Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for multi-store retail operations with real-time tracking and omnichannel support.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS and free inventory management tool tailored for small shops with stock alerts, purchase orders, and seamless hardware integration.
- 3#3: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting platforms.
- 4#4: Shopify POS - Integrated inventory management within a leading e-commerce platform supporting in-store and online sales synchronization for retail shops.
- 5#5: Cin7 - Advanced inventory management platform for scaling retailers handling multi-channel sales, warehousing, and supply chain automation.
- 6#6: inFlow Inventory - Flexible on-premise or cloud inventory software for small to medium shops with barcode scanning, purchasing, and reporting features.
- 7#7: Fishbowl Inventory - Robust inventory control system that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and retail stock management.
- 8#8: Unleashed - Cloud inventory platform focused on real-time stock visibility, multi-location support, and B2B order management for distributors and shops.
- 9#9: Katana MRP - Manufacturing resource planning software with live inventory tracking ideal for small shops producing and selling custom goods.
- 10#10: Sortly - Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and low-stock alerts in small retail environments.
These tools were chosen based on strong feature sets, user-friendly interfaces, reliability, and value, with a focus on versatility—considering factors like ease of use, integration capabilities, and alignment with different business sizes and goals.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, capabilities, and fit for different retail needs among popular shop inventory management tools, including Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Zoho Inventory, Shopify POS, and Cin7. Readers will discover insights to identify the right software for streamlining stock tracking, enhancing operations, and meeting business goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for multi-store retail operations with real-time tracking and omnichannel support. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS and free inventory management tool tailored for small shops with stock alerts, purchase orders, and seamless hardware integration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting platforms. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 |  Shopify POS Integrated inventory management within a leading e-commerce platform supporting in-store and online sales synchronization for retail shops. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Cin7 Advanced inventory management platform for scaling retailers handling multi-channel sales, warehousing, and supply chain automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | inFlow Inventory Flexible on-premise or cloud inventory software for small to medium shops with barcode scanning, purchasing, and reporting features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Fishbowl Inventory Robust inventory control system that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and retail stock management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Unleashed Cloud inventory platform focused on real-time stock visibility, multi-location support, and B2B order management for distributors and shops. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Katana MRP Manufacturing resource planning software with live inventory tracking ideal for small shops producing and selling custom goods. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Sortly Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and low-stock alerts in small retail environments. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for multi-store retail operations with real-time tracking and omnichannel support.
User-friendly POS and free inventory management tool tailored for small shops with stock alerts, purchase orders, and seamless hardware integration.
Cloud-based inventory software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting platforms.
Integrated inventory management within a leading e-commerce platform supporting in-store and online sales synchronization for retail shops.
Advanced inventory management platform for scaling retailers handling multi-channel sales, warehousing, and supply chain automation.
Flexible on-premise or cloud inventory software for small to medium shops with barcode scanning, purchasing, and reporting features.
Robust inventory control system that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and retail stock management.
Cloud inventory platform focused on real-time stock visibility, multi-location support, and B2B order management for distributors and shops.
Manufacturing resource planning software with live inventory tracking ideal for small shops producing and selling custom goods.
Visual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and low-stock alerts in small retail environments.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management system designed for multi-store retail operations with real-time tracking and omnichannel support.
Matrix inventory management for handling product variants, bundles, and kits with precise stock allocation across channels
Lightspeed Retail is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and inventory management platform tailored for brick-and-mortar retail businesses. It provides real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations, automated purchase orders, stock level alerts, and seamless integration with e-commerce channels like Shopify and WooCommerce. The software streamlines shop operations by combining sales, customer relationship management, and advanced reporting into a single intuitive dashboard.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory synchronization
- Advanced analytics and customizable reporting
- Robust omnichannel selling capabilities
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups
- Occasional integration delays with third-party apps
Best For
Multi-location retail stores seeking an all-in-one POS and inventory solution with strong e-commerce integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Lean plan (billed annually), up to $199/month for Advanced; per location pricing with add-ons for e-commerce and hardware.
Square for Retail
specializedUser-friendly POS and free inventory management tool tailored for small shops with stock alerts, purchase orders, and seamless hardware integration.
Real-time inventory syncing between in-store sales, online orders, and purchase orders with no item limits
Square for Retail is a POS-focused platform from Square that provides robust inventory management tools for retail businesses, including real-time stock tracking, low-stock alerts, and purchase order management. It supports multi-location inventory, barcode scanning, and seamless synchronization with online sales channels like Square Online. Designed for small to medium retailers, it integrates payments, sales, and inventory into one intuitive system, reducing the need for multiple tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square payments and POS
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Transaction fees apply to all sales
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Less customizable for complex inventory needs
Best For
Small to medium retail shops needing an all-in-one POS and straightforward inventory solution with minimal setup.
Pricing
Free basic POS with core inventory; Retail plan $60/month per location; Retail Advanced $89/month per location (annual billing).
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based inventory software that automates tracking, order fulfillment, and integrations with e-commerce, POS, and accounting platforms.
Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization across e-commerce platforms, POS, and warehouses
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling real-time tracking of stock across multiple warehouses and sales channels. It handles order fulfillment, purchase orders, invoicing, and barcode scanning while integrating seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce. The software also provides robust reporting tools and automation features to streamline shop operations and prevent stockouts or overstocking.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping services
- Multi-warehouse and multi-channel inventory syncing in real-time
- Comprehensive reporting, serial/batch tracking, and automation workflows
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex customizations and advanced setups
- Some features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Customer support slower for free and lower plans
Best For
Small to medium retail shops with online/offline sales channels seeking scalable inventory control and Zoho ecosystem integration.
Pricing
Free plan (up to 20 orders/month); paid plans start at $59/month for Standard (billed annually), up to $249/month for Elite.
Shopify POS
enterpriseIntegrated inventory management within a leading e-commerce platform supporting in-store and online sales synchronization for retail shops.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization across e-commerce and physical stores
Shopify POS is an integrated point-of-sale system that excels in shop inventory management by providing real-time synchronization of stock levels across online stores and physical retail locations. It supports multi-location inventory tracking, product variants, low-stock alerts, and purchase order management, making it ideal for omnichannel retailers. The platform automates inventory updates during sales and returns, reducing discrepancies and manual work.
Pros
- Seamless real-time inventory syncing between online and in-store sales
- Multi-location support for businesses with multiple stores
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go inventory management
Cons
- Requires a paid Shopify subscription for full access
- Advanced reporting and analytics may need third-party apps
- Less specialized for complex B2B inventory compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Omnichannel retailers with online and physical stores needing unified, real-time inventory control.
Pricing
Free POS Lite with any Shopify plan (starting at $29/month); POS Pro add-on at $89/month per location.
Cin7
enterpriseAdvanced inventory management platform for scaling retailers handling multi-channel sales, warehousing, and supply chain automation.
Real-time omnichannel inventory syncing across 700+ connectors, preventing overselling even in high-volume, multi-warehouse setups
Cin7 is a robust inventory management platform tailored for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers, offering real-time stock tracking across e-commerce, POS, marketplaces, and physical stores. It centralizes order fulfillment, automates procurement, and provides advanced reporting with seamless integrations to over 700 apps including Shopify, Amazon, Xero, and QuickBooks. Designed for scaling businesses, Cin7 eliminates silos by syncing inventory, sales, and purchases in one dashboard.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 700+ platforms for true omnichannel sync
- Advanced multi-location inventory and procurement automation
- Powerful reporting and B2B portal for wholesale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing with per-order fees that add up for high-volume users
- Occasional performance lags during peak times
Best For
Growing multi-channel retailers and wholesalers managing complex inventory across online, in-store, and B2B sales.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core plan (billed annually), plus $0.20-$0.50 per order; higher tiers like Pro ($599/month) and Enterprise (custom) available.
inFlow Inventory
specializedFlexible on-premise or cloud inventory software for small to medium shops with barcode scanning, purchasing, and reporting features.
Real-time multi-location inventory syncing with offline mobile support
inFlow Inventory is a robust inventory management software tailored for small to medium-sized retail shops, warehouses, and distributors. It provides tools for real-time stock tracking across multiple locations, purchase order management, barcode scanning, and sales processing. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, offering customizable reporting and mobile accessibility.
Pros
- Multi-location inventory tracking with real-time synchronization
- Strong mobile app for barcode scanning and on-the-go management
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small shops
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features
- Limited customization options in lower plans
Best For
Small to medium retail shops and warehouses requiring multi-location stock control and e-commerce integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month (Starter, 1 user), $159/month (Professional, 3 users), $289/month (Premium, unlimited users); 50% off first 3 months and annual discounts available.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseRobust inventory control system that integrates deeply with QuickBooks for manufacturing and retail stock management.
Advanced manufacturing and BOM management with real-time cost tracking
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, on-premise and cloud-based inventory management software tailored for warehouses, distributors, and manufacturers, offering real-time tracking, order fulfillment, and multi-location support. It excels in handling complex inventory processes like bill of materials (BOM), serial/lot tracking, and manufacturing workflows, with strong integrations to QuickBooks, Shopify, and other platforms. For shop inventory management, it provides advanced tools for pick-pack-ship operations and barcode scanning, making it suitable for retail shops with deeper inventory needs beyond basic POS systems.
Pros
- Powerful features for multi-location tracking, BOM, and serial/lot control
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and e-commerce platforms
- Scalable for growing shops with warehouse-like inventory demands
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront costs for on-premise version
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native tools
Best For
Mid-sized retail shops or distributors needing advanced inventory control, manufacturing support, and QuickBooks integration.
Pricing
On-premise starts at $4,395 one-time license + 20% annual maintenance; cloud Fishbowl Warehouse from $439/month (billed annually).
Unleashed
specializedCloud inventory platform focused on real-time stock visibility, multi-location support, and B2B order management for distributors and shops.
Advanced batch, serial, and expiry date tracking for precise inventory control in perishable or serialized goods environments
Unleashed is a cloud-based inventory management software tailored for wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers, and distributors handling physical goods. It provides real-time stock tracking across multiple locations, automates purchase and sales orders, and supports light manufacturing with bill of materials. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like Xero, helping businesses optimize stock levels and reduce manual errors.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking prevents stockouts and overstocking
- Robust integrations with 100+ platforms including Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
- Unlimited users and scalable for growing shop operations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume, less ideal for very small shops
- Steep learning curve for advanced manufacturing and reporting features
- Custom reporting lacks deep customization without add-ons
Best For
Medium-sized retail shops and distributors needing scalable, multi-channel inventory control with strong integrations.
Pricing
Starts at ~$85 USD/month for entry-level (up to 120 orders/month), scales to $500+/month for higher volumes; custom enterprise quotes.
Katana MRP
specializedManufacturing resource planning software with live inventory tracking ideal for small shops producing and selling custom goods.
Live MRP engine that automatically generates production plans from orders and inventory data
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software designed for small to medium-sized makers and workshops, providing real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order management. It supports bill of materials (BOM) creation, multi-location inventory, and automatic production planning based on sales orders and stock levels. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce tools like Shopify and accounting software like QuickBooks, making it ideal for shops balancing manufacturing and sales.
Pros
- Real-time multi-location inventory tracking prevents stockouts
- Visual production planning dashboard simplifies scheduling
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams or advanced needs
- Learning curve for complex BOMs and manufacturing workflows
- Reporting and analytics are basic in entry-level plans
Best For
Small to medium manufacturing shops needing integrated inventory control and production planning alongside sales fulfillment.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Cloud plan, up to 5 users), $299/month (Scale plan), custom Enterprise; 14-day free trial.
Sortly
specializedVisual inventory app using photos and QR codes for simple stock organization and low-stock alerts in small retail environments.
Visual inventory catalog with photo thumbnails and folder organization
Sortly is a visual inventory management software designed for small businesses and shops, using photos, barcodes, and QR codes to create an intuitive catalog of items. It enables tracking of stock levels, locations, custom fields, low-stock alerts, and basic reporting across multiple sites via a user-friendly mobile app. While effective for simple inventory organization, it lacks deep sales integration or advanced retail analytics.
Pros
- Visual photo-based catalog for quick item recognition
- Excellent mobile app with barcode/QR scanning
- Multi-location support and low-stock notifications
Cons
- Limited integrations and no native POS system
- Basic reporting without advanced analytics
- Item limits on entry-level plans
Best For
Small retail shops and boutiques needing simple, visual inventory tracking on the go.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 items; Starter at $29/month (500 items), Advanced at $59/month (7,500 items), Plus at $99/month (unlimited).
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 shop inventory management tools, Lightspeed Retail secures the top spot with its comprehensive cloud-based system, offering real-time tracking and omnichannel support that excels for multi-store operations. Square for Retail stands out as a user-friendly choice for small shops, with stock alerts, purchase order features, and easy hardware integration, while Zoho Inventory impresses with its automation of tracking, order fulfillment, and integrations with e-commerce and accounting platforms. Each of the top three brings unique strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for diverse business needs.
Ready to streamline your inventory? Start with Lightspeed Retail to leverage its robust features, or explore Square for Retail or Zoho Inventory if simplicity or automation better align with your goals—any of these tools will help transform how you manage stock.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison