5 Best POS Systems for Retail: A Guide for Modern Shop Owners

Finding the best retail POS system can be a daunting task. An array of choices and features exist on the market.

No matter what you sell and how you sell it, there is a solution that matches your needs. In this article, we’ll dive into the top retail POS systems on the market.

Say goodbye to confusion and frustration – we’re here to guide you towards the ideal solution for your retail operations.

Best Point of Sale Systems For Retail – A Quick Look

  1. KORONA POS: Best for multi-store scalability.
  2. Square POS: Best for low volume.
  3. POS Nation: Best for grocery businesses.
  4. Lightspeed POS: Best for apparel stores.
  5. Shopify: Best for eCommerce integration.

Best For Multi-Store Scalability – KORONA POS

KORONA POS overview

KORONA POS facilitates multistore scalability by providing centralized management of multiple store locations.

Easily scale operations to more checkout lanes or more stores without compromising on efficiency or customer experience.

korona pos logo

Pros

  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Reliable performance
  • Advanced inventory management

Cons

  • Not a great fit for every vertical
  • Learning curve for all features

KORONA POS Pricing

Core

$59/mo

Retail

$69/mo

Enterprise

Custom

Key Features

  • A centralized database allows for real-time tracking of stock levels, enabling businesses to efficiently manage inventory replenishment and transfer stock between locations seamlessly.
  • Leverages cloud technology to provide convenient access and management capabilities from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Whether opening new stores or expanding existing ones, the system accommodates additional lanes without disrupting operations.

Pros

  • Comprehensive Feature Set

KORONA POS offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to meet the diverse needs of many verticals. From sales tracking to customer relationship management and employee scheduling, the platform provides robust functionality to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

  • Reliable Performance

Provides businesses with a dependable platform for day-to-day operations. Its robust infrastructure minimizes downtime and ensures steady service, even during peak hours, helping businesses maintain customer satisfaction and maximize sales opportunities.

  • Advanced Inventory Management

Excels in inventory management through its centralized database and real-time tracking capabilities. Easily monitor stock levels accurately across multiple locations. Its intuitive interface streamlines inventory replenishment and enables efficient stock transfers between stores, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.

Cons

  • Not a Great Fit for Every Vertical

KORONA POS is not perfect for every vertical. For example, it lacks the tools to needs of most clothing stores. Similarly, it may not be ideal for full-service restaurants requiring table service. Retail and quick-service restaurant businesses are the best fit.

  • Learning Curve for All Features

KORONA POS presents a learning curve for users to acquaint themselves with its advanced features. Its comprehensive functionality may require dedicated training sessions or tutorials to utilize its capabilities effectively.

Schedule a KORONA POS Demo Today

Speak with a product specialist and learn how KORONA POS can power your business needs.

Best for Low Volume Retailers – Square POS

Square POS overview


Square POS is ideal for low volume retailers due to its simplicity, affordability, and built-in processing.

With free subscriptions, Square is a cost-effective solution for retailers with lower sales volumes and more simple software demands.

square logo

Pros

  • Versatile payment options
  • Decent customer relationship management
  • Solid integration options

Cons

  • Higher credit card processing fee
  • Less hands-on setup

Square POS Pricing

Retail Free

Free subscription with 2.6% plus $0.10 for most transactions

Retail Plus

$89/mo per location

Key Features

  • Quick initial startup without hands-on assistance is excellent for small business POS.
  • Integrated payment processing streamlines the overall workflow.
  • Modern POS with an easy-to-learn interface to get up and running quickly.

Pros

  • Versatile Payment Options

Square POS provides flexibility for customers and helps businesses cater to diverse preferences. They support various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless transactions.

  • Decent Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Free plans include basic CRM functionality, enabling businesses to capture customer information, track purchase history, and build customer profiles. Retailers can leverage this data to personalize marketing campaigns, reward loyal customers, and foster long-term relationships.

  • Solid Integration Options

Offers solid integration options with various third-party applications and services. These integrations help businesses to customize and enhance their POS systems to suit their specific needs. Options include accounting software, eCommerce platforms, and marketing tools.

Cons

  • Higher Credit Card Processing Fee

Square has built-in payment processing fees. In other words, there’s no budging or working around them. For some high-volume retailers, this can be a costly expense.

  • Less Hands-On Setup

Square might not be the best choice for retailers that need more direct assistance. For more nuanced and niche setups, other solutions would be a better fit.

Best for Grocery Businesses – POS Nation

POS Nation overview

POS Nation allows for easy setup of product categories, discounts, and promotions specific to grocery store needs.

With reliable hardware options and dedicated customer support, POS Nation empowers grocery store owners to efficiently manage their inventory, sales, and customer transactions.

pos nation logo

Pros

  • Grocery store integrations
  • Solid customer service

Cons

  • No free trial

POS Nation Pricing

Pricing not currently provided on the website.

Key Features

  • POS Nation offers robust inventory management features tailored to the unique needs of grocery stores.
  • Easy tracking of stock levels, expiration dates, and supplier information From perishable goods to bulk items
  • Accommodate the needs of grocery businesses, including checkout lanes, product variations, and complex pricing structures.
  • Manage a single grocery location or multiple outlets.

Pros

  • Grocery Store Integrations

POS Nation provides integrated solutions that streamline operations and enhance customer service. The system offers a comprehensive suite of tools to optimize grocery store workflows, drive sales, and improve the shopping experience.

  • Solid Customer Service

Actual customer reviews have reported positive feedback concerning onboarding and training. Many have also said that response times and hands-on assistance have been positive.

Cons

  • Does Not Offer Free Trial

According to Capterra, POS Nation doesn’t offer any trial period. Considering the increasingly flexible trial periods from other POS providers, this may dissuade retailers.

Best for Apparel Stores – Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS overview

Lightspeed POS excels for apparel retailers with tailored features. These include size and color matrix management, customizable product categorization, and integrated inventory tracking.

Robust reporting capabilities empower apparel retailers to gain valuable insights into sales trends, optimize inventory levels, and enhance shopping experiences.

lightspeed pos logo

Pros

  • Reliable support
  • Efficient inventory management

Cons

  • Limited eCommerce integration
  • Higher cost compared to competitors

Lightspeed Pricing

Lean

$69/mo

Standard

$119/mo

Advanced

$199/mo

Key Feature

  • Tools to monitor clothing attributes such as sizes, colors, styles, and variants, ensuring precise tracking of product variations.
  • Optimize inventory levels to meet customer demand effectively, guaranteeing that the right products and sizes are readily available.
  • Specialized CRM tools tailored for apparel retailers, empowering businesses to create personalized shopping experiences that foster customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Pros

  • Efficient Inventory Management

Lightspeed is a popular POS for inventory management. It provides comprehensive features to track stock levels, manage suppliers, and streamline reordering processes. Customizable product categorization and automated inventory alerts help maintain accurate records and enhance efficiency.

  • Reliable Support

Users speak highly of Lightspeed retail POS support system. The company offers multiple channels, including live chat, phone assistance, and email tickets. Additionally, businesses benefit from personalized onboarding assistance.

Cons

  • Higher Cost Compared to Competitors

Despite offering extensive features and strong support, the cost of Lightspeed may be prohibitive for some businesses. Many alternative POS solutions offer similar functionalities at a lower price point.

  • Limited eCommerce Integration

Some users find the eCommerce lacking in depth and ease of use. Retailers may need additional third-party solutions to fulfill online selling requirements.

Best for eCommerce Integration – Shopify POS

shopify POS overview

Shopify POS helps synchronize online and offline sales channels effortlessly with it’s native eCommerce platform.

Retailers benefit from centralized order processing, streamlined customer data management, and consistent branding, for a cohesive shopping experience for both online and in-store customers.

shopify logo

Pros

  • Integration versatility
  • Quick and easy setup
  • Reliable technical support

Cons

  • Interface rigidity
  • Limited free trial duration

Shopify POS Pricing

Basic

$32/mo

Shopify

$92/mo

Advanced Shopify

$299/mo

Key Features

  • Seamlessly integrate retail POS with Shopify’s eCommerce platform for efficient inventory, orders, and customer data between all channels.
  • Provide a unified shopping experience by managing sales, marketing, and customer interactions across diverse eCommerce channels, including online storefronts and mobile platforms.
  • Comprehensive performance reporting, enabling informed decision-making to optimize sales strategies, inventory management, and overall operations.

Pros

  • Integration Versatility

Shopify POS users can access a range of partners offering services and features. These tools help businesses enhance and automate operations for efficiency.

  • Quick and Easy Setup

Businesses can swiftly commence online and in-store selling with the intuitive interface and straightforward setup process. Seamless integration with Shopify’s eCommerce platform ensures a smooth transition for merchants.

  • Reliable Technical Support

Customer reviews praise Shopify POS support, citing positive experiences with phone, chat, and email assistance channels.

Cons

  • Interface Rigidity

Retailers often seek interface customization options to optimize workflow. However, some users find the dashboard to be rigid.

  • Limited Free Trial Duration

The Shopify POS free trial lasts only three days, considerably shorter than many competitors’ trial periods.

How To Choose the Best POS For Retail

  1. Assess Business Needs: Determine your specific requirements, such as inventory management, sales analytics, and integrations with other business tools.
  2. Consider Industry Fit: Look for POS options for your industry or niche. Providers often offer specialized features of retail sectors like liquor, smoke shops, or food service.
  3. Evaluate Scalability: Choose a POS system that can grow with your business. Adding additional locations, products, and users is necessary as your operation expands.
  4. Check Compatibility: Ensure the POS system integrates seamlessly with your desired hardware and software. Try to avoid issues to streamline operations.
  5. Review User-Friendliness: Opt for a user-friendly interface that minimizes training time for staff. Look for efficient day-to-day operations and intuitive workflows to reduce errors and improve customer service.
  6. Assess Customer Support: Research the provider’s customer support options, including availability, response time, and user reviews. Reach out to ensure that they offer prompt assistance and resolution of any issues that may arise.
  7. Consider Cost: Review upfront costs, subscription fees, and transaction fees. Don’t forget any additional charges for hardware or software upgrades. Determine the most cost-effective solution for your budget.

Best Retail POS Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best POS system for retail stores?

The best POS system for a retail store depends on your store’s vertical, size, budget, and specific needs. However, some popular options known for reliability and features include KORONA POS, Square, Shopify POS, and Lightspeed Retail. Researching and comparing different systems is essential to find the one that aligns best with your business requirements.

  • How do I choose a POS system for retail?

When choosing retail POS software, consider your business size, industry-specific needs, and budget constraints. Evaluate the system’s features, such as inventory management, sales reporting, and other software integrations. Additionally, seek out user reviews, request demos, and compare pricing plans.

Conclusion

Selecting the right retail POS system is crucial for the success of any retail business. Whatever your requirements, there’s a perfect POS solution to elevate your retail business. Each solution offers unique features and benefits suited to different needs.

However, KORONA POS emerges as a standout choice for growth potential and multi-store functionality. KORONA POS provides robust features and an intuitive interface. The platform offers a seamless solution for businesses looking to expand and streamline their operations across multiple locations. Click the button below to learn more about what KORONA POS offers!

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Written By

Mahougnon Martial Amoussou

Passionate about SEO and Content Marketing. Martial also writes about retail trends and tips for KORONA POS. He loves NBA games and is a big fan of the Golden State Warriors.