Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lightspeed Retail - Cloud-based POS and retail management platform with advanced inventory, CRM, purchasing, and multi-store support.
- 2#2: Square for Retail - User-friendly POS system offering payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and employee management for small to medium stores.
- 3#3: Shopify POS - Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online inventory, orders, and customer data seamlessly.
- 4#4: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software ecosystem with apps for inventory, loyalty programs, and custom store workflows.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-centric cloud POS for retail with real-time reporting, inventory management, and extensive third-party integrations.
- 6#6: Cin7 - Advanced inventory and order management software with POS integrations for multi-channel retail operations.
- 7#7: LS Central - Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce solution for POS, store operations, and centralized retail management.
- 8#8: Retail Pro - Global retail management suite with POS, merchandising, and supply chain tools for international store networks.
- 9#9: Epicor Eagle - Specialized POS and inventory system designed for specialty retail like jewelry and apparel stores.
- 10#10: Oracle Retail Xstore - Enterprise-grade POS and store operations platform with advanced analytics and mobility for large retailers.
Tools were evaluated on features (including inventory tracking, CRM, and multi-channel integration), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they address diverse business needs, from small boutiques to large retail networks.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top store management system software, including Lightspeed Retail, Square for Retail, Shopify POS, Clover, and Revel Systems, to guide businesses in finding the right fit for their operations. Readers will discover key features, pricing details, and ideal use cases, helping them streamline inventory, sales, and customer management effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightspeed Retail Cloud-based POS and retail management platform with advanced inventory, CRM, purchasing, and multi-store support. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Square for Retail User-friendly POS system offering payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and employee management for small to medium stores. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 |  Shopify POS Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online inventory, orders, and customer data seamlessly. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software ecosystem with apps for inventory, loyalty programs, and custom store workflows. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-centric cloud POS for retail with real-time reporting, inventory management, and extensive third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Cin7 Advanced inventory and order management software with POS integrations for multi-channel retail operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | LS Central Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce solution for POS, store operations, and centralized retail management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Retail Pro Global retail management suite with POS, merchandising, and supply chain tools for international store networks. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Epicor Eagle Specialized POS and inventory system designed for specialty retail like jewelry and apparel stores. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Oracle Retail Xstore Enterprise-grade POS and store operations platform with advanced analytics and mobility for large retailers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Cloud-based POS and retail management platform with advanced inventory, CRM, purchasing, and multi-store support.
User-friendly POS system offering payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and employee management for small to medium stores.
Omnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online inventory, orders, and customer data seamlessly.
Flexible POS hardware and software ecosystem with apps for inventory, loyalty programs, and custom store workflows.
iPad-centric cloud POS for retail with real-time reporting, inventory management, and extensive third-party integrations.
Advanced inventory and order management software with POS integrations for multi-channel retail operations.
Microsoft Dynamics-based unified commerce solution for POS, store operations, and centralized retail management.
Global retail management suite with POS, merchandising, and supply chain tools for international store networks.
Specialized POS and inventory system designed for specialty retail like jewelry and apparel stores.
Enterprise-grade POS and store operations platform with advanced analytics and mobility for large retailers.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseCloud-based POS and retail management platform with advanced inventory, CRM, purchasing, and multi-store support.
Real-time omnichannel inventory synchronization that prevents overselling across physical stores and online channels
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and retail management system designed for brick-and-mortar stores, offering comprehensive tools for sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. It excels in omnichannel retail by integrating in-store operations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce for seamless online-offline synchronization. The platform provides advanced analytics, multi-location support, and customizable reporting to drive business growth and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Robust omnichannel capabilities syncing inventory across stores and online channels
- Advanced inventory management with matrix support for variants like sizes/colors
- Scalable for multi-location operations with real-time analytics and reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization features
- Customer support can have occasional delays during peak times
Best For
Multi-location retailers needing a unified POS and e-commerce management system to scale operations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per register (Essential plan), with Plus at $109, Pro at $159, and custom Enterprise pricing.
Square for Retail
enterpriseUser-friendly POS system offering payments, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and employee management for small to medium stores.
Real-time inventory syncing across physical stores, online sales, and multiple locations with automatic low-stock notifications.
Square for Retail is a cloud-based store management system that combines point-of-sale (POS) functionality with advanced inventory tracking, employee management, and sales analytics tailored for brick-and-mortar retailers. It supports real-time stock monitoring, purchase orders, vendor management, and multi-location operations, making it scalable for growing businesses. The platform integrates seamlessly with Square's payment processing and e-commerce tools for unified omnichannel retail management.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal setup time and mobile accessibility
- Robust inventory tools including low-stock alerts, modifiers, and purchase orders
- No long-term contracts and seamless integration with Square POS hardware
Cons
- Monthly subscription required for full retail features ($60/location)
- Transaction processing fees (2.6% + 10¢ per swipe) can accumulate for high-volume sales
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail businesses needing an affordable, user-friendly all-in-one system for POS, inventory, and staff management.
Pricing
Free basic POS; Retail plan starts at $60/month per location; plus 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
Shopify POS
enterpriseOmnichannel POS that syncs in-store sales with online inventory, orders, and customer data seamlessly.
Real-time unified inventory sync across online store and multiple physical locations
Shopify POS is a robust point-of-sale system integrated with the Shopify e-commerce platform, enabling retailers to handle in-store transactions, inventory management, and customer data synchronization across online and physical channels. It supports a variety of hardware like card readers and receipt printers, while offering real-time sales reporting and staff management tools. Designed for scalability, it caters to small shops up to enterprise-level operations with customizable checkout experiences.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify online store for unified inventory and customer data
- Mobile-first design with intuitive interface and offline mode support
- Extensive app marketplace for added functionality like loyalty programs
Cons
- POS Pro tier required for advanced features like staff permissions, adding to costs
- Heavy reliance on Shopify ecosystem limits standalone flexibility
- Hardware compatibility can require additional purchases or setup
Best For
Omnichannel retailers who need to synchronize online and in-store operations effortlessly.
Pricing
POS Lite free with any Shopify plan ($29+/month); POS Pro $89/month per location.
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS hardware and software ecosystem with apps for inventory, loyalty programs, and custom store workflows.
The Clover App Market, offering over 500 third-party apps for seamless customization without coding.
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small to medium-sized retail, restaurant, and service businesses, offering integrated hardware and cloud-based software for processing payments, managing inventory, tracking sales, and handling employee scheduling. It features a robust App Market with over 500 third-party apps for customization, including loyalty programs, e-commerce integrations, and advanced reporting. Clover streamlines store operations by providing real-time data syncing across devices and locations, making it suitable for multi-store management.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile app support
- Extensive App Market for tailored integrations and expansions
- Reliable payment processing with competitive rates and PCI compliance
Cons
- Hardware costs can be high upfront
- Advanced features often require additional apps or premium plans
- Reporting is basic in lower tiers, needing add-ons for depth
Best For
Small retail shops, quick-service restaurants, and service-based businesses seeking an all-in-one POS with easy customization.
Pricing
Hardware from $499+; software plans start at $14.95/month per device (Register plan), plus 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction; higher tiers like Retail ($49.85/mo) and Restaurant ($99.85/mo).
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-centric cloud POS for retail with real-time reporting, inventory management, and extensive third-party integrations.
Real-time cloud synchronization enabling instant data access and inventory updates across all locations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and store management platform tailored for retail, restaurants, and quick-service businesses. It provides comprehensive tools for inventory management, sales processing, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and advanced reporting. The iOS-native system supports multi-location operations with real-time data syncing and extensive third-party integrations.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking and multi-location support
- Powerful analytics and customizable reporting
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce and accounting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS systems
- Requires iOS devices, limiting hardware flexibility
- Steep initial setup for complex operations
Best For
Growing multi-location retail and restaurant businesses needing scalable POS with strong inventory and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per location (Starter plan), up to $299+/month for Enterprise; hardware and add-ons extra.
Cin7
enterpriseAdvanced inventory and order management software with POS integrations for multi-channel retail operations.
Unlimited integrations with 150+ e-commerce, POS, ERP, and accounting tools for true omnichannel synchronization
Cin7 is a robust inventory management and operations platform tailored for multi-channel retailers and wholesalers, centralizing stock visibility across e-commerce, POS, marketplaces, and B2B sales. It automates order processing, procurement, fulfillment, and reporting while integrating with over 150 platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Xero. Designed for scaling businesses, it handles complex supply chains with real-time data synchronization and advanced automation.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 150+ platforms for seamless multi-channel management
- Real-time inventory tracking and 3-way matching for accurate stock control
- Comprehensive reporting and B2B portal for wholesale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for full utilization
- High pricing that may overwhelm small businesses
- Occasional performance lags with very large datasets
Best For
Growing multi-channel retailers and wholesalers with complex inventory needs across online, in-store, and B2B channels.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Starter (billed annually), $599/month for Professional, with custom Enterprise plans; includes unlimited users and orders.
LS Central
enterpriseMicrosoft Dynamics-based unified commerce solution for POS, store operations, and centralized retail management.
Native integration with Dynamics 365 Business Central for true end-to-end retail ERP in a single, real-time database
LS Central is an all-in-one retail management solution from LS Retail, built natively on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, unifying point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, merchandising, customer engagement, and workforce scheduling across stores, online, and mobile channels. It provides real-time visibility and scalability for retail chains, supporting industries like grocery, fashion, pharmacy, and hardware. The platform enables seamless omnichannel operations with advanced analytics and automation to optimize store performance.
Pros
- Comprehensive unified platform covering POS, inventory, CRM, and more in one system
- Deep integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for robust ERP capabilities
- Scalable for multi-store chains with real-time data and multi-language/currency support
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring certified partners and time
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Premium pricing may not suit small retailers
Best For
Mid-to-large retail chains needing a scalable, integrated store management system with strong Microsoft ecosystem ties.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $5,000/month for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users, stores, and modules.
Retail Pro
enterpriseGlobal retail management suite with POS, merchandising, and supply chain tools for international store networks.
Prism analytics engine providing advanced, real-time business intelligence across all retail channels
Retail Pro is a robust enterprise-level retail management software suite tailored for multi-store and international retailers, offering point-of-sale (POS), inventory control, customer management, and merchandising tools. It supports omnichannel operations, including e-commerce integration and mobile POS, to unify sales across channels. The platform excels in scalability and customization, with strong analytics via its Prism dashboard for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-store and multi-channel management capabilities
- Powerful reporting and analytics with real-time insights
- Strong support for global operations including multi-currency and multi-language
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Dated user interface in some modules
- High costs for implementation and customization
Best For
Multi-location retailers with complex, international operations needing scalable and highly customizable store management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per store for software licenses plus implementation fees, with subscription options around $100-300/month per location.
Epicor Eagle
enterpriseSpecialized POS and inventory system designed for specialty retail like jewelry and apparel stores.
Advanced repair workbench and style matrix inventory tailored for jewelry variations
Epicor Eagle is a robust store management system tailored for specialty retail, particularly jewelers and luxury goods stores, offering integrated point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, CRM, purchasing, and repair tracking. It supports multi-location operations with real-time data synchronization, advanced matrix inventory for variable items like sizes and metals, and comprehensive reporting tools. Designed for on-premise or cloud deployment, it streamlines daily operations while providing scalability for growing businesses.
Pros
- Specialized jewelry and specialty retail features like matrix inventory and repair workbench
- Strong multi-store support with centralized reporting
- Reliable POS and integrated CRM for customer loyalty
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Dated user interface compared to modern cloud-native solutions
- High customization costs and quote-based pricing
Best For
Specialty retailers such as jewelry stores needing advanced inventory control and repair management across multiple locations.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start around $10,000-$20,000 plus annual maintenance (20-25%), or cloud subscriptions from $500+/month per store.
Oracle Retail Xstore
enterpriseEnterprise-grade POS and store operations platform with advanced analytics and mobility for large retailers.
Unified Store Fulfillment Engine for real-time order orchestration across POS, inventory, and e-commerce channels
Oracle Retail Xstore is a robust point-of-sale (POS) and store management system designed for mid-to-large retailers, offering unified commerce capabilities including transactions, inventory management, customer engagement, and store fulfillment. It integrates seamlessly with Oracle's broader retail suite, enabling omnichannel experiences like buy online pickup in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store. The platform supports both cloud and on-premises deployments, with mobile POS options for flexibility in store operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel support for seamless in-store and online integration
- Scalable for enterprise-level retail chains with strong Oracle ecosystem compatibility
- Advanced clienteling and personalization tools to enhance customer loyalty
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity requiring significant IT resources
- Steep learning curve for store associates due to feature depth
- Custom pricing lacks transparency, often prohibitive for smaller retailers
Best For
Enterprise retailers with multiple locations needing integrated POS, inventory, and customer management in an omnichannel environment.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically subscription-based starting at $10,000+ annually per store, plus implementation fees.
Conclusion
The reviewed store management systems offer a range of solutions, from comprehensive retail platforms to specialized tools. Leading the pack, Lightspeed Retail stands out as the top choice with its advanced inventory, CRM, and multi-store capabilities. Square for Retail and Shopify POS are strong alternatives, catering to user-friendly needs and omnichannel operations respectively, ensuring there’s a fit for diverse business sizes and workflows.
To streamline your store operations and unlock growth, begin with Lightspeed Retail—its all-in-one approach can transform how you manage inventory, sales, and customer relationships.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison