Nearly a third of retailers say a lack of visibility over their inventory is the biggest challenge to delivering an exceptional customer experience. If you don’t control your stock tightly, your supply chain will become tangled. You’ll struggle to understand how much inventory you need, when, and where. This slows down fulfillment, which results in unhappy customers.
To keep your inventory lifecycle running smoothly, you need top-quality retail inventory software. This powerful tool helps retailers track, manage, and optimize their inventory seamlessly. Whether you’re running a small boutique or managing multiple store locations, the right software can save you time, reduce costs, and ensure you always have the right products in stock.
In this guide, we’ll explore what retail inventory software is, why it’s essential, and the key features to look for. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some of the best tools available in 2025 to help you make an informed decision for your business.
What is retail inventory management software?
Retail inventory software is a specialized tool designed to help businesses manage their stock efficiently. Unlike manual methods such as spreadsheets, inventory software automates critical tasks like tracking stock levels, generating purchase orders, and syncing inventory across sales channels.
At its core, retail inventory software serves as a centralized system where you can:
Track stock in real-time: Know exactly how much inventory you have at any given moment. Its features and analytics help retail providers balance stock levels to prevent stockouts and overstocking and provide insights to optimize inventory planning.
Manage orders: Automate reordering processes to prevent stock outs or overstocking. Inventory tools will help you analyze data from your retail operations to predict demand while offering suggestions on how to improve your workflows to drive efficiency.
Optimize workflows: Lots of tools include automations to accelerate inventory and order management workflows. This helps businesses synchronize processes across multiple locations while reducing human error.
Integrate with other tools: Sync with POS systems, e-commerce platforms, and accounting software for a seamless workflow.
Businesses of all sizes use inventory software, from small local stores to large international chains. By providing real-time visibility and control over inventory, this software ensures that retailers can maintain optimal stock levels, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction. Typically, it’s operated by store managers, inventory clerks, and purchasing departments.
Why every retailer needs inventory software
Effective inventory management can make a retail business. Without the right tools, retailers often face challenges like overstocking, understocking, and inefficient manual processes. Let’s take a closer look at why investing in inventory software is a smart move for any retailer.
Key pain points it solves
Overstocking and understocking: Overstocking ties up your capital in unsold goods, while understocking leads to missed sales opportunities and dissatisfied customers. Inventory software helps strike the perfect balance by providing accurate stock forecasts.
Manual processes: Manually tracking inventory is time-consuming and prone to errors. Software automates these tasks, saving time and reducing mistakes.
Lack of visibility: Without real-time data, it’s hard to know what’s selling and what’s not. Inventory software provides insights into sales trends, helping you make data-driven decisions.
Multi-location challenges: Managing inventory across multiple stores or warehouses can be a logistical nightmare. Inventory software centralizes data, making it easier to coordinate and track stock.
Benefits of retail inventory software
Streamlined operations: Automate routine tasks like stock counting and order generation, freeing up time for other priorities.
Cost savings: Reduce waste by maintaining optimal stock levels and avoiding over-purchasing.
Improved customer satisfaction: Ensure popular items are always in stock, keeping customers happy and loyal.
Data-driven insights: Use analytics to identify top-selling products, seasonal trends, and slow-moving inventory, enabling smarter purchasing decisions.
Retail inventory software is more than just a convenience—it’s a strategic investment that can transform your business operations and help you stay ahead of the competition.
Key features of retail inventory software
Choosing the right inventory software can be overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. To simplify your decision-making process, here are the key features you should look for in retail inventory software:
1. Real-time inventory tracking
One of the most critical features of inventory software is real-time tracking. This allows you to monitor stock levels as they change, whether due to sales, returns, or new shipments. With live updates, you’ll always know exactly how much inventory you have, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
2. Order management
Efficient order management is another essential feature. The software should automate the process of generating purchase orders and reordering stock when inventory levels fall below a set threshold. This ensures you never run out of high-demand items.
3. Integration with POS and e-commerce platforms
Retailers often use multiple systems to run their business, such as POS systems and e-commerce platforms. Look for inventory software that integrates seamlessly with these tools to keep your stock data synchronized across all sales channels.
4. Reporting and analytics
Data is the backbone of smart decision-making. Good inventory software provides detailed reports on sales trends, inventory turnover, and profitability. These insights help you identify which products to reorder, which to discount, and which to phase out.
5. Multi-location support
If you operate multiple stores or warehouses, multi-location support is a must. This feature allows you to track inventory across all locations from a single dashboard, making it easier to transfer stock and maintain optimal levels everywhere.
6. Automation
Automation is a game-changer for retail inventory management. By automating tasks like stock counting, order generation, and low-stock alerts, you can save time and reduce human error.
7. Mobile accessibility
Today’s retailers need flexibility, and mobile accessibility ensures you can manage your inventory on the go. Look for software with a mobile app or a responsive design that allows you to check stock levels, place orders, and view reports from your smartphone or tablet.
By focusing on these features, you’ll be well-equipped to choose inventory software that meets your specific needs and helps your business thrive. Additionally, I’ve selected a ready-to-use retail inventory management template that meets these criteria, designed to help you achieve more agile inventory management.
Top 15 retail inventory software tools for 2025
When it comes to managing inventory efficiently, choosing the right retail inventory software can make all the difference. With so many options available, it’s important to find a solution that fits your business needs, whether you’re running a small boutique or a chain of stores. Below, I’ll walk you through 15 of the best retail inventory software tools for 2025, highlighting their unique features and ideal use cases. Let’s start with Lark, a standout platform for collaboration and inventory management.
Lark: A collaborative solution for modern inventory management
Lark is more than just an inventory management tool—it’s a fully integrated collaboration platform that streamlines communication and operations for retail businesses. At the heart of Lark is Lark Base, a customizable database that allows you to design and manage your inventory system the way your business needs it. If you’re looking for a flexible, lightweight, and collaborative solution, Lark is a top contender.
Key features:
Real-time collaboration: One of Lark’s standout features is its ability to bring teams together. Whether you’re coordinating between store managers or working with your purchasing team, Lark Docs (including cloud-based documents, spreadsheets, and slides) enables real-time updates to inventory data. Everyone stays on the same page, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
Streamlined communication: Inventory management often requires quick decisions and clear communication. With Lark’s integrated Messenger, Meetings, Calendar and Email, you can discuss inventory issues, assign tasks, and track progress—all without leaving the platform.
Customizable inventory tracking: Lark Base gives you the power to create a personalized database for managing inventory. You can track SKUs, stock levels, reorder points, supplier details, and more—all in one centralized, dynamic database. This flexibility ensures that your inventory system is tailored to your specific business needs.
Data-driven insights: Lark Base includes analytics tools, such as dashboards and AI-powered data analysis, that help you monitor inventory performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. For example, you can forecast demand for specific products based on historical data, ensuring you’re always prepared for peak seasons.
Mobile-friendly accessibility: Lark’s mobile app ensures that your inventory management is not confined to the office. With its intuitive design and seamless functionality, you can access Lark Docs, Base, Messenger, and other features directly from your smartphone or tablet. This means you can update inventory, assign tasks, and communicate with your team anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re on the sales floor, in a warehouse, or traveling between locations, Lark keeps you connected and in control.
Ideal use case: Lark is an ideal solution for retailers who prioritize collaboration, efficiency, and flexibility in their operations. Whether managing a single store or overseeing multiple locations, Lark’s seamless integration of communication and inventory management tools makes it a powerful choice for businesses aiming to modernize their workflows.
A real-world story exemplifies how Lark can transform traditional business operations into a streamlined, data-driven system. By leveraging Lark’s features, a fruit retail and supply chain company achieved the following:
Streamlined Production and Inventory Management: Lark Base forms reduced production request times by 83%, while real-time alerts and visual inventory management minimized errors and cut stock-taking time by 50%.
Optimized Supplier Pricing Analysis: Centralized communication and data integration to analyze supplier quotes efficiently, reducing a full day’s work to just 10 minutes and improving cost optimization.
Digitized Finance Operations: Lark’s tools automated cash deposit reconciliation, flagged discrepancies, and streamlined expense claim approvals, enhancing accuracy and transparency.
📖 Learn more:
Production to Delivery: Coconut&Co's Supply Chain Shift with Lark
☎️ Book a demo
Square for Retail: Simple and accessible for small businesses
Square for Retail is an excellent option for small businesses looking for an affordable and user-friendly inventory management solution. It integrates seamlessly with Square’s POS system, making it easy to track sales and inventory in real time.
Image source: squareup.com
Key features:
Real-time stock tracking and low-stock alerts.
Integration with Square’s POS system for seamless sales and inventory management.
Tools for managing purchase orders and vendor relationships.
Ideal use case: Small retailers who already use Square’s POS system and want a simple, cost-effective way to manage inventory.
PartKeepr: Open-source inventory management solution
PartKeepr is a powerful open-source inventory management software designed to give businesses clear visibility and control over their stock levels. It supports order fulfillment and helps manage order data efficiently, making it a great choice for companies looking for a customizable and cost-effective solution.
With a focus on usability, PartKeepr features an advanced search function that allows users to sort, filter, and locate items or orders quickly. Its super-customizable nature lets businesses tailor part data with unlimited parameters to meet specific needs.
However, as an open-source tool, PartKeepr lacks extensive onboarding materials, so users may need to rely on the community for support and guidance.
Image source: partkeepr.org
Key features:
Inventory control and management
Order fulfillment and management
Accounting software integration
Product bundling
Data integration
Ideal use case: Businesses seeking a highly customizable, cost-effective inventory management solution with the flexibility of open-source software.
Zoho Inventory: Scalable and feature-rich
Zoho Inventory is a great choice for growing businesses. It’s part of the Zoho ecosystem, which includes tools for CRM, accounting, and more, making it a comprehensive solution for managing your business.
Image source: zoho.com
Key features:
Multi-channel inventory management for online and offline sales.
Integration with Zoho’s suite of business tools.
Automation features for reordering and stock updates.
Ideal use case: Businesses looking for a scalable inventory solution that integrates with other Zoho tools.
Shopify POS: Perfect for e-commerce retailers
If you’re running an online store on Shopify, their POS system is a natural choice for managing inventory. Shopify POS syncs inventory across your online and physical stores, ensuring accurate stock levels everywhere.
Image source: shopify.com
Key features:
Seamless integration with Shopify’s e-commerce platform.
Real-time inventory syncing across sales channels.
Tools for managing product variants and collections.
Ideal use case: E-commerce retailers using Shopify who want a unified inventory management system.
Lightspeed: User-friendly and versatile
Vend (now Lightspeed) is known for its intuitive interface and robust features, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized retailers. It offers multi-location support and integrates with various POS systems.
Image source: lightspeedhq.com
Key features:
Easy-to-use interface with multi-location inventory tracking.
Integration with popular POS and accounting tools.
Reporting and analytics for inventory performance.
Ideal use case: Retailers looking for a user-friendly inventory management solution with multi-location support.
Fishbowl Inventory: Powerful for larger operations
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust solution for retailers with larger inventories or manufacturing needs. It offers advanced features like barcode scanning and production tracking.
Image source: fishbowlinventory.com
Key features:
Barcode scanning for fast and accurate stock updates.
Tools for managing manufacturing and assembly processes.
Integration with QuickBooks for accounting.
Ideal use case: Large retailers or manufacturers with complex inventory needs.
QuickBooks Commerce: Perfect for QuickBooks users
QuickBooks Commerce (formerly TradeGecko) is an inventory management solution that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, making it a great choice for businesses already using the accounting software.
Image source: quickbooks.intuit.com
Key features:
Integration with QuickBooks for streamlined financial tracking.
Multi-channel inventory management.
Tools for managing orders and shipping.
Ideal use case: Businesses using QuickBooks that need a connected inventory solution.
Shopventory: Focused on automation
Shopventory simplifies inventory management by automating manual processes. It’s especially useful for retailers looking to save time and improve accuracy.
Image source: shopventory.com
Key features:
Automation tools for stock updates and reordering.
Detailed reporting on inventory performance.
Integration with POS systems and e-commerce platforms.
Ideal use case: Retailers who want to automate their inventory processes.
RetailEdge: A robust single and multi-store solution
RetailEdge offers a wide range of features for both single and multi-store businesses. It’s known for its flexibility and robust reporting tools.
Key features:
Support for multi-store inventory management.
Customizable reporting tools.
Integration with popular POS systems.
Image source: retailedge.com
Ideal use case: Retailers looking for a reliable and flexible inventory solution.
Sortly: A visual approach to inventory management
Sortly is a simple, visual inventory management tool that’s perfect for small businesses. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Key features:
Visual inventory tracking with photos.
Mobile app for on-the-go inventory management.
Customizable fields for tracking unique product details.
Image source: sortly.com
Ideal use case: Small businesses looking for a visual and intuitive inventory tool.
inFlow Inventory: Affordable and easy to use
inFlow Inventory is a budget-friendly option for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers essential inventory management features without unnecessary complexity.
Key features:
Barcode scanning and stock tracking.
Tools for managing purchase orders and sales.
Integration with e-commerce platforms.
Image source: inflowinventory.com
Ideal use case: Retailers looking for an affordable and straightforward inventory solution.
Cin7: A cloud-based omnichannel solution
Cin7 is a cloud-based inventory management system designed for omnichannel retailers. It integrates with various sales channels and offers advanced automation features.
Image source: cin7.com
Key features:
Integration with e-commerce, POS, and marketplaces.
Automation tools for reordering and stock updates.
Multi-location inventory tracking.
Ideal use case: Omnichannel retailers who need a cloud-based solution.
SafetyCulture: Quality and compliance tracking
SafetyCulture is a unique tool that combines inventory management with quality and compliance tracking. It’s particularly useful for industries where product quality is critical.
Image source: safetyculture.com
Key features:
Tools for tracking inventory quality and compliance.
Mobile app for inspections and audits.
Integration with other business tools.
Ideal use case: Businesses that prioritize inventory quality and compliance.
How to choose the right retail inventory software
Choosing the right retail inventory software can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect solution for your business.
Assess your business needs
Start by thinking about your specific inventory management challenges. Are you struggling with stockouts? Managing multiple locations? Or trying to sync inventory across online and offline channels? Identifying your pain points will help you narrow down your options.
Some questions to consider:
How many products do you manage, and how complex is your inventory?
Do you operate in a single location, or do you need multi-location support?
Do you need integration with tools like POS systems, e-commerce platforms, or accounting software?
By understanding your needs, you can focus on software that addresses your specific challenges.
Set a budget
Inventory software comes in a range of price points, from free tools to premium solutions with advanced features. Decide how much you’re willing to invest, keeping in mind that a higher upfront cost can often lead to long-term savings through improved efficiency.
Free or low-cost tools like Square for Retail might be a good fit for small businesses, while larger operations may benefit from investing in robust solutions like Fishbowl Inventory or Cin7. Meanwhile, Lark offers a highly competitive pricing structure, ranging from free plans to various paid tiers, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
Look for scalability
Your business is growing, and your inventory software should grow with you. Look for a solution that can handle increased product lines, additional locations, and higher transaction volumes as your business expands. Scalable options like Zoho Inventory or QuickBooks Commerce are great for businesses planning for the future.
Check for ease of use
No matter how powerful the software is, it won’t be effective if your team can’t use it. Prioritize tools with intuitive interfaces and strong customer support. Many software providers offer free trials or demos—take advantage of these to see how user-friendly the platform is.
Check for integrations
While integrations are important, they’re not the only factor to consider. A comprehensive, all-in-one platform with built-in functionality can simplify your inventory management process and reduce your reliance on multiple tools.
For instance, Lark’s App Directory provides a wide range of built-in tools to streamline your inventory lifecycle, minimizing the need for external integrations. Additionally, Lark’s open APIs allow you to create custom integrations when needed, ensuring flexibility and adaptability for your unique business requirements.
Read reviews and request demos
Speaking of demos, don’t skip this step. Seeing the software in action can give you a better sense of whether it’s a good fit for your business. Additionally, read reviews from other retailers to learn about their experiences. Pay attention to comments about customer support, reliability, and ease of integration.
FAQs about retail inventory software
If you’re new to retail inventory software, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones I’ve come across, along with straightforward answers to help you make an informed decision.
What is the best retail inventory software for small businesses?
The best software for small businesses depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for something affordable and easy to use, tools like Lark or Sortly are great options. For small e-commerce businesses, Shopify POS is an excellent choice because of its seamless integration with online stores.
How much does retail inventory software cost?
The cost of inventory software varies widely. Some tools, like Lark and Square for Retail, offer free plans with basic features, while others, like Cin7 or Fishbowl Inventory, charge a monthly subscription fee based on the size of your business and the features you need. It’s important to weigh the cost against the value the software provides in terms of time savings and efficiency.
Can retail inventory software integrate with my existing POS system?
Yes, many inventory software solutions are designed to integrate with popular POS systems. For example, Lightspeed Retail and Vend offer seamless POS integration, while Shopify POS is specifically built for Shopify users. Be sure to check compatibility before making a decision.
Is retail inventory software suitable for e-commerce businesses?
Absolutely! In fact, inventory software is essential for e-commerce businesses that need to sync stock levels across online and offline channels. Tools like Lark, Zoho Inventory and QuickBooks Commerce are particularly well-suited for managing multi-channel inventory.
How does inventory software help with multi-location management?
Inventory software with multi-location support allows you to track stock levels across multiple stores or warehouses from a single dashboard. This feature is especially useful for retailers with physical stores, online shops, and distribution centers. Tools like Lark, Vend, and Cin7 excel in this area.
If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to software providers for demos or consultations—they’re there to help you find the right fit for your business.
Conclusion
Retail inventory software is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for today’s businesses. By automating tasks, providing real-time insights, and streamlining operations, the right software can save you time, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
Among the many options available, Lark stands out as a versatile and collaborative solution that combines inventory management with team communication. Whether you’re managing a single store or a multi-location operation, Lark’s customizable features and real-time updates make it a powerful tool for modern retailers.
As you evaluate your options, remember to consider your business’s unique needs, budget, and growth plans. Take advantage of free trials and demos to see how each tool works in practice. With the right retail inventory software, you’ll be well-equipped to optimize your operations.
