Your small business can’t afford to lose sales due to unreliable technology.
If your point of sale (POS) system can’t streamline your checkout processes and handle your store’s operational needs, you’re losing more opportunities than you may realize.
The problem isn't just old equipment. It’s using generic point of sale systems that weren't built for your specific retail challenges.
A one-size-fits-all POS software might handle basic transactions, but it falls short when you need age verification for tobacco sales, variable-weight tracking for fresh produce, or compliance reporting for liquor stores. You end up working around your system instead of having it work for you. But how can you find the best point of sale for your small retail business?
In this guide, you'll discover how to choose the right POS system for your retail business and explore our top 13 recommendations organized by retail sector.
The right point of sale system can take your retail operations to the next level — but with so many options available, how can you find the right solution for your store?
Start by focusing on these essential features that every successful small retailer needs:
Beyond these basics, your industry determines what specialized features you need. Tobacco and liquor retailers require built-in age verification and compliance reporting. Grocery stores need variable weight tracking for produce and deli scale integrations.
So, what do you need?
With these criteria in mind, here are the top POS systems that deliver real value for small retail businesses.
Best for: Independent grocery stores and specialty markets
Running a grocery store means juggling unique challenges. You’ve got perishable inventory, variable-weight products, and tight margins. Markt POS understands these challenges because it's built specifically for grocery operations.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom quote based on your store's needs
Why it's great: It’s the only POS system designed from the ground up for grocery retailers, with features that actually matter for your daily operations.
Best for: Mid-sized grocery chains
When you're ready to scale beyond a single location, IT Retail delivers enterprise-level features without enterprise-level headaches. Their robust back office management tools give you the visibility and control you need to manage multiple stores while keeping operations consistent across all locations.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom quote based on your needs
Best for: Small markets and specialty food stores
Square's straightforward approach makes it perfect for small grocers who want a reliable point of sale solution without all the extra features and complexity. The mobile payment options are a hit with customers, and the basic inventory tracking keeps you organized as you grow.
Key features:
Pricing: $0 monthly fee, 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
Best for: Independent tobacco and cigar shops
Compliance headaches keeping you up at night? Cigars POS takes care of age verification automatically, so you can focus on building relationships with your customers instead of worrying about regulations. The membership tier management is perfect for cigar lounges that want to reward their best customers.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom quote based on your needs
Why it's great: It’s built by tobacco retailers, for tobacco retailers.
Best for: Independent liquor retailers
Managing thousands of SKUs across wine, beer, and spirits requires serious inventory muscle. Bottle POS handles complex compliance requirements while giving you the detailed analytics you need to optimize your product mix and maximize profits.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom quote based on your needs
Why it's great: This tool, designed specifically for alcohol sales, turns compliance from a burden into a competitive advantage
Best for: Retailers with both online and physical stores
Why manage two separate systems when you can have one that does everything? Shopify POS helps you create a streamlined omnichannel experience. Your inventory stays perfectly synced, and customers can buy online and pick up in store without any hassle.
Key features:
Pricing: $39+ per month for e-commerce plans with POS Lite
Best for: Retailers wanting payment processor flexibility
Clover gives you the freedom to choose your favorite payment processor instead of locking you into a single choice. Clover is a generic point of sale solution, but their app marketplace allows you to customize your system exactly how you want it.
Key features:
Pricing: $0+ monthly fee, 2.3% + 10¢ per transaction
Best for: Independent convenience stores and corner stores
Convenience stores move fast, and your POS should too. C-Store POS speeds up checkout with features like age verification, EBT payments, and custom hotkeys for your most popular items. The integrated dual pricing helps offset credit card fees while giving cash customers a break.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom quote based on your needs
Why it's great: It’s built specifically for the unique challenges convenience stores face every day.
Best for: Multilocation convenience store chains
Managing multiple convenience stores requires centralized control without losing local flexibility. KORONA's cloud-based system gives you real-time visibility across all locations while keeping each store running smoothly with features like cashier permission levels and automated reporting.
Key features:
Pricing: $59+ per month per location
Related Read: Cloud vs. Server POS System: 14 Pros and Cons To Consider
Best for: Established convenience stores with complex needs
When you've outgrown basic systems but aren't ready for enterprise complexity, NCR Counterpoint hits the sweet spot. With over 30 years in retail, they understand the challenges you face and provide enterprise-level features that actually work for smaller operations.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom pricing based on complexity and features
Best for: Multilocation specialty retailers and boutiques
Comcash offers smart customer displays, offline capabilities that keep you running during internet outages, and more, giving you the specialized features your specialty retail store needs to succeed. They have over 25 years of retail experience, giving them the knowledge they need to build the solution specialty retailers can use.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom quote based on your vertical and needs
Why it's great: It has proven reliability and innovative features that enhance the customer experience.
Best for: High-end boutiques and specialty stores
When your customers expect a premium experience, your POS should deliver one, too. Shift4, formerly known as Revel Systems, offers an advanced CRM that helps you provide personalized service that keeps high-value customers coming back.
Key features:
Pricing: Custom pricing
Best for: Small retailers and seasonal businesses
PayPal is a giant in the e-commerce space, and their POS solution, Zettle, is perfect for pop-up shops, farmers markets, or any business that needs reliable payment processing without monthly fees. The Venmo integration is a hit with younger customers who prefer mobile payments.
Key features:
Pricing: $0 monthly fee, 2.29% + 9¢ per transaction
We’ve listed out 13 incredible options for retail POS systems — now, how do you pick the right one for your business? The choice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you follow these simple steps:
The right POS system should make your life easier, not harder. Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a partner who understands your business goals.
Your POS system is more than a payment processor. When you choose the right point of sale for your small retail business, it becomes an all-in-one tool that helps you run daily operations, manage inventory, and maximize your profits.
If you're currently wrestling with inventory headaches, slow checkouts, or manual processes that eat up your valuable time, you need a new solution. The investment in a quality POS solution designed for your industry will give you a massive return in terms of increased efficiency, better customer experiences, and the peace of mind that comes from having reliable technology.
Ready to see what the right POS system can do for your small retail business? Use our transparent tool to build and price your ideal point of sale solution today.