Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Provides employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication tools tailored for retail and hourly workforces.
- 2#2: Deputy - Offers shift scheduling, time clock, task management, and workforce forecasting for retail operations.
- 3#3: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for retail employee scheduling, communication, training, and performance tracking.
- 4#4: When I Work - Streamlines shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging for retail staff management.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Manages employee schedules, labor forecasting, tips, and compliance for retail and hospitality teams.
- 6#6: WorkJam - Digital frontline platform for retail employee tasking, communication, training, and scheduling.
- 7#7: Sling - Free employee scheduling software with time tracking, shift reminders, and labor cost management for retail.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Handles employee scheduling, time attendance, PTO, and performance reviews for small retail businesses.
- 9#9: UKG - Enterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, timekeeping, and analytics for large retail chains.
- 10#10: Fourth - Integrated workforce, operations, and compliance management platform formerly HotSchedules for retail and hospitality.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (scheduling, time tracking, communication), user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the unique needs of retail and hourly workforces while balancing depth and accessibility for diverse business sizes.
Comparison Table
Effective retail employee management is critical for smooth operations, and selecting the right software can simplify scheduling, communication, and task tracking. This comparison table details leading tools like Homebase, Deputy, Connecteam, When I Work, 7shifts, and more, equipping readers to identify features, usability, and fit for their unique business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Provides employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication tools tailored for retail and hourly workforces. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Offers shift scheduling, time clock, task management, and workforce forecasting for retail operations. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for retail employee scheduling, communication, training, and performance tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Streamlines shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging for retail staff management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Manages employee schedules, labor forecasting, tips, and compliance for retail and hospitality teams. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | WorkJam Digital frontline platform for retail employee tasking, communication, training, and scheduling. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Sling Free employee scheduling software with time tracking, shift reminders, and labor cost management for retail. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Handles employee scheduling, time attendance, PTO, and performance reviews for small retail businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 9 | UKG Enterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, timekeeping, and analytics for large retail chains. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Fourth Integrated workforce, operations, and compliance management platform formerly HotSchedules for retail and hospitality. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Provides employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication tools tailored for retail and hourly workforces.
Offers shift scheduling, time clock, task management, and workforce forecasting for retail operations.
All-in-one mobile app for retail employee scheduling, communication, training, and performance tracking.
Streamlines shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging for retail staff management.
Manages employee schedules, labor forecasting, tips, and compliance for retail and hospitality teams.
Digital frontline platform for retail employee tasking, communication, training, and scheduling.
Free employee scheduling software with time tracking, shift reminders, and labor cost management for retail.
Handles employee scheduling, time attendance, PTO, and performance reviews for small retail businesses.
Enterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, timekeeping, and analytics for large retail chains.
Integrated workforce, operations, and compliance management platform formerly HotSchedules for retail and hospitality.
Homebase
specializedProvides employee scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication tools tailored for retail and hourly workforces.
AI Smart Scheduling that forecasts demand and auto-fills shifts to minimize labor costs while ensuring coverage.
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed specifically for retail businesses managing hourly employees, offering robust scheduling, time tracking, hiring, onboarding, and communication tools. It streamlines shift creation with AI-powered smart scheduling to optimize labor costs and coverage based on sales forecasts. The software also integrates with popular payroll providers for seamless processing and ensures compliance with labor laws through automated features like break tracking.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and time tracking
- Intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
- Strong integrations with payroll (e.g., QuickBooks, Gusto) and POS systems
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind premium plans
- Limited customization for complex multi-location setups
- Customer support primarily email/chat, no phone for free users
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail stores with hourly workers needing an affordable, mobile-first solution for scheduling and time management.
Pricing
Free plan for one location (up to 20 employees); paid plans start at $29.95/month per location for Essentials, scaling to $99.95+ for Premium features.
Deputy
specializedOffers shift scheduling, time clock, task management, and workforce forecasting for retail operations.
Labour Cost Optimiser for real-time forecasting and shift adjustments to minimize overtime
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for retail environments, enabling efficient employee scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and task assignments. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, geofenced time clocks, and real-time notifications to manage shift-based retail teams effectively. The software integrates with POS and payroll systems to optimize labor costs and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with automation
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and time tracking
- Geofencing and compliance tools to prevent time theft
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced analytics
- Limited customization in lower plans
- Occasional integration glitches with some POS systems
Best For
Mid-sized retail chains with hourly, shift-based employees requiring mobile-first scheduling and labor cost control.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month (Essential) billed annually; scales to Enterprise with custom pricing.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one mobile app for retail employee scheduling, communication, training, and performance tracking.
GPS-geofenced time clock with photo verification to prevent buddy punching and ensure clock-ins from store locations
Connecteam is a mobile-first employee management platform tailored for frontline workers in retail, offering tools for scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management. It enables retail managers to create shift schedules, track attendance with GPS verification, assign digital checklists, and deliver training via the app. The solution fosters better employee engagement through in-app chat, updates, and knowledge sharing, streamlining daily retail operations.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app accessible for retail staff on the floor
- Robust scheduling with shift trades, overtime alerts, and GPS time clock
- All-in-one toolkit including forms, checklists, and training modules
Cons
- Reporting lacks depth for complex analytics in larger retail chains
- Limited customization for highly specific retail workflows
- Support response can be slower during peak times
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail businesses seeking an affordable, mobile-centric solution for shift management and frontline communication.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for up to 30 users, $49/month for up to 60 users, $99/month for up to 100 users, with enterprise per-user pricing.
When I Work
specializedStreamlines shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging for retail staff management.
Employee shift trading marketplace that lets workers swap shifts directly, reducing manager intervention
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling and time management platform tailored for hourly workforces, including retail environments. It allows managers to build schedules, approve shift trades and time-off requests, track attendance with geofencing, and communicate via in-app messaging. The software integrates with payroll systems and provides basic reporting to streamline retail shift management across multiple locations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling
- Robust shift trading and open shifts functionality
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features like performance reviews
- Reporting lacks depth for large enterprises
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Retail managers with shift-based hourly teams needing efficient scheduling and communication without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Essential at $2/active user/month, Pro at $3.50, Elite at $4.25; billed annually with a free trial.
7shifts
specializedManages employee schedules, labor forecasting, tips, and compliance for retail and hospitality teams.
Predictive labor forecasting that uses historical sales data to optimize staffing levels and minimize over/under-scheduling
7shifts is an employee scheduling and management platform primarily designed for restaurants and hospitality but adaptable for retail environments with hourly workforces. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, track time and attendance with geofencing, facilitate shift trades, and communicate via in-app messaging and announcements. Additional tools include labor cost forecasting, performance reports, and integrations with various POS systems to help control expenses and improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting
- Strong team communication tools including messaging and announcements
- Accurate time tracking with geofencing and tip pooling support
Cons
- Some features like tip tracking less relevant for pure retail
- Limited native integrations with retail-specific POS beyond popular ones like Square
- Advanced reporting and multi-location features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail businesses with shift-based hourly employees seeking straightforward scheduling and communication without complex retail inventory needs.
Pricing
Free for single locations up to 20 users; Essentials at $29.99/location/month, Pro at $43.99/location/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
WorkJam
specializedDigital frontline platform for retail employee tasking, communication, training, and scheduling.
Shift bidding and self-scheduling that allows employees to swap shifts in real-time via mobile app
WorkJam is a mobile-first digital workplace platform tailored for frontline workers in retail, offering tools for scheduling, communication, task management, and training. It enables shift bidding, real-time announcements, and performance tracking to improve employee engagement and operational efficiency. The solution integrates with existing HR systems to streamline retail employee management for large, distributed teams.
Pros
- Robust mobile app for deskless workers enhances accessibility and engagement
- Comprehensive communication and task tools reduce no-shows and improve compliance
- Flexible scheduling with shift bidding empowers employees and managers
Cons
- Pricing can be high for smaller retailers without volume discounts
- Steep initial setup and customization learning curve
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise HR suites
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains with hourly frontline staff seeking to boost engagement through a unified mobile platform.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $4-8 per active user/month depending on modules and scale.
Sling
specializedFree employee scheduling software with time tracking, shift reminders, and labor cost management for retail.
Unlimited free scheduling with real-time notifications and shift trade approvals
Sling is a free employee scheduling and management platform tailored for retail businesses, enabling shift creation, availability management, time tracking, and team communication. It helps retail managers build schedules quickly, track labor costs, and handle shift trades or time-off requests via a mobile app. While strong on basics, it offers paid upgrades for advanced reporting and integrations.
Pros
- Completely free core scheduling for unlimited users
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting in free tier
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Customer support can be slow for free users
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail stores needing affordable, straightforward shift scheduling without complex payroll needs.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Standard at $1.70/user/month (annual), Premium at $3.75/user/month (annual).
ZoomShift
specializedHandles employee scheduling, time attendance, PTO, and performance reviews for small retail businesses.
Employee-driven shift trading and open shift bidding for flexible self-scheduling
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for hourly workforces like retail, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile time tracking, and real-time communication tools. It helps managers create optimized schedules, monitor labor costs, handle shift trades, and process PTO requests efficiently. The software integrates with popular payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto, making it suitable for small to mid-sized retail businesses managing shift-based employees.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with conflict alerts
- Robust mobile app for clock-ins and shift swaps
- Affordable pricing with strong value for small teams
Cons
- Reporting and analytics lack depth for larger operations
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Occasional delays in customer support response
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses seeking simple, mobile-friendly scheduling and time tracking without advanced forecasting needs.
Pricing
Starter: $29.99/month (up to 75 shifts/location); Growth: $59.99/month (76-300 shifts); Enterprise: custom pricing.
UKG
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, timekeeping, and analytics for large retail chains.
AI-powered workforce optimization that predicts staffing needs from POS and sales data for precise labor cost control
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) offers comprehensive workforce management software tailored for retail, featuring intelligent scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and labor optimization tools. It integrates with POS systems for demand forecasting, helping retailers staff efficiently during peak hours while managing compliance and reducing overtime costs. The platform includes mobile apps for employees to handle shifts, requests, and pay stubs on the go.
Pros
- AI-driven scheduling and demand forecasting integrated with sales data
- Robust mobile-first employee self-service
- Strong compliance tools for labor laws and ACA reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for non-enterprise users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive
- Overkill for very small retail operations
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains requiring scalable, analytics-driven employee scheduling and workforce optimization.
Pricing
Quote-based; UKG Ready for SMBs starts around $25-60 per employee/month, UKG Pro for enterprises is higher depending on modules.
Fourth
enterpriseIntegrated workforce, operations, and compliance management platform formerly HotSchedules for retail and hospitality.
AI-powered labor forecasting that dynamically adjusts schedules based on real-time sales and demand data
Fourth is a robust workforce management platform tailored for retail, hospitality, and foodservice sectors, focusing on optimizing employee scheduling, time and attendance, and labor forecasting. It integrates sales data with demand forecasting to help retailers staff efficiently, reducing overstaffing costs while ensuring compliance with labor regulations. The software also offers mobile apps for employees to handle shifts, requests, and clock-ins seamlessly.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven demand forecasting tied to sales data
- Comprehensive compliance tools for labor laws and reporting
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and communication
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Enterprise-level pricing inaccessible for small retailers
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains needing data-driven scheduling and forecasting to minimize labor costs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on locations or employees; typically starts at $5-10 per employee/month, with quotes required.
Conclusion
After comparing the top retail employee management tools, Homebase stands out as the leading choice, offering tailored solutions for scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and communication that align closely with retail and hourly workforce needs. Deputy and Connecteam follow as strong alternatives, with Deputy excelling in workforce forecasting and task management, and Connecteam impressing with its mobile-first approach for scheduling, training, and performance tracking—each catering to distinct operational priorities.
Take the first step to better manage your retail team: explore Homebase today and unlock intuitive tools that streamline scheduling, boost communication, and simplify daily operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison