Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS and retail management platform with inventory, CRM, and omnichannel capabilities.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - Affordable POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small stores.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Integrated POS that syncs in-store sales with online e-commerce for seamless omnichannel retail.
- 4#4: Clover - Customizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for retail operations.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and reporting.
- 6#6: LS Retail - Unified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for multi-store retail management and POS.
- 7#7: Oracle Retail - Enterprise suite for retail merchandising, store operations, supply chain, and analytics.
- 8#8: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce - End-to-end cloud commerce platform with POS, e-commerce, and order management for retailers.
- 9#9: SAP Retail - Integrated software for retail planning, store execution, and personalized customer experiences.
- 10#10: Epicor Eagle - POS and back-office software tailored for independent specialty retail stores.
Tools were evaluated based on comprehensive feature sets—including inventory management, omnichannel capabilities, and analytics—along with user experience, performance reliability, and overall value, ensuring a blend of quality and practicality for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Explore the key features and functionalities of leading retail store software tools, including Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems, in this comparison table. Learn how these platforms address diverse business needs—from inventory tracking to sales management—to assist you in selecting the optimal solution for your retail operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS and retail management platform with inventory, CRM, and omnichannel capabilities. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail Affordable POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small stores. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Integrated POS that syncs in-store sales with online e-commerce for seamless omnichannel retail. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Clover Customizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for retail operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | LS Retail Unified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for multi-store retail management and POS. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Oracle Retail Enterprise suite for retail merchandising, store operations, supply chain, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce End-to-end cloud commerce platform with POS, e-commerce, and order management for retailers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | SAP Retail Integrated software for retail planning, store execution, and personalized customer experiences. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Epicor Eagle POS and back-office software tailored for independent specialty retail stores. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based POS and retail management platform with inventory, CRM, and omnichannel capabilities.
Affordable POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small stores.
Integrated POS that syncs in-store sales with online e-commerce for seamless omnichannel retail.
Customizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for retail operations.
iPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and reporting.
Unified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for multi-store retail management and POS.
Enterprise suite for retail merchandising, store operations, supply chain, and analytics.
End-to-end cloud commerce platform with POS, e-commerce, and order management for retailers.
Integrated software for retail planning, store execution, and personalized customer experiences.
POS and back-office software tailored for independent specialty retail stores.
Lightspeed Retail
specializedCloud-based POS and retail management platform with inventory, CRM, and omnichannel capabilities.
Matrix inventory management for handling complex product variations like sizes, colors, and styles across unlimited locations
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and retail management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar stores of all sizes. It provides comprehensive tools for processing sales, managing inventory across multiple locations, tracking customer data, and integrating with e-commerce platforms. Advanced analytics, loyalty programs, and mobile ordering capabilities help retailers optimize operations and drive growth.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory management with real-time synchronization
- Seamless omnichannel integration for in-store and online sales
- Powerful reporting, analytics, and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for very small single-store operations
- Occasional learning curve for advanced customization features
- Transaction fees apply on top of monthly subscriptions
Best For
Multi-location retailers and growing businesses needing an all-in-one POS, inventory, and CRM solution with strong e-commerce capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (billed annually) for the Lean plan, scaling to $289/month for Enterprise, plus payment processing fees and optional hardware.
Square for Retail
specializedAffordable POS system with payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales analytics for small stores.
Real-time inventory syncing across in-store, online, and multi-locations with automated purchase order generation
Square for Retail is a robust point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for brick-and-mortar retail stores, offering seamless inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement tools. It integrates in-store transactions with online sales channels, providing real-time analytics and reporting to help retailers optimize operations. The platform supports multi-location businesses and includes features like purchase orders, vendor management, and loyalty programs for enhanced efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that's quick to set up
- Comprehensive inventory tools including real-time tracking and low-stock alerts
- No long-term contracts and transparent transaction-based pricing
Cons
- Advanced features require paid subscriptions
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume stores
- Limited customization options for complex enterprise needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail stores seeking an affordable, all-in-one POS and inventory solution with easy scalability.
Pricing
Free basic POS; Plus plan at $60/month per location; Premium custom pricing; plus 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Shopify POS
specializedIntegrated POS that syncs in-store sales with online e-commerce for seamless omnichannel retail.
Real-time omnichannel synchronization between online store and in-store POS
Shopify POS is a robust point-of-sale system tailored for retail stores, seamlessly integrating with Shopify's e-commerce platform to unify online and in-store operations. It enables real-time inventory syncing, customer management, and sales processing across multiple channels, supporting features like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and mobile payments. Ideal for omnichannel retailers, it works with various hardware setups including iPads, card readers, and receipt printers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce for omnichannel selling
- Real-time inventory and customer data syncing across locations
- Extensive app marketplace and hardware compatibility
Cons
- Requires a separate Shopify subscription for full access
- POS Pro tier adds significant per-location costs
- Occasional sync delays reported during high-volume periods
Best For
Retailers with both online and physical stores seeking unified omnichannel management.
Pricing
Included in Shopify plans starting at $29/month; POS Pro add-on at $89/month per location plus transaction fees and hardware costs.
Clover
specializedCustomizable POS hardware and software with app marketplace for retail operations.
Clover App Market with hundreds of third-party apps for tailored retail functionality
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system tailored for retail stores, offering integrated payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It supports a variety of hardware options, from compact mobile devices to full countertop stations, enabling seamless operations for brick-and-mortar and pop-up shops. The platform's app marketplace allows extensive customization with third-party integrations for e-commerce, reporting, and more.
Pros
- Extensive App Market with 500+ integrations for customization
- Reliable built-in payment processing with competitive rates
- Robust inventory, CRM, and multi-location support
Cons
- Hardware purchases can be costly upfront
- Customer support quality varies by experience
- Advanced reporting locked behind premium plans
Best For
Small to medium retail stores needing a customizable all-in-one POS with strong payment and inventory tools.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 (Mini) to $1,699 (Station Duo); monthly software from $14.95 (Retail plan); processing fees ~2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based cloud POS offering real-time inventory, employee management, and reporting.
Real-time cloud-based multi-location inventory syncing with automated reordering alerts
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform tailored for retail stores, providing tools for sales processing, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and employee scheduling. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data syncing across iPad-based hardware and offers extensive integrations via its open API marketplace. Designed for scalability, it helps retailers streamline operations and gain insights through advanced reporting and analytics.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking with real-time stock visibility across locations
- Comprehensive multi-store management and centralized reporting
- Extensive app marketplace for custom integrations and scalability
Cons
- Requires Apple iPad hardware, limiting flexibility
- Subscription pricing can add up for additional features and terminals
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Multi-location retail stores needing advanced inventory control and scalable POS operations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for core POS (billed annually), plus hardware (~$1,000+ for iPad setup) and add-ons like inventory ($50+/month).
LS Retail
enterpriseUnified commerce solution on Microsoft Dynamics for multi-store retail management and POS.
Vertical-specific extensions on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for tailored retail workflows like advanced merchandising and assortment planning.
LS Retail offers a comprehensive suite of retail management software built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, providing integrated POS, ERP, inventory management, and merchandising solutions tailored for retail verticals like grocery, fashion, pharmacy, and hardware stores. It enables seamless operations across single stores or multi-chain environments with features for real-time inventory tracking, customer loyalty programs, and advanced analytics. The platform emphasizes scalability and deep Microsoft ecosystem integration for enhanced reporting and e-commerce connectivity.
Pros
- Robust industry-specific modules for grocery, fashion, and other retail sectors
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Dynamics for ERP and POS unification
- Scalable for single stores to enterprise chains with strong analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex Dynamics foundation
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited flexibility outside Microsoft ecosystem
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains in specialized verticals like grocery or fashion needing integrated ERP and POS with Microsoft compatibility.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$10,000 annually for basic setups, scaling with users, stores, and modules.
Oracle Retail
enterpriseEnterprise suite for retail merchandising, store operations, supply chain, and analytics.
Oracle Retail Xstore's clienteling and buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) capabilities for true omnichannel unification
Oracle Retail is a comprehensive suite of enterprise software designed for retail store operations, including point-of-sale (POS) systems via Oracle Retail Xstore, inventory management, associate scheduling, and customer engagement tools. It enables unified commerce by integrating in-store experiences with online and back-office systems for seamless omnichannel retail. The platform supports large-scale retailers with advanced analytics, AI-driven personalization, and robust security features tailored for high-volume store environments.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level retail chains with multi-store support
- Deep integration with Oracle's ecosystem for ERP, merchandising, and supply chain
- Advanced AI and analytics for personalized customer experiences and demand forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring significant IT resources
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized retailers
- Customization often demands professional services adding to deployment time
Best For
Large retail enterprises with complex omnichannel needs seeking robust, integrated store management solutions.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with annual subscriptions starting at $100,000+ depending on store count and modules; requires quote.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce
enterpriseEnd-to-end cloud commerce platform with POS, e-commerce, and order management for retailers.
Omnichannel orchestration engine that synchronizes inventory, orders, and customer data across all sales channels in real-time
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce is a cloud-based omnichannel retail platform that integrates point-of-sale (POS), store operations, e-commerce, inventory management, and customer engagement into a unified system. It enables retailers to manage physical stores, online channels, and call centers seamlessly while leveraging AI-driven insights for personalized experiences and optimized operations. Ideal for scaling businesses, it connects with the broader Microsoft ecosystem for enhanced analytics and productivity.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel capabilities unifying store, online, and mobile retail
- Seamless integration with Microsoft tools like Power BI and Teams
- Advanced AI for inventory optimization and customer personalization
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity for smaller retailers
- Steep learning curve requiring training and customization
- Subscription pricing can be expensive for full feature access
Best For
Enterprise-level retail chains needing scalable, integrated omnichannel operations with strong Microsoft ecosystem ties.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$350/user/month for core Commerce licenses, plus implementation fees and add-ons for scale units or advanced modules.
SAP Retail
enterpriseIntegrated software for retail planning, store execution, and personalized customer experiences.
SAP Unified Commerce for seamless buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and real-time cross-channel inventory visibility
SAP Retail is an enterprise-grade suite from SAP designed specifically for retail store operations, offering point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, merchandising, and workforce scheduling. It provides real-time visibility across stores, warehouses, and e-commerce channels, enabling unified omnichannel experiences. The solution leverages SAP's S/4HANA platform for advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and seamless integration with broader ERP systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel capabilities with real-time inventory synchronization
- Deep integration with SAP ERP for end-to-end retail operations
- Advanced AI and analytics for demand forecasting and personalization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring extensive customization
- High upfront and ongoing costs unsuitable for small retailers
- Overly rigid for agile, mid-sized operations without IT expertise
Best For
Large multinational retail chains needing scalable, integrated enterprise solutions for complex store and supply chain management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; typically $100K+ annually for mid-tier deployments, scaling with users, stores, and modules (subscription-based).
Epicor Eagle
enterprisePOS and back-office software tailored for independent specialty retail stores.
Integrated repair and service management module tailored for jewelers, tracking intricate workflows from intake to delivery.
Epicor Eagle is a robust, enterprise-grade retail management software primarily designed for specialty retailers like jewelers and luxury goods stores. It provides comprehensive point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), purchasing, and reporting capabilities to streamline operations. The solution supports multi-store environments and integrates with accounting systems for end-to-end retail control.
Pros
- Highly specialized features for high-value inventory like jewelry repair tracking and serialization
- Powerful analytics and reporting with EagleMine BI tools
- Scalable for multi-location retail operations with strong integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization needs
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large retailers
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to modern cloud-native POS systems
Best For
Mid-sized specialty retailers, such as jewelry or luxury goods stores, needing advanced inventory control and multi-store management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 annually per location, plus implementation fees and add-ons.
Conclusion
The top 10 retail stores software tools each bring distinct value, with Lightspeed Retail leading as the top choice, combining cloud-based POS, inventory, CRM, and omnichannel capabilities. Square for Retail and Shopify POS stand out as strong alternatives—Square for its affordability and small-store focus, Shopify for seamless in-store and online sync—ensuring diverse needs are met.
Explore Lightspeed Retail to unlock streamlined operations, unified customer insights, and flexible omnichannel management, and take the first step toward enhancing your retail performance today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison