Retail POS Systems: Complete 2025 Guide
Find the perfect retail POS system for your store. From boutiques to multi-location chains, this hub connects you to in-depth reviews, comparisons, and resources for retail point-of-sale systems.
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Top Retail POS Systems for 2025
1. Shopify POS – Best for Omnichannel Retail
Best For: Retailers selling online and in-store
Price: $39 – $399+/month (Shopify plan required)
Why We Like It: Seamless integration with Shopify eCommerce. Unified inventory, customers, and orders across all channels.
2. Square – Best Free Retail POS
Best For: Small retailers, pop-ups, budget-conscious stores
Price: Free – $60/month
Why We Like It: No monthly fees to start. Simple, reliable, and scales with your business.
3. Lightspeed Retail – Best for Complex Inventory
Best For: Specialty retail, bike shops, apparel stores
Price: $109 – $289/month
Why We Like It: Industry-leading inventory management with matrix inventory, serial tracking, and purchase orders.
4. Clover – Best Premium Hardware
Best For: Retailers wanting beautiful hardware (buy directly from Clover.com)
Price: $0 – $50+/month (varies by source)
Why We Like It: Sleek hardware and extensive app marketplace. Warning: buy direct to avoid reseller markups.
5. Vend by Lightspeed – Best for Boutiques
Best For: Fashion boutiques, gift shops, general retail
Price: From $69/month
Why We Like It: Clean interface, strong inventory, and works on any device with a web browser.
Retail POS by Store Type
Fashion & Apparel
Specialty Retail
Service + Retail
Retail POS Comparisons
Shopify POS vs Square
Omnichannel leader vs. free simplicity
Square vs Shopify POS
Budget-friendly vs. eCommerce integration
Lightspeed vs Shopify
Inventory depth vs. omnichannel
Square vs Clover
Transparent pricing vs. premium hardware
Clover vs Square
App ecosystem vs. simplicity
Key Features for Retail POS
Must-Have Features
- Inventory Management: Track stock, receive alerts, manage variants
- Product Catalog: Easy product entry with images, descriptions, SKUs
- Payment Processing: Accept cards, contactless, mobile wallets
- Customer Profiles: Track purchase history and preferences
- Reporting: Sales, inventory, and employee performance
- Barcode Scanning: Speed up checkout and inventory counts
Advanced Features to Consider
- eCommerce Integration: Unified online and in-store selling
- Multi-Location: Manage inventory across stores
- Purchase Orders: Built-in vendor management
- Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat customers
- Gift Cards: Physical and digital gift card support
- Employee Management: Scheduling, time clock, commissions
- CRM: Customer relationship management tools
- Work Orders: For repairs and custom orders
Retail POS Pricing Guide
| POS System | Monthly Fee | Processing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | $0 – $60 | 2.6% + $0.10 | Small retail, pop-ups |
| Shopify POS | $39 – $399+ | 2.4% – 2.7% | Omnichannel retail |
| Lightspeed | $109 – $289 | 2.6% + $0.10 | Specialty retail |
| Clover | $0 – $50+ | 2.3% – 2.6% | Premium hardware |
| Vend | $69+ | Varies | Boutiques, general retail |
Free Resources
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The Definitive Guide for Retail Store Owners
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