Best POS Systems for Retail Stores
Retail stores need POS systems that handle inventory management, customer tracking, and increasingly omnichannel sales. The right system manages stock levels, supports multiple payment types, and provides insights into sales performance.
Common Challenges
Must-Have Features
- ✓Inventory tracking
- ✓Barcode scanning
- ✓Customer profiles
- ✓Multiple payment methods
- ✓Returns processing
- ✓Sales reporting
Nice-to-Have Features
- ○E-commerce sync
- ○Multi-location inventory
- ○Loyalty program
- ○Purchase orders
- ○Staff scheduling
Top Picks for Best POS Systems for Retail Stores
Shopify POS
Best for omnichannel retail
Best for: Retail with e-commerce
Lightspeed
Excellent inventory management
Best for: Larger retail operations
Square
Great for small retail
Best for: Small to mid-size stores
Clover
Good all-around retail
Best for: Stores wanting dedicated hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best POS for a retail store starting out?
Square for Retail is ideal for small stores—free software, affordable hardware, and easy setup. As you grow, Shopify or Lightspeed offer more robust inventory and multi-location features.
How do I handle inventory across store and online?
Shopify excels here—inventory syncs automatically between online store and POS. Square and Lightspeed also offer e-commerce sync. Key is choosing one system that handles both channels natively.