Quick Overview
- 1#1: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce - Comprehensive omnichannel retail platform with deep customization for POS, inventory, and customer engagement.
- 2#2: Oracle Retail - End-to-end retail suite offering advanced customization for merchandising, supply chain, and store operations.
- 3#3: SAP S/4HANA Retail - Intelligent ERP system tailored for retail with extensive customization for finance, logistics, and sales.
- 4#4: Salesforce Commerce Cloud - Cloud-based commerce platform enabling custom B2C/B2B experiences with AI-driven personalization.
- 5#5: Adobe Commerce - Flexible e-commerce platform (formerly Magento) for building highly customized online retail stores.
- 6#6: LS Retail - Microsoft Dynamics-based solution for customizable POS, inventory, and hospitality retail management.
- 7#7: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud POS and retail management software with API extensibility for custom integrations.
- 8#8: Retail Pro Prism - Global retail platform supporting custom workflows for multi-store inventory and POS operations.
- 9#9: Shopify Plus - Scalable e-commerce platform with advanced customization via apps and headless commerce for retail.
- 10#10: Epicor Retail - Integrated retail ERP with customization options for apparel, footwear, and general merchandise.
Tools were selected and ranked based on customization flexibility, performance quality, ease of implementation and use, and overall value, ensuring they effectively serve retailers across segments and workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading custom retail software tools, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce, Oracle Retail, SAP S/4HANA Retail, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, and Adobe Commerce, to help readers identify key features, strengths, and best fits for their retail operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce Comprehensive omnichannel retail platform with deep customization for POS, inventory, and customer engagement. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Retail End-to-end retail suite offering advanced customization for merchandising, supply chain, and store operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | SAP S/4HANA Retail Intelligent ERP system tailored for retail with extensive customization for finance, logistics, and sales. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Salesforce Commerce Cloud Cloud-based commerce platform enabling custom B2C/B2B experiences with AI-driven personalization. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Adobe Commerce Flexible e-commerce platform (formerly Magento) for building highly customized online retail stores. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | LS Retail Microsoft Dynamics-based solution for customizable POS, inventory, and hospitality retail management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud POS and retail management software with API extensibility for custom integrations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Retail Pro Prism Global retail platform supporting custom workflows for multi-store inventory and POS operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Shopify Plus Scalable e-commerce platform with advanced customization via apps and headless commerce for retail. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Epicor Retail Integrated retail ERP with customization options for apparel, footwear, and general merchandise. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive omnichannel retail platform with deep customization for POS, inventory, and customer engagement.
End-to-end retail suite offering advanced customization for merchandising, supply chain, and store operations.
Intelligent ERP system tailored for retail with extensive customization for finance, logistics, and sales.
Cloud-based commerce platform enabling custom B2C/B2B experiences with AI-driven personalization.
Flexible e-commerce platform (formerly Magento) for building highly customized online retail stores.
Microsoft Dynamics-based solution for customizable POS, inventory, and hospitality retail management.
Cloud POS and retail management software with API extensibility for custom integrations.
Global retail platform supporting custom workflows for multi-store inventory and POS operations.
Scalable e-commerce platform with advanced customization via apps and headless commerce for retail.
Integrated retail ERP with customization options for apparel, footwear, and general merchandise.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce
enterpriseComprehensive omnichannel retail platform with deep customization for POS, inventory, and customer engagement.
Composable, headless commerce engine allowing mix-and-match of front-end experiences with robust back-end retail operations
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce is a comprehensive omnichannel retail platform that integrates e-commerce, point-of-sale (POS), store operations, call center fulfillment, and back-office management into a single, cloud-based solution. It enables retailers to deliver personalized customer experiences across online, in-store, and mobile channels while providing robust inventory, order, and supply chain management. Built on the extensible Microsoft Power Platform, it supports deep customizations, AI-powered insights via Copilot, and seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem including Dynamics 365, Azure, and Power BI.
Pros
- Highly customizable with low-code/no-code tools via Power Platform and composable architecture
- True omnichannel capabilities unifying online, in-store, and B2B/B2C experiences
- Advanced AI, analytics, and integrations with Microsoft tools for real-time insights
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity for small to mid-sized retailers
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations without IT expertise
- Subscription pricing can escalate with add-ons and scale units
Best For
Enterprise retailers and large chains needing a scalable, fully integrated, and highly customizable omnichannel commerce solution.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$350/user/month for core Commerce licenses, plus scale unit fees (~$1,800/month), custom development, and optional modules; enterprise pricing varies.
Oracle Retail
enterpriseEnd-to-end retail suite offering advanced customization for merchandising, supply chain, and store operations.
Oracle Retail AI Platform, delivering advanced machine learning for hyper-accurate demand sensing, assortment planning, and real-time personalized promotions across channels
Oracle Retail is a comprehensive suite of enterprise-grade software solutions designed for large-scale retailers, covering merchandising, inventory management, supply chain, store operations, customer loyalty, and omnichannel commerce. It enables highly customizable retail operations with AI-driven insights, predictive analytics, and seamless integration across the retail ecosystem. The platform supports both cloud and on-premise deployments, optimizing everything from demand forecasting to personalized customer experiences.
Pros
- Extremely robust feature set with AI/ML for forecasting, personalization, and optimization
- Highly scalable and customizable for complex enterprise needs
- Deep integration with Oracle's ecosystem and third-party systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring expert consultants
- Very high costs for licensing, customization, and ongoing support
- Overkill for small to mid-sized retailers due to its enterprise focus
Best For
Large enterprise retailers with complex, global operations needing a fully integrated, customizable platform for end-to-end retail management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically involves multi-year subscriptions or perpetual licenses starting at $500K+ annually, scaling with modules, users, and deployment size.
SAP S/4HANA Retail
enterpriseIntelligent ERP system tailored for retail with extensive customization for finance, logistics, and sales.
SAP Retail Universe for embedded industry-specific analytics and simulations unique to retail scenarios
SAP S/4HANA Retail is a comprehensive ERP solution from SAP, specifically designed for the retail industry to manage end-to-end operations including merchandising, supply chain, store management, and customer engagement. It leverages the in-memory SAP HANA database for real-time analytics, AI-driven forecasting, and seamless integration across retail channels like physical stores, e-commerce, and wholesale. This platform enables retailers to optimize inventory, personalize customer experiences, and streamline complex global operations.
Pros
- Extensive retail-specific modules for merchandising, assortment planning, and omnichannel fulfillment
- Real-time analytics and AI/ML capabilities powered by SAP HANA for predictive insights
- Highly scalable and integrable with SAP ecosystem and third-party tools
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring specialized consultants and long deployment times
- High licensing and customization costs unsuitable for small retailers
- Steep learning curve for end-users without extensive training
Best For
Enterprise-level retail chains with complex, global operations needing deep customization and integration.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically starts at $100,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and cloud/on-premise deployment.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based commerce platform enabling custom B2C/B2B experiences with AI-driven personalization.
Headless and composable commerce architecture for ultimate frontend flexibility and rapid customization
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a powerful, enterprise-grade e-commerce platform that enables retailers to build highly customizable online stores with support for B2C and B2B commerce. It provides robust tools for site management, inventory handling, order fulfillment, and personalized customer experiences through AI-driven features like Einstein. The platform excels in omnichannel retail, integrating seamlessly with Salesforce CRM and other ecosystem tools for unified customer data and scalable operations.
Pros
- Exceptional scalability and performance for high-traffic enterprise sites
- Deep integration with Salesforce CRM and ecosystem for unified customer views
- Advanced AI personalization and composable architecture for custom retail experiences
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires skilled developers for customization
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Overkill and complex for small to mid-sized retailers
Best For
Large enterprises and high-volume retailers needing fully customizable, scalable omnichannel commerce with CRM integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually plus significant implementation fees.
Adobe Commerce
enterpriseFlexible e-commerce platform (formerly Magento) for building highly customized online retail stores.
PWA Studio for delivering fast, native app-like storefront experiences on any device
Adobe Commerce, formerly Magento, is a powerful open-source e-commerce platform designed for building highly customizable online stores tailored to retail businesses. It supports complex catalog management, multi-store setups, B2B functionality, and advanced marketing tools. Integrated with the Adobe Experience Cloud, it enables personalized shopping experiences through AI-driven insights and seamless omnichannel capabilities.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level retail operations
- Extensive customization via open-source code and marketplace extensions
- Deep integration with Adobe tools for AI personalization and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring developer expertise
- High costs for hosting, extensions, and maintenance
- Complex setup and ongoing management for non-technical users
Best For
Large-scale retailers seeking fully customizable e-commerce platforms with advanced personalization and omnichannel integration.
Pricing
Open-source version free; Adobe Commerce Cloud starts at ~$22,000/year plus usage fees, with custom enterprise pricing.
LS Retail
enterpriseMicrosoft Dynamics-based solution for customizable POS, inventory, and hospitality retail management.
Unified single-database architecture that delivers real-time synchronization across POS, ERP, and e-commerce without data silos
LS Retail's LS Central is a robust, all-in-one retail management platform built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, offering unified POS, inventory, merchandising, CRM, and e-commerce capabilities. It supports a wide range of retail verticals including grocery, fashion, pharmacies, and restaurants with highly customizable workflows. The software enables real-time data synchronization across stores, online channels, and back-office operations for seamless omnichannel retail.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft Dynamics for scalable ERP-POS unification
- Industry-specific modules for 20+ retail verticals with pre-built customizations
- Real-time omnichannel capabilities including advanced analytics and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring skilled implementation
- Higher costs due to Microsoft licensing and customization dependencies
- Limited flexibility for very small businesses without significant investment
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains or franchises seeking enterprise-grade, customizable software with strong Microsoft ecosystem integration.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at $150-300 per user/month (plus Dynamics licensing), with one-time implementation fees often $50K+ depending on customization.
Lightspeed Retail
specializedCloud POS and retail management software with API extensibility for custom integrations.
Advanced multi-store inventory visibility and automated replenishment across locations
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for retail businesses, providing comprehensive tools for inventory management, sales processing, customer tracking, and omnichannel commerce. It enables seamless integration between physical stores and online sales channels, supporting multi-location operations with real-time data synchronization. Advanced features include customizable reporting, loyalty programs, and extensive third-party app integrations for enhanced customization.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory management with real-time syncing
- Strong omnichannel support for unified online/in-store sales
- Extensive integrations and customizable reporting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small retailers
- Customer support response times vary and may be slow
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Multi-location retail businesses needing scalable POS with omnichannel capabilities and deep inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Core plan), $149/month (Plus), $249/month (Advanced), with custom Enterprise pricing; additional transaction and hardware fees apply.
Retail Pro Prism
enterpriseGlobal retail platform supporting custom workflows for multi-store inventory and POS operations.
Universal Business Engine enabling device-agnostic deployment on any browser without native apps
Retail Pro Prism is a cloud-based retail management platform tailored for multi-store and international retailers, offering POS, inventory control, merchandising, CRM, and analytics in a highly customizable architecture. It supports omnichannel operations across web, mobile, and in-store channels with multi-currency, multi-language capabilities. Designed for scalability, it allows extensive customization to fit specific retail workflows without heavy coding.
Pros
- Exceptional customization for complex retail needs
- Strong multi-store and global scalability
- Comprehensive omnichannel and analytics tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be expensive
- Interface feels dated in some areas despite cloud updates
Best For
Multi-location retailers with international operations seeking a highly configurable POS and management suite.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $150+ per store/month with annual contracts, scaling by users and features.
Shopify Plus
enterpriseScalable e-commerce platform with advanced customization via apps and headless commerce for retail.
Checkout.liquid and Script Editor for unprecedented checkout customization and cart modifications
Shopify Plus is the enterprise edition of Shopify's e-commerce platform, tailored for high-volume retailers and brands requiring scalable, customizable online stores with advanced features like API access and headless commerce. It supports custom themes, extensive app integrations, and tools for wholesale, B2B, and international sales. As a custom retail software solution, it enables developers to build highly tailored storefronts while leveraging Shopify's robust infrastructure for POS integration, inventory management, and omnichannel retail.
Pros
- Exceptional scalability for high-traffic stores handling billions in GMV
- Vast ecosystem of 8,000+ apps and themes for customization
- Advanced tools like Script Editor and Checkout.liquid for checkout personalization
Cons
- High monthly pricing starting at $2,000 with additional costs for apps/themes
- Deep customization often requires developer expertise and Liquid coding
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
Best For
Enterprise retailers and growing brands with high sales volumes needing a scalable, customizable e-commerce platform with strong omnichannel capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $2,000/month (custom quotes for larger enterprises); additional fees for transactions (0.15-0.2% if not using Shopify Payments), apps, and themes.
Epicor Retail
enterpriseIntegrated retail ERP with customization options for apparel, footwear, and general merchandise.
Unified Commerce Platform for real-time omnichannel synchronization and order orchestration
Epicor Retail is a comprehensive enterprise-grade software platform tailored for mid-to-large retail businesses, offering end-to-end solutions including POS, inventory management, merchandising, CRM, and e-commerce integration. It supports omnichannel operations with real-time data synchronization across stores, online, and mobile channels. Highly customizable, it integrates seamlessly with Epicor's ERP systems for advanced supply chain and financial management.
Pros
- Extensive feature set for complex, multi-location retail operations
- Deep customization and scalability for enterprise needs
- Powerful analytics and reporting via Hawk Intelligence
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains with multiple channels needing a robust, customizable management system.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with stores, users, and modules.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools, spanning omnichannel management, ERP, and e-commerce, cater to diverse retail needs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce leads as the top choice, offering robust omnichannel capabilities and deep customization for POS, inventory, and customer engagement. Oracle Retail and SAP S/4HANA Retail stand out as strong alternatives, with Oracle excelling in end-to-end suite customization and SAP in intelligent ERP solutions. Each tool brings unique strengths, ensuring the right fit for different retail operations.
Leverage Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce to shape your retail strategy—its flexibility and comprehensive features make it an ideal starting point for tailored success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
