What is Retail Management Software?

Retail management software, also referred to as retail management systems (RMS), provides a retailer with various tools, all housed on one platform, to help run their store. RMS platforms can streamline day-to-day operations and help small retailers save time and energy by handling most store operations. It also helps boost sales and increase customer satisfaction through a better understanding of consumers, products, and services with respect to one’s store. Since most of a retail management system’s functionality revolves around point of sale, much of the platform’s data is obtained from daily transactions. Inventory management features, for instance, are tied to the POS feature, updating inventory in real-time as sales are made. The main advantage of retail management software is the interconnectivity of all the different features, all of which help with the everyday chores associated with running a retail business. What Types of Retail Management Software Exist? There are mainly two types of retail management software currently used in this industry; on-premises and cloud-based. While both options offer some basic common features to manage store operation, the decision is always a question of deployment. On-premises retail management software On-premises retail management software, also known as legacy systems, are the most desired suite by retailers across the industry. They mainly consist of desktop computers and other pieces of hardware like a POS cash drawer, barcode scanner, receipt printer, etc., that can only be accessed on the infrastructure they’re deployed in. These systems are always locally installed and maintained on-site, with a huge IT infrastructure cost of running and maintaining it. Cloud-based retail management software Contrary to on-premises, cloud-based systems are the modern retail management software gaining massive traction in the industry. Cloud-based solutions are hosted on the vendor’s server and can be accessed in the store through software or an application on the computer or a mobile device. The product suites are usually sold under a subscription-based pricing model, and the vendor is responsible for providing all kinds of services and support to run it.

What are the Common Features of Retail Management Software?

Retail management software is an all-in-one tool with multiple features to offer. Here are some core features to help retailers find the best solution for their day-to-day operations: Inventory management: Inventory management is crucial for all retailers, whether brick-and-mortar or online. Retail management systems can track inventory in real-time as sales are made through the POS feature of the platform. These solutions can also help purchase new inventory by tracking sales trends to ensure the business always has hot items in stock and does not over-purchase items just sitting on the shelf. Point of sale (POS): Retail point-of-sale features are crucial for the retail industry. They allow retailers to exchange customers' money for their goods or services. POS features are where the most data is gathered, as it is where customer data and inventory data collide. Retailers can see which customers are buying what products, providing information to help a business grow. Loyalty management: The goal of any business is to attract more customers, and for a retail business, that includes attracting repeat customers. Loyalty management features can help retailers set up a program that uses incentives to attract repeat business or entice lapsed customers to return. Often this takes the form of point systems (points are accrued by making purchases) or gift vouchers. Analytics: Accurate data is essential for every industry, including retail. Since retail management platforms deal with almost every aspect of a retail business, they can collect data from the various corners of their business and create an analytics dashboard that provides a clear picture of its performance. With this data and analysis, retailers can make informed decisions based on where they are performing well and where they need to improve. Mobile functionality: With more and more technology moving to the mobile sphere, it’s only a matter of time until the retail industry does as well. Many retail management solutions are built to run on mobile devices such as tablets, providing mobile POS functionality anywhere inside or outside a store. This is extremely useful for e-commerce businesses that function entirely online. Customers and owners can then conduct business whenever and wherever they choose. Marketing: Marketing is a surefire way to get people through the door, so many retail management software have marketing features. These features may help retailers manage their social media presence or create email campaigns. Employee management: Retail businesses often have unique employment needs, particularly around the holiday rush. Employee management features can help retailers schedule their employees’ shifts and create onboarding timelines for new employees who need training. Given the large amount of data a retail management system collects, business owners and managers can ensure they have enough workers on the floor during busy periods.

What are the Benefits of Retail Management Software?

Retail management tools address the holistic need of the retail store and streamline core processes needed to excel in a retail business. Here are a few benefits of retail management systems: Supply chain management: It helps manage the supply chain and provides real-time information on the available retail inventory in one place. Finance and accounting: Retail management software helps manage finance and adhere to all accounting policies. HR management: Human resource management can be conducted using the tool by tracking employee clock-ins, clock-outs, efficiency, and performance. Sales tracking: It provides a standalone functionality to track sales, exchanges, and returns. It also serves as a central hub for maintaining sales data. Reporting and analytics: Retail management tools also help in reporting and analytics. It provides valuable insights to analyze different store metrics and overall performance.

Retail Management Software with Supermarket Capabilities

Square Point of Sale

Square Point of Sale is a powerful, flexible POS system built for every kind of business—from restaurants and retailers to salons and professional services. With Square POS, you can manage your entire operation from one place. Accept payments in person, online, or on the go. Track sales, inventory, and customer preferences in real time, and use built-in analytics to understand how your business is performing across every location and channel. Tailored solutions of every business. Square POS includes seven industry modes: Quick Service, Full Service, Bar, Retail, Bookings, Services, and Standard. Each mode includes features designed for your business type, including order management, KDS, and pre-authorized tabs for restaurants, appointment scheduling for beauty providers, invoices and estimates for service professionals, and inventory and vendor management for retailers. A POS that grows with your business. As your business evolves, Square POS adapts with you. Easily switch modes, add locations, or manage multiple concepts within one app. Square hardware works across every mode, from countertop setups to mobile readers, so you can take payments wherever your customers are. Simplify your operations. Square combines payments, hardware, and software in one unified platform. Accept all major payment types, including tap, chip, swipe, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Get paid as soon as the next business day, with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and no long-term contracts. Insights and tools that drive growth. Square POS includes built-in reports that track sales, customers, staff, and inventory in real time. Square AI delivers smart insights to help you make more informed business decisions. And with integrated tools like Square Marketing, Payroll, Banking, and Square Online, you can manage your entire business from one connected platform. Get started in minutes. Square POS is free to download and simple to set up. Train your team quickly and start accepting payments right away. Explore advanced features with a 30-day free trial, and upgrade anytime. Transparent pricing means you always know what you’ll pay—with no contracts or surprises.

Average Rating: 4.6/5.0

Total Reviews: 1,193

How Do G2 Users Rate Square Point of Sale?

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?: 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
Ease of Use: 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
Ease of Admin: 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10)
Quality of Support: 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Square Point of Sale?

Seller: Block
Company Website:
Year Founded: 2009
HQ Location: Oakland, California
Twitter: @Square
309,691 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
11,860 employees on LinkedIn®

Who Uses This Product?

Who Uses This: Owner, Business Owner
Top Industries: Retail, Food & Beverages
Company Size: 89% Small, 7% Medium

What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Square Point of Sale?

AI-generated summary from verified user reviews

Pros

Users highlight the ease of use of Square Point of Sale, appreciating its simple setup and intuitive interface.
Users appreciate the easy payment processing of Square Point of Sale, making transactions simple and efficient across devices.
Users appreciate the robust reporting tools of Square Point of Sale, enabling smarter business decisions with ease.
Users love the ease of use of Square Point of Sale, making it perfect for beginners and efficient for all.
Users highlight the simple setup of Square Point of Sale, appreciating its quick and seamless integration process.

Cons

Users express concern over high fees, which can accumulate and impact the cost-effectiveness of Square Point of Sale.
Users find the fees to be overly expensive, particularly for credit card processing and integrations with QBO.
Users find the access limitations frustrating, especially with connectivity issues impacting overall functionality and usability.
Users find the missing features of Square Point of Sale limit its effectiveness for e-commerce and usability.
Users report payment issues with Square Point of Sale, citing high fees and slow account verification processes.

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Square Point of Sale?

"Streamlined POS, Trusted Invoicing That Generally Runs Smoothly"

Rating: 4.5/5.0 stars

— Verified User in Fine Art

Best Retail Management Software with Supermarket Capabilities

How Many Retail Management Software Products Does G2 Track?

Category Stats (Nov 2026)

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G2 Grid® for Retail Management Software

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