The Best Two-Way Radios for Retail Stores
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your store, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for retail stores?
Customer at the register is asking for a size that’s not on the shelf…
A shopper in aisle 7 is looking for assistance but no one’s around...
Meanwhile, two employees are chatting near the stockroom, unaware of what’s happening up front.
These are all common issues in a retail store - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios....
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your store, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your store needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For small stores, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger stores (or multiple buildings), covering up to 350,000 square feet, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
You also need to take obstructions and building materials into account. If you have thick concrete walls, it may be necessary to go 1-watt stronger.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Recommended groups for Retail Stores:
- Front-End Team: Cashiers, customer service, and supervisors handling register issues and guest needs.
- Sales Floor Associates: Stocking, customer assistance, price checks, and merchandise pulls.
- Fitting Rooms: Staff managing try-ons, item counts, and support requests.
- Security/Loss Prevention: Discreet communication about suspicious activity or incidents.
- Store Management: Private channel for managers to coordinate high-level operations and quick decision-making.
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great retail store radio?
- Compact & Lightweight Design: Easy for employees to carry all day without getting in the way.
- Clear Audio Quality: Crisp sound so messages aren’t missed in a noisy store environment.
- Long Battery Life: Enough power to last through long shifts without frequent charging.
- Durability: Radios that can handle accidental drops and daily wear in a busy retail setting.
- Private Line/Privacy Codes: Helps reduce interference from nearby stores using similar frequencies.
- Hands-Free Options (VOX or Headsets): Useful for employees who need to stay mobile or multitask.
- Ease of Use: Simple buttons and displays that don’t require extensive training.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Retail Stores
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for stores of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Small Stores
For typical store layouts, you’ll want a compact and lightweight radio that is discreet and easy to carry. Offering modest power and 1 to a handful of channels, you will have enough groups to keep operations running smoothly.
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User-friendly with reliable coverage and extended battery life.
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The Motorola CLS1410 lives up to its name. CLS stands for Clear, Light, and Simple, and that’s what you’re getting with this device.
This is a UHF Radio with four channels (or this 1 channel version), which will allow you to divide your staff and give the managers their own private channel.
It has 15 floors of indoor range with up to two miles of clear communication outside.
This device features Audible Call Alerts and Vibracall technology.
It’s also an easy device to set up thanks to simplified cloning.
If you need a radio that is clear, light, and simple, contact us today for a free personalized quote on the Motorola CLS1410.
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Lightweight, discreet, and hands-free with excellent audio clarity.
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The Motorola CLPe series has the distinction of being the smallest and lightest series on our list at only 2.38 ounces. The Motorola CLP1080e is the most advanced CLPe radio that we carry.
By advanced, we mean that this radio has eight channels to segment a mid-size staff (or there is a 1 channel version)..
It’s a UHF radio that works really well both indoors and outside with a 10 floor indoor range and one mile outdoors.
This series comes with a discreet earpiece and belt holster and fits perfectly on most uniforms.
The 1080e has a 12-hour battery life and is simple to use thanks to the large central PTT button.
Antimicrobial properties are included in the casing for disease control, so germs aren’t going to spread.
This device is also repeater capable in case you need to double its range.
Larger Stores - Multiple Buildings
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Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage.
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The Motorola Curve is the best two-way radio for retail stores, hands down.
This is a radio that will work well with a larger staff. It has 10 channels to choose from, making it ideal for a big stores with multiple teams.
The Curve will also save you money in the long run. Because it operates on a digital band, you won't have to worry about paying any pesky FCC licensing fees.
While larger than the CLPe series, this device is still lightweight at only 4.2 ounces. It covers up to 20 floors or 300,000 square feet of range.
The Call Button compatibility can improve customer service with quick response times.
When it comes to protecting confidential information, the Curve has you covered with Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology and 10,000 different privacy codes.
Another great and beneficial feature of this device is its Page All and Call All Available functions. This allows you to reach out to the entire staff at once, and it is ideal in an emergency.
On the other side of the coin, there is also a Direct Call feature that allows you to contact just one person with sensitive information.
This device is going to be able to handle even the longest shift with a 14-Hour battery life. That's all thanks to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery that it comes with.
This is another two-way radio that has an anti-microbial coating to curb the spread of bacteria.
Do you think that the Motorola Curve is right for your team? Contact us today for a free personalized quote.
Best Unlimited Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
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Need to quickly check stock at another location? Want to check in on inbound deliveries? Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your store – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!