Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Robust cloud-based POS for retail businesses like gift shops, offering advanced inventory management, CRM, and multi-location support.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS system for small gift shops with free software, instant payments, and basic inventory tracking.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Seamless POS integrated with e-commerce for gift shops selling online and in-store with unified inventory.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software tailored for retail gift shops with app marketplace integrations.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based cloud POS with strong analytics and inventory features for specialty retail like gift shops.
- 6#6: KORONA POS - Specialized POS for high-margin retail such as gift shops, emphasizing fast checkouts and detailed reporting.
- 7#7: RetailEdge - Affordable lifetime-licensed POS for independent gift shops with comprehensive inventory and customer loyalty tools.
- 8#8: POS Nation - Custom-built POS hardware and software bundles optimized for small gift shop operations and growth.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Cloud POS with extensive integrations for gift shops, focusing on ease of use and real-time sales data.
- 10#10: LS Retail - Enterprise-grade POS on Microsoft Dynamics for larger gift shop chains with full retail management capabilities.
Tools were selected based on features like inventory management, user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of gift shop operations and deliver long-term performance.
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down leading POS software options for gift shops, including Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems, helping readers identify features, usability, and suitability for their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Robust cloud-based POS for retail businesses like gift shops, offering advanced inventory management, CRM, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS system for small gift shops with free software, instant payments, and basic inventory tracking. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Seamless POS integrated with e-commerce for gift shops selling online and in-store with unified inventory. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software tailored for retail gift shops with app marketplace integrations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based cloud POS with strong analytics and inventory features for specialty retail like gift shops. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | KORONA POS Specialized POS for high-margin retail such as gift shops, emphasizing fast checkouts and detailed reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | RetailEdge Affordable lifetime-licensed POS for independent gift shops with comprehensive inventory and customer loyalty tools. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | POS Nation Custom-built POS hardware and software bundles optimized for small gift shop operations and growth. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Cloud POS with extensive integrations for gift shops, focusing on ease of use and real-time sales data. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | LS Retail Enterprise-grade POS on Microsoft Dynamics for larger gift shop chains with full retail management capabilities. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.1/10 | 6.0/10 |
Robust cloud-based POS for retail businesses like gift shops, offering advanced inventory management, CRM, and multi-location support.
User-friendly POS system for small gift shops with free software, instant payments, and basic inventory tracking.
Seamless POS integrated with e-commerce for gift shops selling online and in-store with unified inventory.
Customizable POS hardware and software tailored for retail gift shops with app marketplace integrations.
iPad-based cloud POS with strong analytics and inventory features for specialty retail like gift shops.
Specialized POS for high-margin retail such as gift shops, emphasizing fast checkouts and detailed reporting.
Affordable lifetime-licensed POS for independent gift shops with comprehensive inventory and customer loyalty tools.
Custom-built POS hardware and software bundles optimized for small gift shop operations and growth.
Cloud POS with extensive integrations for gift shops, focusing on ease of use and real-time sales data.
Enterprise-grade POS on Microsoft Dynamics for larger gift shop chains with full retail management capabilities.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseRobust cloud-based POS for retail businesses like gift shops, offering advanced inventory management, CRM, and multi-location support.
Unified commerce platform with real-time inventory synchronization across physical stores, online shops, and marketplaces.
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses like gift shops, offering real-time inventory tracking, sales processing, and customer management tools. It supports multi-location operations, e-commerce integration via Lightspeed Payments and marketplaces like Amazon, and handles gift cards, promotions, and seasonal inventory fluctuations effectively. With robust reporting and analytics, it helps gift shop owners optimize stock levels and boost sales across channels.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with automated reordering and matrix sizing for varied gift items
- Seamless omnichannel integration syncing in-store and online sales
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting for sales trends and customer insights
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may strain smaller gift shops
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Some add-ons and hardware integrations incur extra costs
Best For
Gift shop owners with multiple locations or e-commerce needs who require scalable, feature-rich POS for omnichannel retail.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Essential plan) per location, up to $199/month (Advanced), billed annually; transaction fees apply.
Square for Retail
specializedUser-friendly POS system for small gift shops with free software, instant payments, and basic inventory tracking.
Unlimited product variants and modifiers for handling diverse, customizable gift items without extra costs
Square for Retail is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail businesses like gift shops, providing robust inventory management, sales processing, customer tracking, and analytics. It supports product variants, low-stock alerts, purchase orders, and gift card integration, making it suitable for handling diverse gift inventories and seasonal promotions. The platform integrates seamlessly with Square's affordable hardware for flexible in-store and mobile checkouts.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app and dashboard for quick setup and daily operations
- Advanced inventory tools including variants, modifiers, and multi-location sync
- Seamless payment processing with no monthly fees on basic plan
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) can accumulate for high-volume shops
- Advanced retail features require $60/month subscription
- Reporting depth limited without add-ons or higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium gift shops needing an affordable, user-friendly POS with strong inventory tracking for seasonal and customizable products.
Pricing
Free basic POS (2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction); Square for Retail $60/month per location for advanced inventory and reporting.
Shopify POS
specializedSeamless POS integrated with e-commerce for gift shops selling online and in-store with unified inventory.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed to integrate seamlessly with Shopify's e-commerce platform, enabling gift shops to handle in-store transactions while syncing inventory and sales data in real-time across online and offline channels. It supports customizable checkouts, customer profiles, and a wide array of hardware like card readers and receipt printers, making it suitable for retail environments with diverse gift items. The app marketplace extends functionality for gift cards, loyalty programs, and seasonal promotions tailored to gift shops.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory sync between online store and physical locations
- Extensive app ecosystem for gift shop-specific tools like loyalty and gift cards
- Supports offline mode and quick setup with iOS/Android devices
Cons
- Requires a Shopify subscription, adding to base costs for small shops
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
- Advanced POS Pro features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Gift shops with an established online presence that need unified omnichannel sales and inventory management.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan (from $29/month); POS Pro $89/month per location (requires Shopify $105/month or Advanced $399/month plans); hardware sold separately.
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS hardware and software tailored for retail gift shops with app marketplace integrations.
Expansive App Marketplace with 200+ integrations for tailoring POS to gift shop needs like custom product tagging and e-commerce syncing
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, providing gift shops with integrated payment processing, inventory management, and sales analytics through customizable hardware like countertop terminals and mobile devices. It supports essential retail features such as gift card creation, customer loyalty programs, multi-location inventory syncing, and real-time reporting to track sales trends and stock levels. The platform's app marketplace allows gift shops to extend functionality with add-ons for e-commerce, QuickBooks integration, and specialized inventory tools.
Pros
- Robust inventory tools with variants, bundles, and low-stock alerts ideal for diverse gift shop products
- Built-in gift/loyalty cards and customer profiles for repeat business
- Extensive app marketplace (200+) for custom integrations like online ordering
Cons
- Hardware requires upfront investment, with premium devices costing $1,000+
- Ongoing subscription fees and transaction costs (2.3% + $0.10) add up
- Advanced features often locked behind higher-tier plans or paid apps
Best For
Gift shops with moderate to high sales volume needing scalable inventory management, loyalty programs, and multi-channel sales integration.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/mo (Register Lite) up to $99.85/mo (Enterprise); hardware from $49 (Go) to $1,699 (Station Duo); processing at 2.3% + $0.10 per card-present transaction.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based cloud POS with strong analytics and inventory features for specialty retail like gift shops.
Real-time cloud synchronization for instant data access across all devices and locations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS platform tailored for retail environments like gift shops, providing robust inventory management, sales processing, and customer tracking. It supports features such as real-time stock updates, gift card handling, loyalty programs, and detailed analytics to streamline operations. The system integrates with e-commerce and accounting tools, enabling multi-location gift shops to manage diverse merchandise efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with variants and real-time tracking
- Strong reporting and analytics for sales insights
- Built-in loyalty programs and gift card support ideal for retail
Cons
- Higher subscription costs may strain small gift shop budgets
- Relies on Apple iPads, limiting hardware options
- Initial setup and advanced features have a learning curve
Best For
Medium-sized gift shops with multiple locations needing scalable inventory and multi-store reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), up to $299+/month (Growth/Enterprise); plus hardware, processing fees, and add-ons.
KORONA POS
specializedSpecialized POS for high-margin retail such as gift shops, emphasizing fast checkouts and detailed reporting.
Lightning-fast transaction processing (under 1 second) with support for high-volume holiday rushes
KORONA POS is a robust cloud-based point-of-sale system tailored for retail environments like gift shops, offering comprehensive inventory management for unique and seasonal items. It includes customer loyalty programs, gift card handling, and advanced reporting to track sales trends and optimize stock levels. The platform supports multi-location operations and integrates with e-commerce tools, making it suitable for growing gift shop businesses.
Pros
- Powerful inventory tracking with matrix pricing and serial number support for diverse gift items
- Strong multi-store management and real-time reporting
- Reliable cloud infrastructure with 99.99% uptime guarantee
Cons
- Initial setup and customization can be complex for small shops
- Pricing scales up quickly for additional features or locations
- Limited native mobile app for on-floor management
Best For
Medium-sized gift shops with multiple locations requiring advanced inventory control and analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per month per terminal, with tiered plans up to enterprise custom pricing including setup fees.
RetailEdge
specializedAffordable lifetime-licensed POS for independent gift shops with comprehensive inventory and customer loyalty tools.
Matrix inventory management for handling gift items with multiple sizes, colors, or styles
RetailEdge is a Windows-based POS software tailored for small to medium retail businesses, including gift shops, providing essential tools for inventory management, sales processing, and customer tracking. It excels in handling unique items with features like serial number tracking, matrix pricing for variants, layaways, and special orders, making it suitable for diverse gift inventories. The system also offers robust reporting and QuickBooks integration to streamline operations and accounting.
Pros
- One-time perpetual license reduces long-term costs
- Strong inventory tools including matrix and serial tracking for gift items
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for easy accounting
Cons
- Windows-only, no cloud or mobile support
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud POS
- Limited built-in e-commerce integration
Best For
Small gift shop owners needing affordable, on-premise POS with detailed inventory control and no recurring fees.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $795 for single-user basic edition; higher tiers up to $1,995; optional annual support ~$300+.
POS Nation
specializedCustom-built POS hardware and software bundles optimized for small gift shop operations and growth.
White-glove setup and installation service with dedicated hardware customization
POS Nation offers a customizable point-of-sale system designed for retail environments like gift shops, combining robust hardware bundles with cloud-based software for inventory management, sales processing, and customer tracking. It supports features essential for gift shops, such as gift card handling, loyalty programs, and multi-location inventory syncing. The platform emphasizes seamless integration with payment processors and e-commerce tools to streamline operations during peak seasons.
Pros
- Highly customizable hardware bundles tailored to gift shop needs
- Strong inventory management with real-time tracking and reporting
- Excellent customer support including free setup and training
Cons
- Pricing can be higher due to bundled hardware requirements
- Interface may feel overwhelming for very small operations without training
- Limited standalone software options without hardware purchase
Best For
Mid-sized gift shops with multiple locations seeking integrated hardware-software solutions and reliable support.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month for software plus hardware bundles ($2,000+); includes processing fees.
Epos Now
specializedCloud POS with extensive integrations for gift shops, focusing on ease of use and real-time sales data.
Vast app marketplace with over 100 integrations for tailored gift shop workflows like custom promotions and gift cards.
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail environments like gift shops, providing tools for inventory management, sales processing, and customer loyalty programs. It supports multi-location operations, e-commerce integrations, and detailed reporting to handle seasonal promotions and diverse product SKUs effectively. The platform emphasizes scalability with hardware options and a vast app marketplace for customization.
Pros
- Robust inventory management for varied gift shop products
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
- Reliable customer support and reporting features
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and hardware
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Occasional reports of sync issues in high-volume use
Best For
Medium-sized gift shops needing scalable POS with online sales integration and loyalty features.
Pricing
Starts at £109/month for Essentials (billed annually), plus hardware from £399; higher tiers up to £199/month with more features.
LS Retail
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS on Microsoft Dynamics for larger gift shop chains with full retail management capabilities.
Unified POS-ERP platform with seamless Microsoft Dynamics 365 integration for end-to-end retail operations
LS Retail's LS Central is a robust, Microsoft Dynamics 365-based POS and ERP solution designed for retail businesses, providing unified commerce capabilities including point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer relationship tools. It supports omnichannel retail with real-time data synchronization across stores, e-commerce, and back-office operations. For gift shops, it handles sales, promotions, gift cards, and seasonal inventory effectively but is geared toward scalable, multi-location setups rather than small independents.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory and multi-channel management
- Powerful analytics and reporting integrated with Microsoft ecosystem
- Scalable for growing retail chains with ERP functionality
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High cost unsuitable for small gift shops
- Overkill features for basic POS needs
Best For
Multi-location gift shop chains needing integrated POS, ERP, and omnichannel capabilities for expansion.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $200+ per user/month plus significant setup and licensing fees.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 gift shop POS tools reveals Lightspeed Retail as the standout choice, boasting robust cloud-based capabilities, advanced inventory, and multi-location support. Square for Retail excels as a user-friendly, budget-friendly option ideal for small shops, while Shopify POS shines with integrated online-in-store operations. Each top contender offers unique strengths to match diverse business needs, ensuring a solution for nearly every gift shop scenario.
To unlock seamless operations and enhance your gift shop's success, start with the leading option—Lightspeed Retail. Explore its features to streamline sales, inventory, and customer management, setting your business up for growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison