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Retail management software streamlines everything from barcode-driven inventory tracking to mobile POS transactions, purchase order accuracy, and cross-channel reporting—helping you run your store smarter and boost profit.

The right platform eliminates system slowdowns, so you can keep shelves stocked and customers happy in real time.

After years in global shipping, warehouse ops, and ecommerce, I’ve put top retail management software to the test.

Here, I’ll show you which tools deliver results and how to pick the best one for your business.

Comparing the Best Retail Management Software, Side-by-Side

Need the short version? The table below distills each retail management software pick into a one-line “best for,” trial details, and starting price. Skim it for a quick fit check on POS speed, inventory control, or omnichannel support—then dive deeper where it counts.

The Best Retail Management Software, Reviewed

The reviews that follow break down how each platform handles real-world workflows: barcode accuracy, mobile POS uptime, order management, and cross-channel reporting. I kept the tool blurbs intact but added context on functionality, pricing quirks, and who should (or shouldn’t) put it in their tech stack.

Best for enterprise retailers

  • Free demo
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

Oracle Retail offers retail-specific applications and solutions offered by Oracle Corporation designed to help retailers manage their retail operations.

Why I picked Oracle Retail: Oracle Retail is an excellent choice for enterprises due to its robust features tailored to meet the complex needs of large-scale retail operations. Firstly, Oracle Retail offers scalability, allowing enterprises to handle a high volume of products, stores, and transactions. Its ability to manage extensive operations makes it an ideal solution for enterprises with a substantial footprint and diverse product offerings. Secondly, Oracle Retail provides end-to-end functionality that covers various aspects of the retail value chain. These range from merchandising and inventory management to pricing, promotions, and customer experience.

Oracle Retail Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include advanced analytics and reporting capabilities. Oracle Retail allows enterprises to gain deep insights into their operations, sales performance, customer behavior, and profitability. Their support and professional services are well-established, ensuring that enterprises receive the necessary assistance, implementation support, and ongoing maintenance required for their complex operations.

Integrations include Salesforce, SAP, Shopify, Snowflake, and Workday. You can also use Oracle APIs for third-party integrations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities
  • Natively integrates with other Oracle solutions
  • Can handle the complex operations of large-scale enterprises

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Ongoing use requires technical expertise

Best for retail cash flow management

  • Free plan available
  • From $199/month
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

Settle is a financial management platform designed to help businesses in the retail CPG sector manage their payments, cash flow, and vendor relationships.

Why I picked Settle: Settle provides tools for managing back-end operations of retail, like inventory levels and vendor payments. You can easily keep track of your stock levels and set up automatic payments for your recurring purchases. The platform also helps keep track of your business's cash flow with features like flexible payment scheduling and financing options to ensure you can meet your vendor obligations while maintaining control over your finances. Settle even provides detailed analytics to give you insights into how your cash flow is performing over time. 

Settle Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include AP automation that simplifies the process of tracking and managing invoices, ensuring timely payments and reducing manual errors. This feature is particularly beneficial if you handle a high volume of transactions. Additionally, Settle's purchase order management tools enhance procurement processes and help maintain appropriate levels of inventory.

Integrations include QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Shopify, Amazon, Cin7, Google, and Xero.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive financial dashboard
  • Automated invoice management
  • Inventory management and forecasting

Cons:

  • Could offer more customization for specific workflows
  • Complex setup

New Product Updates from Settle

July 27 2025
Shared Visibility: The Key to Supply Chain Success

Settle has launched powerful new features, milestones and multiple shipments, designed to bring clarity, transparency, and true partnership to the supply chain process. With these features, brands and vendors can finally align on timelines and expectations without the frustrating back-and-forth. More details at Settle's blog.

Best for real-time stock notifications

  • Unlimited free trial available
  • From $59/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

KORONA POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed for a wide range of retail and service businesses, including small businesses and multi-location enterprises. It offers a comprehensive suite of features such as inventory management, customer relationship management, and reporting analytics, all aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Why I picked KORONA POS: I like its robust inventory management system, which includes real-time stock notifications, automated reordering, and easy data import. These features simplify the task of maintaining optimal inventory levels across multiple store locations. The software also offers tools for loss prevention, such as detailed tracking of product theft and shrinkage, safeguarding the business against unnecessary losses. 

KORONA POS Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include CRM capabilities like customizable loyalty programs and promotions, advanced reporting and analytics for sales performance, inventory movement, and customer behavior, and multi-location support. It also offers an ecommerce integration to connect with online stores.

Integrations include CMS Max, Clearent, Bookkeep, Octopus Bridge, Card Market, Bottlecapps, bLoyal, BlockChyp, Sekure, NearSt, Groc, BOLD Integrated Payments, BLUbeem, LineupApp, Microsoft Excel, WooCommerce, QuickBooks Online Advanced, and Adobe Commerce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scalable for single terminals, multi-location operations, and franchises
  • Cloud-based flexibility
  • Detailed inventory management features

Cons:

  • Potential slow performance when using the system on tablets
  • Limited offline functionality

New Product Updates from KORONA POS

KORONA POS Enhances Reporting Tools for Better Tracking
KORONA POS adds a time column to the Cancellation Report for better audit tracking.
November 2 2025
KORONA POS Enhances Reporting Tools for Better Tracking

KORONA POS has updated its reporting tools with new grouping, columns, and time-tracking features to improve data visibility across discounts, stock, and cancellations. For more information, visit KORONA POS's official site.

Best for retailers needing POS software

  • Free 14 days trial
  • From $99/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4/5

Vend is a cloud-based retail POS (point-of-sale) and inventory management software. It provides businesses with tools to manage sales, track inventory, process payments, and analyze data. 

Why I picked Vend: I picked Vend for this list because it can accommodate retailers of all sizes and types, from small businesses to multi-location enterprises. It offers flexibility to handle various retail environments, including offline stores, e-commerce platforms, and mobile sales. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of retailers, from boutique shops to large-scale operations. Vend integrates with various payment processors, allowing retailers to accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments, and gift cards. 

Vend Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include industry-standard security measures such as encryption, data backups, and secure cloud infrastructure to safeguard information from unauthorized access and data loss. This ensures that your data is protected from potential security threats and vulnerabilities.

Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks Online, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Shopify, MailChimp, Homebase, Deputy, NetSuite, and Ecwid. You can also get additional integrations through Vend API.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The point of sale system has a simple layout
  • Integrates with several payment partners
  • Flexible and easy-to-use interface

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited customizations

Best for warehouse management

  • Free plan available
  • From $29 per organization/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software that helps businesses efficiently track and manage their inventory across multiple warehouses or locations. With features such as order management, warehouse organization, barcode scanning, and integration with other Zoho applications, Zoho Inventory provides businesses with the tools they need to enhance overall inventory control.

Why I picked Zoho Inventory: Zoho Inventory is best for warehouse management. With features like batch tracking, serial number tracking, and multi-location inventory management, Zoho Inventory offers granular control over stock movement and visibility. Additionally, it enables users to manage multiple warehouses across multiple countries. The software also helps analyze the delivery distance so that you can identify the warehouse closest to the delivery location.

Zoho Inventory Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include reporting and analytics features that help generate reports on stock movement, backorders, demand forecasting, and warehouse performance. Warehouse performance is a particular useful feature, as you can gather data on product placement, picking speeds, and facility management. 

Integrations include Shopify, ZohoCommerce, AmazonServices, Bond, Amazon, Etsy, Google Shopping, Google Contacts, MailChimp, and ActiveCampaign. You can also get additional integrations through Zoho Inventory API and Zapier.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides several shipping features
  • Provides native integration to Shopify
  • The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate

Cons:

  • Lacks customization features
  • No forecasting feature

Best for cross-module workflows

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Acumatica Cloud ERP is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning software that provides a comprehensive suite of business management solutions. It includes modules for various business functions across different industries, including retail.

Why I picked Acumatica Cloud ERP: Acumatica Cloud ERP provides a retail management software solution that integrates various aspects of retail operations, including inventory management, order management, point-of-sale (POS), and customer relationship management (CRM). The system is designed to manage omni-channel orders, inventory, picking-packing-shipping, returns, customer support, and accounting from a single dashboard. It offers connectivity with web stores and POS systems, aiming to provide a consistent customer experience across all sales channels. 

Acumatica Cloud ERP Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include cross-module workflows that integrate accounting, purchasing, sales, and customer management all in one place. Other features include payroll management, a warehouse management system, a customer self-service portal, and robust data analytics and reporting.

Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, Smartsheet, Celigo, BigCommerce, DocuSign, Velixo, Heuristyc, Transcard, ShipEngine, ADP, EazyStock, DataSelf Corp, 1Retail, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed reporting features
  • Highly scalable
  • Extensive customization

Cons:

  • Customization options may be complex
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for end-to-end retail management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

At its core, Brightpearl provides a centralized platform that integrates key aspects of retail management, including inventory management, order processing, customer relationship management, and accounting.

Why I picked Brightpearl: I chose Brightpearl because it helps retailers manage various aspects of their business, such as inventory, orders, customer data and so on. Its inventory management feature helps businesses maintain accurate records of inventory and order data across all channels. It enables businesses to process and manage orders efficiently, including order creation, payment processing, and shipping. It also provides real-time visibility into order status, supports partial shipments, and automates order workflows.

Brightpearl Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include a robust and real-time inventory management system that synchronizes inventory levels across various sales channels, including online marketplaces, ecommerce platforms, and physical stores. This is crucial for businesses dealing with a large number of transactions. 

Integrations include Amazon, BigCommerce, Shopify, Walmart, eBay, Magento, MailChimp, Stripe, CommerceHub, and Square. You can also get additional integrations through Brightpearl API.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with ecommerce platforms like Shopify
  • Intuitive interface
  • Good inventory management feature

Cons:

  • Pricing details are not transparent
  • Steep learning curve for new users

Best for field team management

  • No free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

Repsly is a field team management and retail execution platform that equips consumer goods brands and merchandisers to streamline store visits, merchandising audits, and promotional execution.

It combines mobile tools, AI image recognition, and analytics to capture shelf data and monitor performance, helping teams improve compliance, reduce stockouts, and react quickly to retail issues.

Why I picked Repsly:

I love how Repsly keeps field teams focused on selling rather than paperwork. Its AI‑powered shelf recognition turns photos into actionable insights, so reps can spot out-of-stocks and planogram issues without squinting at reports.

The mobile app makes scheduling and route planning painless, while dashboards give sales and ops leaders a real‑time look at execution quality and SKU availability.

If you need a full‑blown POS or inventory system, you might pair Repsly with other tools—but for managing field reps and merchandising, it’s hard to beat.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include AI image recognition for shelf audits, remote check‑in and scheduling tools, merchandising workflows for planogram compliance, and real‑time performance dashboards.

Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Google Sheets, and other popular CRM and accounting platforms.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Simplifies collecting survey data and store feedback through easy-to-use forms.
  • Streamlines management of field sales across a wide retail footprint.
  • Improves visibility into field agents’ daily performance and accomplishments.

Cons:

  • Creating and editing forms can be time-consuming and unintuitive.
  • If a rep checks in at the wrong location, submissions can’t be reassigned.

Best for table-service restaurants

  • Free demo available
  • From $99/mo
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

Revel Systems is a cloud‑based point‑of‑sale and retail management platform that streamlines front‑of‑house and back‑office operations for restaurants and multi‑location retailers.

It unifies order taking, inventory, customer data and analytics, helping teams reduce service delays, prevent stockouts and keep records clean.

Why I picked Revel Systems:

I like Revel because it’s built for busy table‑service restaurants and chains that need more than a basic POS.

The platform’s offline mode ensures orders keep flowing even if the internet dies—no more hand‑written tickets or lost revenue. Its comprehensive reporting and analytics dashboard helps you spot sales trends, high‑margin items, and operational bottlenecks without crunching spreadsheets.

Add built‑in loyalty and marketing tools and you’ve got a system that doesn’t just ring up tickets—it drives repeat business. Revel’s integrated online ordering and mobile ordering features let you tap into the curbside pick‑up and delivery boom. You can accept QR code payments at the table, manage tips and tabs, and automatically sync orders to the kitchen and accounting systems.

However, the tool is robust, so it’s best suited for teams that need multi‑location control and are ready to invest time into setup. If you’re a very small retailer with simple needs, a lighter POS might be easier to maintain.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include offline processing, tips and tabs for restaurant service, integrated mobile and online ordering with QR code payments, advanced security with EMV and PCI‑validated encryption, and a marketplace for add‑on modules.

Integrations include BigCommerce, Shopify, WooCommerce, Acumatica ERP, Amazon, eBay, Twilio, Como Loyalty, DoorDash Marketplace, Uber Eats, QuickBooks Online, and Mailchimp.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports various payment methods for a smooth customer experience.
  • Robust reporting and analytics help teams make smarter decisions.
  • Integrates inventory, sales, and customer data in a single dashboard.

Cons:

  • Some reviews mention syncing problems and lost transactions.
  • Users cite unresponsive customer service and miscommunication.

Best for direct integration to NetSuite ERP

  • Free demo
  • $999/month + $99/month/user

NetSuite SuiteCommerce is one of the modules of NetSuite ERP. Since it natively integrates with the ERP platform, all the information lives in your ecommerce website and ERP.

Why I picked NetSuite SuiteCommerce: SuiteCommerce pre-integration with NetSuite ERP provides several benefits. First, it directly connects with other NetSuite tools, so you won't have to build manual integrations. The integration between SuiteCommerce and NetSuite ERP enables real-time inventory management. When a customer orders through SuiteCommerce, the inventory levels are automatically updated in NetSuite ERP. This allows businesses to accurately see stock levels, avoid overselling, and optimize inventory replenishment.

NetSuite SuiteCommerce Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include a highly flexible and customizable storefront that allows businesses to create unique and branded e-commerce experiences. It provides tools for designing and managing web pages, templates, themes, and content, empowering businesses to tailor the look and feel of their online stores.

Integrations include Georgias, Hubspot, Klavyio, Mailchimp, Yotpo Product Reviews, LiveChat, Justuno, Brightpearl, ShipStation, Quickbooks Online, Acumatica, and other software.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides analytics and reporting tools
  • Multi-channel support for diverse sales channels
  • Native integration with NetSuite ERP

Cons:

  • Pricing may be a barrier for small businesses
  • Steep learning curve for new users

Best for enhancing customer loyalty

  • Free account; just pay for processing fees
  • From 0.15% + 8¢ per transaction plus hardware costs

Payline Data offers a range of point-of-sale (POS) systems designed to enhance your retail operations. By partnering with top brands like Clover, NCR, Oracle/Micros, and Vend, Payline provides solutions that cater to various business needs.

Why I picked Payline Data: One reason I like Payline Data is its ability to increase customer loyalty through options like rewards programs, gift cards, email campaigns, and product ordering. Implementing these features can help you retain customers and encourage repeat business. I also like how its features simplify day-to-day operations. With tools for tracking inventory, managing employees, and running both default and custom reports, you can gain better control over your business processes.

Payline Data Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include the flexibility to choose from popular POS systems, allowing you to select a solution that best fits your business model. Additionally, Payline offers the option to use your own tablet with certain POS systems, providing a cost-effective and customizable setup. It also includes a virtual terminal and online dashboard that enables you to process payments and monitor transactions in real-time.

Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Authorize.net, NMI, CardPointe, and QuickBooks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Access to various types of POS systems
  • Ability to process various payment types
  • Support for high risk accounts

Cons:

  • Initial setup may require familiarization with various services
  • Hardware may require additional investment

Best for merchandise management

  • Pricing upon request

SAP Retail POS Analysis provides insights on point-of-sale data for retail businesses. SAP Retail offers end-to-end functionalities to support various retail business processes.

Why I picked SAP Retail: I selected SAP Retail due to its merchandise management capabilities. SAP Retail optimizes product assortments, allowing retailers to manage their merchandise offerings strategically. With advanced analytics and demand forecasting capabilities, retailers can analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer preferences to decide which products to stock, how much inventory to carry, and where to allocate merchandise across various channels and store locations. This optimization helps retailers maximize sales, minimize stockouts, reduce excess inventory, and improve profitability.

SAP Retail Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include supply chain management. The solution offers end-to-end supply chain management capabilities, including demand forecasting, inventory planning, replenishment, and logistics management. It helps retailers improve supply chain visibility, reduce lead times, optimize inventory across the network, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Integrations include other SAP tools and software.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multiple languages and currencies
  • Provides real-time insights into various aspects of retail operations
  • Native integration with other SAP modules

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Dependent on the SAP ecosystem

Best for barcode solutions in the retail sector

  • Free demo
  • Pricing available upon request

Zebra Technologies is a company that specializes in providing enterprise-level solutions and services for various industries, including retail. The company offers a wide range of products and technologies focused on improving efficiency, visibility, and productivity in retail operations.

Why I picked Zebra: Zebra Technologies is known for its barcode solutions in the retail industry due to several key factors. Firstly, Zebra has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality and reliable barcode technology. Their products, such as barcode scanners and printers, are known for their durability, accuracy, and consistent performance, making them ideal for demanding retail environments. Secondly, Zebra offers a comprehensive range of barcode solutions that cater to the specific needs of retailers. They provide a diverse portfolio of barcode scanners, including handheld, cordless, and fixed-mount options.

Zebra Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include analytics solutions that allow retailers to gain insights into their operations. By leveraging data from various sources, retailers can optimize inventory levels, track customer behavior, and make informed decisions to improve overall business performance.

Integrations aren't listed.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides retail asset visibility
  • Extensive experience and expertise in the retail industry
  • Offers visibility and actionable insights into customers and operations

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Limited customization options

Best all-in-one retail management software

  • Pricing upon request

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail is a cloud-based business solution that enables retailers to manage their operations and deliver personalized customer experiences across multiple channels.

Why I picked Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail: I chose Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail because it is an all-in-one retail management software that offers various solutions for managing different aspects of a retail business. One of the key advantages of Dynamics 365 for Retail is its integration capabilities. It natively integrates with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Power BI, allowing for a unified and efficient workflow. This integration enables easy access to important data and provides a holistic view of the business.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include robust point of sale solutions, which enables fast and secure transactions. It supports various payment methods, integrates with hardware peripherals like barcode scanners and receipt printers, and offers features like split payments, discounts, and promotions.

Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Power BI, SharePoint, Office 365, Outlook, Microsoft Exchange, OneNote, and Yammer.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Robust POS system that supports various payment methods
  • Offers advanced customer analytics and insights
  • Native integration with other Microsoft products

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Implementation can be complex

Best for in-depth reporting

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Retail PRO is a retail management software that empowers businesses to manage their sales, inventory, and customer data effectively. With its flexible features and integration capabilities, Retail PRO enables retailers to manage their operations, enhance customer experience, and drive business growth.

Why I picked Retail Pro: Retail Pro provides robust analytics tools that enable businesses to analyze sales data, inventory trends, customer behavior, and more. These analytics capabilities help uncover patterns, identify opportunities, and make data-driven decisions to optimize business performance. It also offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor their reports to their needs. Users can define report parameters, filters, and data visualization formats to generate highly personalized and insightful reports.

Retail Pro Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include customer relationship management capabilities that help users capture customer data, manage customer information, and manage customer information.

Additionally, it helps users manage sales across multiple channels, including physical stores, ecommerce platforms, and mobile sales.

Integrations include Brandify, Bulk POS, BaadMe, ComPRO eCommerce, Octopus Bridge, and ShipMX.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scalable for businesses of various sizes
  • Robust reporting and analytics capabilities
  • Mobile app is available for both iOS and Android

Cons:

  • Limited integrations
  • Steep learning curve for new users

Best for inventory management

  • Free trial available
  • From $69/month

Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based retail management and POS software. It also has a mobile app for iOS devices.

Why I picked Lightspeed Retail: Lightspeed Retail offers robust features for tracking inventory across multiple locations and channels. It allows you to easily manage stock levels, receive notifications for low stock, and track item movements, enabling you to make informed decisions about restocking and optimizing inventory levels. The system provides real-time updates, ensuring accurate inventory information across different sales channels.

Lightspeed Retail Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include CRM, reporting and analytics, employee management features, native ecommerce platform, and retail point of sale tools. The CRM, in particular, is useful for maintaining supplier and customer relationships, a crucial but often underutilized part of retail management. 

Integrations include 2ACCEPT, 7shifts Team Management, Accumula, AdVision eCommerce, Agendrix, Amaka, Better Chains, BevSpot, BigCommerce, and BirdEye. You can also get additional integrations through API.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Free trial is available
  • Includes an ecommerce platform
  • Mobile app for iOS devices

Cons:

  • No integration with Zapier
  • Mobile app for iOS devices

Best for small businesses

  • Free plan available
  • From $29/month

Square for Retail is a POS solution offered by Square—a popular provider of payment processing tools.

Why I picked Square for Retail: It is the best retail management software for small businesses because it offers a free plan. The free plan offers basic inventory features, which are adequate for small businesses. Additionally, its interface is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. It guides new users about navigating the software and accessing the different features. The mobile app is also intuitive and enables users to manage their ecommerce store from their mobile.

Square for Retail Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include reporting and analytics features. It provides a sales tracking feature that helps users understand popular sales items. It will also help you understand your customers' demographics, and purchase history.

Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Acuity Scheduling, Wix, Jotform, WooCommerce, Linktree, Bookkeep, KioskBuddy, Poptin, and Printful.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Compatible with iOS devices
  • Competitive pricing
  • Includes a free plan

Cons:

  • Dependency on Square payment processing software
  • Limited inventory features

Best for speciality retail businesses

  • Pricing upon request

Epicor Retail Management Suite is designed for retailers, providing end-to-end capabilities for inventory management, point of sale (POS), customer engagement, and analytics.

Why I picked Epicor Retail Management Suite: Specialty retail businesses often have unique requirements and demand specialized software solutions to manage their operations effectively. Epicor Retail Management Suite is an excellent choice for specialty retail businesses. Also, it enables businesses to create and manage loyalty programs tailored to their specific needs. Retailers can define loyalty tiers, point systems, rewards, and promotions to incentivize customer engagement and repeat purchases.

Epicor Retail Management Suite Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include tools for managing vendor relationships, tracking supplier performance, automating purchase orders, and managing supply chain processes.It also offers Integrated financial management functionalities, including general ledger, budgeting, and financial reporting.

Integrations include Epicor Advanced MES and Epicor ERP Financial Management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Includes customer relationship management functionalities
  • Offers advanced inventory management features
  • Supports omnichannel retailing

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Implementation and customization can be complex

Best for automated purchasing

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4/5

Fishbowl is a cloud-based inventory and order management platform that streamlines stock control and purchasing for retailers and manufacturers.

It covers purchasing, production, and order fulfillment, helping teams reduce stockouts, automate purchase orders, and sync sales channels.

Why I picked Fishbowl:

Fishbowl suits businesses that need real-time visibility into inventory across multiple warehouses and sales channels. Its automated purchasing triggers and robust integration with QuickBooks help maintain accurate books without redundant data entry.

Sales order management ties directly to inventory data, reducing errors between sales and fulfillment. The platform also handles manufacturing workflows, so brands that produce their own goods can manage production and retail operations in one place.

Its dated desktop interface and thin mobile capabilities may deter teams seeking a modern user experience, and businesses with very global operations might look to a more international-friendly system.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include barcode scanning for simplified tracking, reorder point alerts to prevent stockouts, multi-location dashboards for cross-warehouse visibility, and automated purchase order generation.

Integrations include QuickBooks (Online, Desktop, and Canada), Xero, Salesforce, Shopify, Amazon, eBay, FedEx, DHL, Authorize.Net, and Avalara.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automatic purchase order generation helps maintain stock levels.
  • Strong integration with QuickBooks eliminates duplicate data entry.
  • Comprehensive inventory management features support complex inventory needs.

Cons:

  • Limited mobile capabilities for on-the-go management.
  • Issues with customer support responsiveness.

Best for multi-channel sales

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

DualEntry is an AI-native ERP built for mid-market businesses, including retailers managing complex sales and financial operations. It offers retail-specific accounting features like order management, sales tax automation, and real-time financial visibility to help teams work faster and more accurately.

Why I Picked DualEntry: I picked DualEntry because it offers the financial tools retailers need to handle multi-location sales, inventory tracking, and cash flow management in one place. The system supports order management, automates sales tax calculations, and simplifies revenue recognition for multi-channel sales. I also like that it uses AI to automate bank matching and transaction processing, which can save retail teams time and reduce manual errors. Its real-time reporting dashboards give you instant visibility into sales trends, inventory positions, and financial performance, which is essential for fast-paced retail environments.

DualEntry Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include AI-powered transaction matching for faster reconciliations, order management tools to track sales across locations, and real-time reporting dashboards that help you monitor sales, inventory, and cash flow as they happen.

Integrations include BambooHR, Bill.com, Brex, Deel, Google SSO, Gusto, HubSpot, Ramp, Rippling, Salesforce, Stripe Billing, and Stripe Invoicing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced AI features help with complex accounting tasks
  • Supports multi-entity and multi-currency operations
  • Automated revenue recognition ensures compliance with standards

Cons:

  • Customization options require careful setup
  • As an ERP, it may offer more features than needed for simpler accounting needs

Other Retail Management Software

Here’s a list of a few more retail management system that you can look at:

  1. Agiliron

    For B2B and B2C websites

  2. Blue Yonder

    For supply chain management

  3. NCR Counterpoint

    For integrating front and back office

  4. NCR Systems

    For wholesale businesses

  5. QuickBooks Point of Sale

    For Shopify users

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.

Our Selection Criteria For Retail Management Software

We graded each platform against the same seven pillars, weighted for impact on day-to-day store life. Here’s how we kept the scoring honest—and ruthless.

Core functionality (25% of total score)

Every contender had to nail the basics first.

  • Reliable POS. Fast checkout with barcode accuracy and minimal hardware headaches.
  • Inventory control. Real-time counts, low-stock alerts, and painless purchase orders.
  • CRM built in. Easy access to customer data at the till and inside marketing campaigns.
  • Actionable reporting. Sales, margin, and SKU velocity dashboards that make sense at a glance.
  • Omnichannel sync. One stock pool across in-store, ecommerce, and marketplaces.

Additional standout features (25% of total score)

Beyond table stakes, we rewarded innovation.

  • Marketing muscle. Loyalty, email, or SMS tools that actually drive repeat visits.
  • AI or automation. Forecasting, replenishment, or workflows that cut manual clicks.
  • Deep integrations. Native hooks into ERP, ecommerce, and accounting—no Zapier gymnastics required.
  • Mobile freedom. Full functionality on iOS or Android so managers can fix issues from the floor.
  • Scalability promises kept. Proven performance as stores, SKUs, and channels multiply.

Usability (10% of total score)

If staff hate it, they won’t use it.

  • Clean UI. Logical menus and customizable dashboards that surface key metrics.
  • Low ramp-up. New cashiers should ring a sale in minutes, not days.
  • Workflow fit. Screens match real retail steps, not a developer’s wish list.

Onboarding (10% of total score)

Switching systems should feel like an upgrade, not open-heart surgery.

  • Live training options. Webinars, one-on-one sessions, or onsite help when budgets allow.
  • Guided setup. Templates, data import wizards, and clear milestones.
  • Early-stage support. A real human on chat or phone during that first chaotic week.

Customer support (10% of total score)

Problems happen. We scored how fast they get fixed.

  • 24/7 coverage. Chat, phone, or email that never clocks out.
  • Knowledge depth. Reps who understand retail workflows, not just scripts.
  • Self-serve library. Updated docs, videos, and community forums for quick answers.

Value for money (10% of total score)

Price only matters if the ROI isn’t there.

  • Transparent tiers. Clear per-store or per-terminal costs with no surprise add-ons.
  • ROI evidence. Case studies or metrics that show real savings or sales lifts.
  • Flexible contracts. Monthly terms or pilot pricing to prove worth before you commit.

Customer reviews (10% of total score)

We checked the vibe outside the demo environment.

  • Constructive negatives. We note recurring gripes, especially on speed or hidden fees.
  • Consistent reliability praise. Minimal downtime and smooth updates.
  • Support shout-outs. Users thanking reps by name is always a good sign.

What is Retail Management Software?

Retail management software is a cloud-based control center that unites your POS, inventory, CRM, and reporting in one dashboard.

Store owners, ecommerce operators, and multi-location chains use it to ditch spreadsheets, cut stockouts, and sync in-store and online sales data with the best retail POS systems.

If you’re stuck hopping between separate apps for SKUs, supplier POs, and loyalty programs, a retail management system pulls those workflows into one real-time view—so you can act, not guess.

How to Choose Retail Management Software

The flashiest demo means nothing if the platform fumbles on your sales floor. Before you swipe a credit card, map the realities of your business—SKUs, staff, channels, and cash flow—and force each vendor to prove they can match them.

The table below walks you through a no-nonsense vetting process I use when a CEO tells me, “Pick something that won’t implode on launch day.” Stick to these steps, and the winner will reveal itself fast.

StepActionWhy it matters
1. Diagnose the bottleneckList the top three pain points (slow checkout, phantom inventory, disjointed online/offline data).Keeps you from buying a Swiss Army knife when you really need a scalpel.
2. Map critical workflowsSketch how orders, inventory, and customer data move today—and where they break.Lets you demand live demos on your workflow, not a canned tour.
3. Stress-test integrationsHand the vendor your tech stack list and ask for a working sandbox or reference client.Avoids surprise middleware costs and post-go-live finger-pointing.
4. Run a “Day in the Life” pilotPut frontline staff on the trial: receive a shipment, process returns, pull a sales report.Surfaces usability flaws the IT team never sees.
5. Calculate true cost of ownershipAdd hardware, payment processing, add-on modules, and implementation fees to the sticker price.Prevents budget blow-ups six months in.
6. Lock success metrics earlyDefine two must-hit KPIs (e.g., shrink <1%, stock accuracy 98%). Tie them to renewal clauses.Gives you leverage if the vendor under-delivers and grounds the project in results, not hype.

Features of Great Retail Management Software

Skip the endless feature grids. If a retail management solution nails the eight items below, you’re set up for smooth store operations and stress-free scaling.

  • Unified POS + CRM. One cloud-based dashboard ties real-time sales data to customer profiles, loyalty programs, and targeted promos—so you stop guessing and start personalizing.
  • Inventory control on autopilot. Barcode scanning, automated reorders, and multi-location stock views keep SKUs accurate across warehouses, pop-ups, and your ecommerce store.
  • Omnichannel order routing. Ship-from-store, click-and-collect, and marketplace sync happen natively, without duct-taped modules or nightly batch files.
  • Actionable analytics. Sales data, margin heat maps, and demand forecasts surface inside the app—no exporting to spreadsheets unless you’re nostalgic.
  • Mobile-first workflows. Full POS, receiving, and cycle counts on iOS and Android devices, so floor staff crush tasks without running to the back office.
  • Open integrations. Plug-and-play connectors for Shopify, NetSuite, QuickBooks, and most payment processors; REST APIs for everything else.
  • Automation & alerts. Low-stock texts, price-change rules, and fraud flags fire automatically, slashing manual checks and surprise shrink.
  • Scalable, secure cloud. SOC-compliant hosting, encrypted credit-card vaults, and versionless updates—letting you focus on customer engagement, not patch management.

Benefits of Retail Management Software

A feature list is nice; the payoff is nicer. Here’s what the best retail management software delivers once it’s live.

  • Frictionless growth. Multi-store, multi-currency, and warehouse management tools let you add locations or channels without rebuilding your tech stack.
  • Higher margin. Accurate inventory and dynamic pricing stop over-stock discounting and lost sales.
  • Happier customers. Fast checkout, unified loyalty points, and real-time stock visibility lift customer satisfaction—and repeat visits.
  • Fewer late nights. Automated purchase orders, invoicing, and employee scheduling slash back-office busywork.
  • Smarter decisions. Built-in business intelligence surfaces trends by channel, location, and SKU without a BI team.

Cost & Pricing for Retail Management Software

Sticker prices swing wildly—from free forever tiers to five-figure ERP contracts—so you need a clear yard-stick before vendors hit you with glossy decks.

I pulled current 2025 pricing straight from vendor sites and analyst reports to give you a reality check.

Plan typeTypical price range (USD / month)Common featuresBest for
Free$0Basic POS, limited inventory, single store, community supportSide-hustles, proof-of-concept pilots
Basic$29 – $89Core POS, barcode and stock counts, one location, starter reportsPop-up shops, first retail location
Professional$79 – $249Advanced inventory management, CRM/loyalty, multi-store sync, analytics dashboardsGrowing omnichannel retailers
Enterprise$999 – $4,000+End-to-end ERP integration, custom modules, unlimited SKUs, dedicated supportComplex multi-location chains & global brands

Additional cost considerations

  • Hardware & peripherals. Card readers run $0–$49; full touchscreen registers climb past $1,200 each. Budget for scanners, label printers, and spare cash drawers.
  • Payment processing fees. Expect 2.3 %–2.6 % + $0.10 per in-store swipe; negotiate or watch margin disappear.
  • Per-location or per-register add-ons. Many POS providers tack on $14.95–$39 per extra register or location—small line item that snowballs as you scale.
  • Implementation & training. Enterprise suites often bundle mandatory onboarding; figure on 1×–3× first-year license fees for data migration, sandbox testing, and staff training.
  • Future modules. Email marketing, warehouse management, or B2B portals can be à-la-carte extras, so build a three-year roadmap before signing.
  • Contract length & exit clauses. Some vendors lock you into 36-month terms with hefty early-termination penalties. Push for month-to-month if cash flow is king.

Bottom line: price the total cost of ownership—software, hardware, integrations, and card fees—against the ROI levers that matter (shrink, sell-through, workforce hours). That's how you keep budgets tight and your retail planning operations humming.

Retail Management Software FAQs

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about retail management system (RMS):

How long does retail management software implementation take?

It depends, but you’re not waiting for a miracle. Most teams get up and running in 2-12 weeks. If you’re migrating from pen-and-paper, it’s usually faster. Larger, multi-location rollouts (with custom bells and whistles) can stretch the timeline.

The real X factor? How clean your current data is, and whether your team actually shows up for training. Pro tip: assign a clear project owner, or you’ll burn weeks chasing sign-offs.

What’s the safest way to migrate historical data to a new system?

Start by only moving what you’ll actually use—don’t let that graveyard of ancient SKUs follow you. Export your data and clean it. Then back it up—twice.

Work with your vendor, or a pro who knows retail migrations, for the import. And if they suggest a trial run in a sandbox environment: say yes. I’ve seen more than a few horror stories start with, “We thought full migration was fine…” Test first.

Which KPIs should I track in the first 90 days?

Focus on sell-through rate, inventory turn, gross margin, and shrink. Don’t sleep on staff performance or customer retention, either. The first three months are about proving the system works and putting quick wins on the board, not boiling the ocean. Look for red flags, bottlenecks, or user errors—and fix those instead of building reports you’ll never check.

What integrations should I prioritize with retail management software?

Start with accounting (think QuickBooks or Xero) and your eCommerce platform. Loyalty, ERP, and shipping come next—only if they’re critical to your daily flow.

Don’t get sucked into “integration sprawl.” Each extra link is another thing to break when you’re slammed on a Saturday. Pick the ones that save you real time or protect your margins.

How do I compare retail management software for multi-location management?

You want centralized dashboards, real-time inventory visibility, and location-specific reporting. The good systems let you pivot between stores in a click, without losing the forest for the trees.

Flexible user permissions are non-negotiable—otherwise, one rookie in the wrong dashboard can mess up your whole operation. Bonus points for tools that let you roll out promotions or pricing across locations without creating a spreadsheet nightmare.

What security features should retail management software include?

Don’t skimp here. PCI compliance, encryption at rest and in transit, user access controls, and detailed audit logs are table stakes. Two-factor authentication is almost a must.

Ask if your software gives you regular security updates, not just after something breaks. If your vendor’s answer is, “We take security very seriously,” with no specifics, run.

Can retail management software help with employee performance tracking?

Absolutely. The better platforms tie sales data, shift performance, and even customer feedback to individual staffers—without turning you into Big Brother.

Use it to spot your unsung heroes or coach struggling team members. Just don’t let the numbers do all the talking; context still matters (we all know who gets stuck covering returns on a bad day).

Additional Retail Software Reviews

Retail management software can be a great addition to your toolkit, but there are other software you might need as a retailer. For service-based retail businesses, specialized solutions like salon management platforms provide industry-specific features. Below are reviews of some retail software you might need.

Ring Up Results, Not Headaches

Your shelves, staff, and sales channels won’t manage themselves—but the right retail management software comes pretty close.

Use the criteria and cost lens above, run vendors through a live-fire demo, and lock in the platform that cuts shrink, speeds checkout, and syncs every sales channel in real time while maintaining optimal product assortments.

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Sean Flannigan
By Sean Flannigan

Sean is the Senior Editor for The Retail Exec. He's spent years getting acquainted with the retail space, from warehouse management and international shipping to web development and ecommerce marketing. A writer at heart (and in actuality), he brings a deep passion for great writing and storytelling to retail topics big and small.