].
Offering discounts like 17.76% can tie customers back to the spirit of 1776.
Memorial Day is all about gathering with loved ones. You can tap into the emotional connection by promoting family bundles, backyard BBQ essentials, or picnic kits via SMS.
For example,
Family, friends, and fun! 🎉
Grab our Memorial Day Family Bundle — 30% OFF today only!
Perfect for BBQs and reunions. Get Yours- [Link.]
A marketing campaign that says “Make Memories That Matter” will resonate far more than just “Big Sale This Weekend.” Remember to use cozy and cheerful language that evokes the emotion of togetherness.
Memorial Day weekend is perfect for flash sales because shoppers are already searching for deals. You can launch multiple time-sensitive deals throughout the weekend. For example, “12-Hour Hero Deals” or “Patriotic Price Drops” that change every few hours add extra pressure and make people act fast.
For example,
Flash Sale: 6 Hours Only! 25% Off all outdoor gear!
Memorial Day fun starts here. Shop fast – [Link].
People love brands that care. Encourage your customers to join you in giving back by running an SMS campaign. Memorial Day weekend is about gratitude and remembrance. You can showcase your brand’s values by giving back to veterans or supporting related charities. You can share stories about how your donation is making a difference, pledge a percentage of Memorial Day sales to veteran’s organization, or invite customers to be part of the mission with “Shop and Support” SMS marketing campaigns.
For example,
Honor our heroes. 🌟
This weekend, 10% of every sale goes to support veterans.
Shop with heart.
Click here to support -[Link].
You can even create a “text to donate” keyword to make it super easy.
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. Usually, people dream of camping trips, a relaxed staycation, and beach getaways. You can help your customers plan their perfect escape by running an SMS campaign that promotes the beach, hike, or a backyard chill session.
For example,
Escape Starts Now! 20% off travel bags, picnic sets, and outdoor must-haves!
Only this weekend. Click here to shop – [Link].
You can use words such as “unwind,” “escape,” and “relax” to trigger weekend vibes.
Memorial Day is not just another holiday, but it’s an excellent opportunity to build a genuine connection with your audience. SMS can deliver your Memorial Day message directly into your customers’ pockets. With the right SMS strategy, you can deliver emotion-driven and personalized messages that inspire both actions and sales.
Here are some creative Memorial Day ideas that can boost your SMS marketing efforts.
You can create a bold and emotional SMS campaign that ties your offers to Memorial Day’s spirit. You can use language that honors service members while inviting customers to shop with pride.
For example,
Heros never rest- and neither do our deals.
20% off everything this Memorial Day weekend.
Salute with savings – shop now [Link]. – [Your Business Name].
As in this SMS, emotional language and patriotic pride are used. It will have an instant impact.
Do you want to tap into the excitement of mystery? Offer a limited-time surprise box at a discounted rate. Include unknown goodies inside that are perfect for gifting or treating yourself.
For example,
What’s in the box?
Get your exclusive Memorial Day Mystery Box – Only $30!
Only 100 boxes left.
Click here to claim the box and reveal the surprise – [Link].
Add scarcity language such as “Only 100 boxes left”. It will boost conversions
You can run the text-based scavenger hunt by dropping the clues throughout the weekend. These clues will lead customers to hidden deals.
For example,
Are you ready for the hunt? Let’s play!
Follow the clues to unlock BIG Memorial Day savings.
Clue #1: Find the red item that keeps you cool at BBQs.
Solve all 3 clues = 30% off!
Click here to play – [Link].
This type of interactive text increases engagement and brand recall.
Let your customers choose the deal that suits them best. Use the STP marketing approach, segment your list, and send personalized deals based on past behaviour. Whether someone loves travel gear, spa items, or grilling, text them what they love.
For example,
Hey [Customer Name]! Are you ready to fire up the grill?
Get 25% Off all BBQ gear this Memorial Day weekend.
Grill and Save – [Link].
When you send a tailored text message that suits your customers’ interest, it boosts open rates and engagement.
Encourage customers to take part in giving back. You can create a keyword like HONOR or HERO. They can text those keywords to trigger a donation or dedicate a percentage of sales to a cause.
For example,
Do you want to make a difference this Memorial Day?
This Memorial Day, we give back.
Text HERO to donate $5 to support our veterans.
Or shop & we’ll donate 10% for you.
Customers love brands that care for them. And via this SMS campaign, you’re giving them an easy way to participate.
If your goal is to increase foot traffic to your store during the holiday weekend, you can run this type of SMS campaign. Sending your customers and leads the SMS shown in the image can help you increase sales. You can offer a freebie with the in-store purchase. This freebie encourages customers to purchase over the weekend to get the free item.
You can create the feeling of exclusivity by giving your loyal customers a VIP pass. By using this pass, they can unlock the unique discount code, hidden collection, or members-only items.
For example,
You’ve unlocked the VIP pass.
Use code VIP20 for 20% off everything before the weekend rush.
Ends midnight.
Click here to claim your deal – [Link].
This type of exclusivity builds excitement and urgency and helps drive more sales.
You can run hourly or daily flash sales over the long weekend. Keep the offers secret until just before they launch. Reveal them via SMS.
For example,
Time to Salute!
Your Memorial Day Weekend secret flash deal: 25% off on outdoor gear!
4 to 8 PM ONLY!
Don’t miss it.
Grab it now – [Link].
You can use countdown timers and create a sense of urgency.
You can bundle products that fit family celebrations – BBQ, kits, picnic breakfasts, matching outfits, etc. You can promote this campaign via SMS using family-friendly language.
For example,
Get 25% OFF our BBQ + Picnic Kit – Everything you need for laughs, sunshine, and cozy picnic vibes.
Celebrate togetherness this Memorial Day.
Click here to buy – [Link]
This type of SMS campaign combines emotional appeal and practical value. It offers a strong incentive to buy.
Create a special deal exclusively for veterans and their families and promote them via SMS. Use respectful language and make it easy to redeem.
For example,
Thank you for your service!
Veterans & active military get 25% OFF this weekend.
Show ID in-store or verify online. Click here to claim the offer – [Link].
You can promote this SMS campaign on social media and email to build goodwill across channels.
In a nutshell, whatever Memorial Day marketing idea you choose to promote your business and drive sales, don’t forget the significance of this day. Remember, Memorial Day is not just another sales opportunity but the perfect chance to tell your brand’s story – a story about community, gratitude, and celebration. So, each SMS campaign should feel personal and meaningful. You can mix and match the themes and ideas we’ve covered by adding your unique brand flavour. Use the SMS creatively to build urgency, delight your customers, and connect emotionally.
Choose the right SMS marketing platform like Textdrip to kickstart your Memorial Day marketing. This feature-rich platform lets you easily set up mass texting campaigns, two-way SMS automation, drip SMS campaigns, and scheduled messages. However, ensure your creative SMS campaigns feel less like a sales pitch and more like a heartfelt invitation. Connect with people in ways that matter, and sales will follow naturally.
Happy Memorial Day! Happy Selling!
Nearly all types of businesses – from retail and restaurants to eCommerce and service providers – can benefit from smart Memorial Day marketing. The key is to align your offers with customer needs and patriotic sentiments.
Not at all. While Memorial Day sales are common, businesses can also use the occasion for branding, storytelling, customer engagement, and community support initiatives.
Typically, Memorial Day sales last 3 – 5 days, covering the weekend and the Monday holiday. Some businesses extend it into the full week to maximize exposure and sales