Quick Overview
- 1#1: Homebase - Homebase provides intuitive employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor forecasting tailored for retail businesses to reduce costs and improve shift management.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work offers flexible shift scheduling, availability management, and communication tools optimized for retail teams to streamline operations.
- 3#3: Deputy - Deputy delivers real-time scheduling, labor compliance, and forecasting features specifically for retail environments to boost efficiency.
- 4#4: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in scheduling, labor budgeting, and tip management for retail and restaurant operations to control costs effectively.
- 5#5: Connecteam - Connecteam combines scheduling, task assignment, and communication in a mobile app designed for retail frontline workers.
- 6#6: Sling - Sling enables easy drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, and overtime alerts for retail businesses of all sizes.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift offers automated scheduling, time clocks, and PTO tracking to help retail managers optimize staff utilization.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Workforce.com provides AI-driven scheduling, demand forecasting, and fatigue management for retail workforce optimization.
- 9#9: Fourth (formerly HotSchedules) - Fourth delivers comprehensive scheduling and labor management solutions for large-scale retail and hospitality operations.
- 10#10: UKG Pro - UKG Pro offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced retail scheduling, compliance, and analytics capabilities.
Tools were selected based on functionality (including forecasting, compliance, and communication), user experience, reliability, and overall value, prioritizing those that deliver tangible benefits for retail teams.
Comparison Table
Retail scheduling is a key operational need, and selecting the right software can optimize workflows, support team efficiency, and manage staffing complexities effectively. This comparison table explores popular tools like Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more, examining their core features, strengths, and best-fit scenarios for various retail businesses. Readers will discover how each solution aligns with their specific scheduling requirements, from small stores to larger operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homebase Homebase provides intuitive employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor forecasting tailored for retail businesses to reduce costs and improve shift management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work offers flexible shift scheduling, availability management, and communication tools optimized for retail teams to streamline operations. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Deputy delivers real-time scheduling, labor compliance, and forecasting features specifically for retail environments to boost efficiency. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in scheduling, labor budgeting, and tip management for retail and restaurant operations to control costs effectively. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam Connecteam combines scheduling, task assignment, and communication in a mobile app designed for retail frontline workers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Sling Sling enables easy drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, and overtime alerts for retail businesses of all sizes. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift offers automated scheduling, time clocks, and PTO tracking to help retail managers optimize staff utilization. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Workforce.com provides AI-driven scheduling, demand forecasting, and fatigue management for retail workforce optimization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Fourth (formerly HotSchedules) Fourth delivers comprehensive scheduling and labor management solutions for large-scale retail and hospitality operations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | UKG Pro UKG Pro offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced retail scheduling, compliance, and analytics capabilities. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Homebase provides intuitive employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor forecasting tailored for retail businesses to reduce costs and improve shift management.
When I Work offers flexible shift scheduling, availability management, and communication tools optimized for retail teams to streamline operations.
Deputy delivers real-time scheduling, labor compliance, and forecasting features specifically for retail environments to boost efficiency.
7shifts specializes in scheduling, labor budgeting, and tip management for retail and restaurant operations to control costs effectively.
Connecteam combines scheduling, task assignment, and communication in a mobile app designed for retail frontline workers.
Sling enables easy drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, and overtime alerts for retail businesses of all sizes.
ZoomShift offers automated scheduling, time clocks, and PTO tracking to help retail managers optimize staff utilization.
Workforce.com provides AI-driven scheduling, demand forecasting, and fatigue management for retail workforce optimization.
Fourth delivers comprehensive scheduling and labor management solutions for large-scale retail and hospitality operations.
UKG Pro offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced retail scheduling, compliance, and analytics capabilities.
Homebase
specializedHomebase provides intuitive employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor forecasting tailored for retail businesses to reduce costs and improve shift management.
OpenShifts for automatic shift posting and filling via employee self-service, minimizing manager intervention.
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for retail businesses with hourly employees, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, shift trading, and team messaging. It streamlines operations by automating schedule creation, handling time-off requests, and integrating with payroll systems for accurate pay processing. With mobile apps for employees and managers, it ensures real-time updates and compliance with labor laws, making it a top choice for retail scheduling.
Pros
- Generous free plan for one location with unlimited employees including core scheduling and time tracking
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design for quick adoption
- Built-in communication tools like messaging and announcements to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Advanced features like hiring and performance insights require premium plans
- Limited integrations and reporting depth in the free tier
- Scalability challenges for multi-location enterprises without custom setups
Best For
Small to medium retail businesses with hourly shift workers seeking an affordable, user-friendly scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free forever for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials starts at $29.99/mo per location (billed annually), Premium at $59.99/mo, Elite at $99.99/mo, with per-employee scaling.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work offers flexible shift scheduling, availability management, and communication tools optimized for retail teams to streamline operations.
OpenShift feature allowing employees to claim available shifts via mobile app for flexible, demand-driven retail staffing
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for retail environments, enabling managers to create optimized schedules based on availability, sales forecasts, and labor budgets. It features a mobile-first app for employees to view shifts, request time off, trade shifts, and clock in/out, while providing tools for time tracking, task assignment, and team communication. The software integrates with payroll systems and POS to help retail businesses reduce overtime and improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill based on demand forecasts
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service including shift swaps and notifications
- Comprehensive time tracking and labor costing integrated with retail POS systems
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with active users and advanced features
- Basic plan lacks advanced reporting and forecasting tools
- Customer support can be slow during peak seasons
Best For
Retail managers with shift-based, hourly teams needing mobile-friendly scheduling and employee empowerment tools.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per active user/month (Essential, billed annually) up to $5/user/month (Elite plan) with a 14-day free trial.
Deputy
specializedDeputy delivers real-time scheduling, labor compliance, and forecasting features specifically for retail environments to boost efficiency.
Demand-driven auto-scheduling that uses historical sales data to predict and fill shifts optimally
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for retail operations, enabling efficient employee scheduling, time tracking, and task management through an intuitive interface. It supports shift planning with drag-and-drop functionality, demand forecasting based on sales data, and real-time notifications to handle changes swiftly. The software also integrates labor costing and compliance features to optimize staffing and reduce overtime costs in fast-paced retail environments.
Pros
- Powerful auto-scheduling with sales forecasting for demand-based staffing
- Excellent mobile app for employee self-service and real-time updates
- Seamless integrations with popular POS and retail systems
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Initial setup and customization can require time and training
- Reporting tools lack some depth compared to specialized retail platforms
Best For
Medium to large retail chains needing scalable scheduling with labor forecasting and mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Essential plan; scales to $5+ for Plus/Enterprise with custom quotes.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in scheduling, labor budgeting, and tip management for retail and restaurant operations to control costs effectively.
Sales-driven labor forecasting that automatically adjusts schedules based on historical and projected revenue
7shifts is a workforce management platform originally designed for restaurants but adaptable for retail scheduling needs, offering tools to create optimized employee schedules, track time and attendance, and forecast labor costs based on sales data. It includes team messaging, shift trading, and integrations with various POS systems to streamline operations. While strong in shift management and communication, it lacks some retail-specific features like advanced inventory-linked staffing.
Pros
- Robust sales-based labor forecasting for demand-driven scheduling
- Integrated team communication and shift swap features
- Mobile-first app for easy employee access and clock-ins
Cons
- Primarily tailored for restaurants, with fewer retail POS integrations
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location retail operations
- Advanced forecasting requires setup and historical data
Best For
Retail managers in high-volume, sales-variable environments like convenience stores or quick-service retail who need cost-optimized scheduling similar to hospitality.
Pricing
Free for single-location basic use; Pro plans start at $29.99 per location/month, with enterprise tiers for advanced features.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam combines scheduling, task assignment, and communication in a mobile app designed for retail frontline workers.
Mobile-first employee self-service scheduling with shift swap approvals and availability-based auto-fill
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first workforce management platform designed for frontline teams like retail staff, offering robust scheduling tools including drag-and-drop shift planning, employee availability management, and automated notifications. It integrates scheduling with time tracking, task assignment, and team communication to streamline daily retail operations. Ideal for multi-location retail businesses, it empowers employees with self-service features like shift swaps and availability submissions directly from their mobile devices.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates and mobile accessibility
- Employee self-service tools for shift trades and availability reduce manager workload
- Affordable all-in-one platform bundling scheduling with time tracking and communication
Cons
- Limited advanced retail-specific features like sales forecasting or demand-based auto-scheduling
- Some premium scheduling automations and reports require higher-tier plans
- Integrations with retail POS systems are basic compared to dedicated schedulers
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail businesses with hourly frontline workers seeking a mobile-centric, affordable solution for scheduling and basic operations management.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users) or $49/month (Premium), plus $0.50-$1.20 per additional user/month.
Sling
specializedSling enables easy drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, and overtime alerts for retail businesses of all sizes.
Integrated labor cost calculator providing real-time expense tracking and forecasting to optimize retail staffing budgets
Sling is an employee scheduling software tailored for hourly workforce management in retail, restaurants, and similar industries, enabling managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, track labor costs, and handle shift trades. It includes mobile apps for employees to view shifts, request time off, clock in/out, and communicate via built-in messaging. The platform emphasizes cost control and efficiency, with tools for forecasting labor expenses and preventing overtime.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location retail operations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile accessibility
- Real-time labor cost tracking and overtime alerts
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require premium upgrade
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for complex retail needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail businesses with hourly shift workers seeking an affordable, user-friendly scheduling tool.
Pricing
Free Essential plan for single locations; Premium plans start at $2 per user/month (billed annually) for advanced features and multi-locations.
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift offers automated scheduling, time clocks, and PTO tracking to help retail managers optimize staff utilization.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduler with auto-fill and conflict detection for quick retail shift planning
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for retail businesses, enabling managers to create, manage, and publish shift schedules efficiently. It includes features like time tracking, shift swapping, PTO requests, and mobile notifications to keep staff informed and engaged. The software also offers labor cost forecasting and overtime alerts, helping optimize workforce expenses in dynamic retail environments.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- No native payroll integration
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized retail stores needing straightforward, cost-effective scheduling without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free plan for one location (up to 75 shifts/month); paid plans start at $1.25/user/month (Pro) and go up to $2.75/user/month (Elite), billed annually.
Workforce.com
enterpriseWorkforce.com provides AI-driven scheduling, demand forecasting, and fatigue management for retail workforce optimization.
Sales-integrated demand forecasting for auto-optimized shift scheduling
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform tailored for retail businesses, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, demand forecasting, and shift management to optimize labor costs. It includes time tracking, employee self-service via mobile app, and compliance tools for labor laws. The software integrates with POS systems to align staffing with sales data, making it suitable for multi-location retail operations.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with demand forecasting
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and communication
- Built-in compliance and labor cost management tools
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced features
- Learning curve for complex forecasting setups
- Reporting customization can feel limited
Best For
Mid-sized retail businesses with multiple locations needing demand-driven scheduling and compliance automation.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essentials, billed annually); Plus at $4.50, Enterprise custom.
Fourth (formerly HotSchedules)
enterpriseFourth delivers comprehensive scheduling and labor management solutions for large-scale retail and hospitality operations.
Predictive scheduling engine that uses historical sales and real-time data to auto-generate optimal shifts
Fourth (formerly HotSchedules) is a robust workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor forecasting, with strong applicability to retail environments through sales-driven predictions and multi-location support. It enables retailers to create optimized schedules, facilitate shift trades via a highly-rated mobile app, and ensure compliance with labor laws. The software integrates with POS systems and other retail tools to align staffing with demand, reducing overstaffing and improving operational efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced labor forecasting tied to sales data for precise retail staffing
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and shift management
- Seamless integrations with POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced features
- Enterprise-level pricing may not suit small retail operations
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains with multiple locations seeking data-driven scheduling and strong employee communication tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $60-120 per location/month depending on employees and features; free trial available.
UKG Pro
enterpriseUKG Pro offers enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced retail scheduling, compliance, and analytics capabilities.
AI-driven labor forecasting that dynamically optimizes schedules across stores based on real-time sales and traffic data
UKG Pro is a robust enterprise HCM platform with advanced workforce management tools tailored for retail scheduling, including AI-driven demand forecasting, automated shift optimization, and real-time adjustments based on sales data and employee preferences. It ensures compliance with labor regulations while integrating seamlessly with payroll, HR, and timekeeping systems. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-location retail chains in minimizing labor costs and improving operational efficiency.
Pros
- AI-powered forecasting and automated scheduling reduce manual effort
- Deep integrations with HCM, payroll, and POS systems
- Mobile-first access for employees and managers enhances flexibility
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- High cost unsuitable for small retailers
- Implementation can take months with consulting needs
Best For
Large retail chains with multiple locations needing integrated scheduling within a full HCM suite.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $25-50+ per employee/month depending on modules.
Conclusion
The top retail scheduling software tools reviewed cater to diverse operational needs, with Homebase leading as the standout due to its intuitive scheduling, time tracking, and cost-reduction features. When I Work and Deputy follow closely, offering robust flexibility and real-time oversight, respectively, making each a strong alternative depending on specific priorities.
For retailers aiming to streamline operations, Homebase remains the top choice—its tailored tools are designed to elevate shift management and team efficiency, and exploring its capabilities can drive meaningful improvements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison