Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management for styles, sizes, and colors tailored for apparel retailers.
- 2#2: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with variant inventory tracking ideal for apparel brands.
- 3#3: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS offering robust inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-location support for apparel stores.
- 4#4: Square for Retail - Affordable, user-friendly POS with free inventory tools for tracking apparel stock by size and style in small shops.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software with customizable apps for apparel inventory and sales management.
- 6#6: Retail Pro Prism - Global retail management solution with sophisticated matrix inventory for fashion and apparel merchandising.
- 7#7: LS Central - Microsoft Dynamics-powered POS for fashion retail chains with real-time inventory across styles and locations.
- 8#8: Uphance - All-in-one ERP and POS for apparel brands handling production, inventory by SKU variants, and direct-to-consumer sales.
- 9#9: ApparelMagic - Integrated ERP and POS software designed specifically for apparel manufacturers and retailers with style matrix tracking.
- 10#10: Erply - Cloud POS with multi-store inventory management supporting apparel variants for growing retail businesses.
We prioritized tools based on apparel-specific capabilities, including variant inventory tracking, ease of use, integration strength, and overall value, ensuring they deliver tailored performance for modern retail needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading apparel-focused POS software, such as Lightspeed Retail, Shopify POS, Revel Systems, Square for Retail, and Clover, outlining key features, pricing models, and industry-specific capabilities to help readers determine the ideal solution for their business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management for styles, sizes, and colors tailored for apparel retailers. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with variant inventory tracking ideal for apparel brands. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS offering robust inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-location support for apparel stores. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Square for Retail Affordable, user-friendly POS with free inventory tools for tracking apparel stock by size and style in small shops. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software with customizable apps for apparel inventory and sales management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Retail Pro Prism Global retail management solution with sophisticated matrix inventory for fashion and apparel merchandising. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | LS Central Microsoft Dynamics-powered POS for fashion retail chains with real-time inventory across styles and locations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Uphance All-in-one ERP and POS for apparel brands handling production, inventory by SKU variants, and direct-to-consumer sales. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 9 | ApparelMagic Integrated ERP and POS software designed specifically for apparel manufacturers and retailers with style matrix tracking. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Erply Cloud POS with multi-store inventory management supporting apparel variants for growing retail businesses. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management for styles, sizes, and colors tailored for apparel retailers.
Omnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with variant inventory tracking ideal for apparel brands.
iPad-based POS offering robust inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-location support for apparel stores.
Affordable, user-friendly POS with free inventory tools for tracking apparel stock by size and style in small shops.
Flexible POS hardware and software with customizable apps for apparel inventory and sales management.
Global retail management solution with sophisticated matrix inventory for fashion and apparel merchandising.
Microsoft Dynamics-powered POS for fashion retail chains with real-time inventory across styles and locations.
All-in-one ERP and POS for apparel brands handling production, inventory by SKU variants, and direct-to-consumer sales.
Integrated ERP and POS software designed specifically for apparel manufacturers and retailers with style matrix tracking.
Cloud POS with multi-store inventory management supporting apparel variants for growing retail businesses.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS system with advanced inventory management for styles, sizes, and colors tailored for apparel retailers.
Matrix inventory management with real-time tracking across sizes, colors, styles, and locations
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses, with specialized tools for apparel stores including matrix inventory management for sizes, colors, and styles. It enables seamless omnichannel operations by integrating in-store sales, e-commerce platforms like Shopify, and online ordering with curbside pickup. The software also offers advanced reporting, customer loyalty programs, purchase order automation, and multi-location support to optimize inventory and sales performance.
Pros
- Robust matrix inventory for apparel variants (sizes/colors)
- Seamless omnichannel integration with e-commerce
- Comprehensive analytics and multi-location support
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Steep learning curve for custom configurations
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
Best For
Multi-location apparel retailers needing scalable omnichannel POS with advanced inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $69/location/month (Lean plan, billed annually); Standard $99, Advanced $129, Enterprise custom.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that syncs online and in-store sales with variant inventory tracking ideal for apparel brands.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization across online stores and physical locations
Shopify POS is a robust point-of-sale solution integrated with Shopify's e-commerce platform, allowing apparel retailers to manage in-store sales alongside online inventory seamlessly. It supports complex product variants essential for apparel, such as sizes, colors, and styles, with real-time syncing across channels to prevent overselling. The system offers mobile hardware compatibility for pop-up shops and markets, customizable checkout experiences, and extensive app integrations for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Seamless omnichannel integration syncing online and in-store inventory in real-time
- Advanced variant management ideal for apparel SKUs with sizes, colors, and styles
- Extensive app marketplace and hardware compatibility for flexible setups
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced POS Pro features
- Steeper learning curve for non-Shopify users during initial setup
- Limited standalone functionality without a Shopify online store subscription
Best For
Multi-channel apparel retailers seeking unified online and physical store management with strong inventory control.
Pricing
POS Lite free with Shopify plans ($29+/month); POS Pro $89/month per location plus 0.5-2% transaction fees and hardware costs.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS offering robust inventory control, customer loyalty, and multi-location support for apparel stores.
Unlimited product variants for precise apparel inventory tracking across sizes, colors, and styles
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS platform tailored for retail environments like apparel stores, offering robust inventory management with support for size, color, and style variants. It provides real-time sales tracking, customer loyalty programs, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify. The system runs primarily on iPads, enabling quick checkouts and detailed reporting to optimize apparel merchandising and stock levels.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools handling apparel variants like sizes and colors
- Real-time cloud syncing for multi-location stores
- Strong e-commerce and third-party integrations
Cons
- Higher monthly subscription fees
- Heavy reliance on Apple iPad hardware
- Steep initial setup for advanced features
Best For
Mid-sized apparel retailers with multiple locations needing scalable inventory and sales management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), up to $299/month (Elite), plus one-time hardware costs and transaction fees.
Square for Retail
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS with free inventory tools for tracking apparel stock by size and style in small shops.
Free POS software with built-in payment processing and real-time inventory sync across online and physical stores
Square for Retail is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses like apparel stores, offering seamless in-person and online sales processing. It provides robust inventory management to track SKUs, sizes, colors, and stock levels across multiple locations in real-time. The platform also includes customer relationship tools, reporting, and e-commerce integration to help streamline operations for growing retailers.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick setup for non-technical users
- Real-time inventory tracking ideal for apparel SKUs, sizes, and variants
- No monthly software fees on the free plan, only transaction-based pricing
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Limited advanced apparel-specific features like sizing matrices or merchandising automation
- Reporting and customization options are basic compared to enterprise POS systems
Best For
Small to medium-sized apparel retailers needing an affordable, user-friendly POS with strong inventory and payment integration.
Pricing
Free plan available; Plus plan $60/month per location; Premium custom pricing; plus 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software with customizable apps for apparel inventory and sales management.
The Clover App Market with 200+ apps, including apparel-focused tools for advanced inventory and customer loyalty.
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, tailored for retail environments like apparel stores with features for inventory tracking, sales processing, and customer management. It excels in handling product variants such as sizes and colors, supports multi-location operations, and integrates payments seamlessly. The platform offers customizable hardware options and an extensive app marketplace for added apparel-specific tools like loyalty programs and e-commerce syncing.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with size/color variants ideal for apparel
- Extensive app marketplace for custom integrations
- Reliable payment processing with multiple hardware options
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription fees
- Transaction processing fees can reduce margins
- Some advanced apparel features require paid add-ons
Best For
Small to medium apparel retailers needing flexible hardware and reliable everyday POS operations with growth potential via apps.
Pricing
Hardware from $49 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station); software $14.95-$114.85/mo per device; plus ~2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Retail Pro Prism
enterpriseGlobal retail management solution with sophisticated matrix inventory for fashion and apparel merchandising.
Matrix-based inventory system for effortless handling of apparel size, color, and style variations
Retail Pro Prism is a robust, cloud-based POS and retail management platform tailored for multi-store operations, offering comprehensive tools for inventory control, sales processing, and customer relationship management. It excels in handling apparel-specific needs like size and color matrix inventory, serial number tracking, and omnichannel integration for seamless online-to-offline sales. Designed for global retailers, it supports multi-currency, multi-language setups and advanced analytics to drive business insights.
Pros
- Advanced inventory management with size/color variants ideal for apparel
- Strong omnichannel capabilities for unified online and in-store operations
- Powerful reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing not ideal for small boutiques
- Customization often requires certified partners
Best For
Multi-location apparel retailers needing scalable, enterprise-grade POS with global support.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $150-$300 per store/month depending on users, locations, and features.
LS Central
enterpriseMicrosoft Dynamics-powered POS for fashion retail chains with real-time inventory across styles and locations.
Advanced assortment planning with visual merchandising and RFID support for precise apparel inventory tracking
LS Central is a unified commerce platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365, providing POS, ERP, and eCommerce solutions tailored for retail industries like apparel. It manages complex product assortments with support for sizes, colors, styles, and variants, enabling efficient inventory control, omnichannel sales, and customer loyalty programs. The software offers real-time analytics and scalability for multi-store operations, making it suitable for fashion retailers handling high-volume transactions.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management for apparel variants (sizes, colors, styles)
- Seamless omnichannel integration including POS, eCommerce, and ERP
- Strong Microsoft ecosystem compatibility and real-time reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to ERP complexity
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive interface for small teams compared to simpler POS systems
Best For
Mid-to-large apparel retailers with multiple locations needing integrated POS and back-office functionality.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $5,000-$10,000 annually per store, plus implementation fees often exceeding $50,000.
Uphance
specializedAll-in-one ERP and POS for apparel brands handling production, inventory by SKU variants, and direct-to-consumer sales.
Advanced production management with automated tech packs, BOMs, and sewing line optimization for apparel manufacturing
Uphance is a cloud-based production and inventory management platform tailored for fashion and apparel brands, handling everything from tech packs and bills of materials to multi-warehouse tracking and sales orders. While it supports B2B sales portals and integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify for online sales, it lacks a dedicated in-store POS interface for retail transactions. It's best suited for backend operations rather than front-end point-of-sale needs in apparel retail environments.
Pros
- Excellent apparel-specific inventory management with size/color variants and multi-location support
- Robust production planning tools like tech packs and cut tickets
- Strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and other e-commerce tools
Cons
- No native in-store POS for barcode scanning or quick retail checkouts
- Primarily wholesale/B2B focused, limiting retail POS applicability
- Pricing can be steep for small retail-only operations
Best For
Growing apparel brands and wholesalers needing integrated production, inventory, and online sales management over traditional retail POS.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for Starter plan (billed annually), with Growth ($399/month) and custom Enterprise options.
ApparelMagic
specializedIntegrated ERP and POS software designed specifically for apparel manufacturers and retailers with style matrix tracking.
Style matrix inventory system that handles unlimited size/color/style variations per SKU
ApparelMagic is a cloud-based ERP and POS software tailored for apparel, footwear, and accessory businesses, offering end-to-end management from design to retail sales. It excels in inventory control with matrix tracking for sizes, colors, and styles, alongside POS for in-store transactions, eCommerce integration, and supply chain tools. The platform supports multi-channel operations, production planning, and financial reporting, making it suitable for growing fashion companies.
Pros
- Industry-specific inventory matrix for sizes, colors, and styles
- Comprehensive ERP with POS, eCommerce, and EDI integrations
- Scalable for multi-location and multi-channel retail
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Mid-sized apparel wholesalers and retailers needing a full ERP suite with specialized POS for complex inventory.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $125/user/month; scales with modules, users, and business size.
Erply
specializedCloud POS with multi-store inventory management supporting apparel variants for growing retail businesses.
Product Matrix for handling unlimited apparel variations (sizes, colors, styles) in a single SKU setup
Erply is a cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for retail businesses, including apparel stores, offering real-time sales processing, multi-location inventory tracking, and product variant management. It excels in handling complex apparel SKUs through matrix-based inventory for sizes, colors, and styles, alongside customer relationship tools and reporting. The system supports both front-end POS operations and back-office functions like purchasing and accounting integration.
Pros
- Powerful product matrix for managing apparel variants like sizes and colors
- Multi-store inventory synchronization and real-time tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and e-commerce integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can be high for single-location small shops
- Mobile POS app lacks some desktop features
Best For
Medium-sized apparel retailers with multiple locations requiring advanced inventory control and variant management.
Pricing
Starts at $29 per POS terminal/month for basic plans, with tiered pricing up to enterprise custom quotes based on users and features.
Conclusion
The top apparel POS tools offer distinct strengths, with Lightspeed Retail emerging as the clear leader, thanks to its advanced cloud-based inventory management tailored for apparel styles, sizes, and colors. Shopify POS shines as an excellent omnichannel option, syncing online and in-store sales effortlessly, while Revel Systems impresses with its robust, iPad-based platform and multi-location support. Together, these tools showcase the best in retail technology, each excelling for specific needs.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your apparel business—dive into Lightspeed Retail, the top-ranked tool, to experience tailored inventory management and seamless operations that drive success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison