The Best POS Systems for Clothing Stores in 2024: Features, Pricing & More

The apparel industry is bursting with chances to make some serious cash. According to Statista Market Insights, the apparel market hit $343.70 billion in revenue in 2023. And, it's set to grow by about 1.96% every year until 2027!

With so many retailers eager to jump into this fashion business, the demand for retail management software is skyrocketing. A POS system (Point of Sale system for short) is super important for any brick-and-mortar clothing store. It helps with inventory management, online sales tracking, and providing a seamless customer experience. With tons of POS providers out there, it’s crucial to pick the right one that fits your specific business needs. This article will share the best POS system for clothing store businesses to help you make the best choice for your store!

What to look for in a pos system for clothing stores

When searching for the best POS system for retail stores, you want something that can handle the unique needs of the apparel industry. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Essential features to look out for:

1. Inventory management: A good clothing store POS system should help you easily manage inventory. Look for key features like real-time inventory tracking, low-stock alerts, and easy stock adjustments. This way, you’ll always know your stock levels and can quickly respond to changing demands, ensuring you don’t run out of popular items.
2. Sales reporting: An effective retail POS system provides detailed sales reporting and analytics. You should be able to track sales transactions and get insights into which items are selling well, peak sales times, and overall performance. This data is crucial for developing effective sales strategies and planning future inventory.
3. User-friendly interface: Your staff will be using the point of sale system daily, so it should be easy to navigate. A user-friendly interface minimizes training time and helps your team serve customers faster, making for a smoother customer experience in your retail store.
4. Customer management: Keeping track of your customers is essential. A great POS solution will allow you to manage customer data, create profiles, track purchase history, and run loyalty programs. This helps build relationships and encourages repeat business, increasing customer satisfaction.

Features the best clothing store POS systems will have:

1. eCommerce integration: If you’re selling online, choose a POS system that seamlessly integrates with your e-commerce platform. This will ensure that your inventory is synced across all sales channels, including online and offline sales, reducing the risk of overselling and stockouts.
2. App integration: The best POS systems offer robust app integration options, allowing you to connect with other essential tools for your clothing store. Look for integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) systems to enhance your customer management capabilities, as well as online ordering platforms to streamline sales. Integrating with marketing tools can help you run targeted promotions, while inventory management apps can assist in tracking stock levels.
3. Mobile capability: This means you can process sales from anywhere in your clothing store, making it easier to assist customers and keep lines moving during busy times. Plus, you can accept payments through various payment methods, including mobile payments and contactless payments.
4. Payment flexibility: The best POS systems support multiple payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and even store credit options. The more options you offer, the happier your diverse customer base will be when they make purchases!
5. Advanced analytics: A top-notch clothing store POS system should provide in-depth analytics to help you understand your business better. This could include insights into customer behavior, sales data, and employee performance metrics to help you optimize operations and boost sales.
6. Customization options: Every clothing store has its own vibe and needs. The best POS systems allow for customization, whether it’s changing the look of the interface or tailoring features to fit your specific business model. This ensures that you have the perfect POS system for your existing business.

Top POS systems for clothing stores in 2024

These are the leading POS providers for apparel pos systems.

Epos Now

Epos Now delivers a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system specifically designed for clothing stores, prioritizing speed, ease of use, and cost efficiency. Whether you're running a boutique or a larger retail operation, Epos Now helps you engage more effectively with your customers while allowing you to customize your system to meet your specific needs. With a setup process that takes just 15 minutes to master, you can focus on creating a fantastic shopping experience for your customers.

Software

Epos Now’s software is all about streamlining your retail operations. Its intuitive interface and integrated payment processing make it easy to accept various payment types, ensuring quick and secure transactions. The built-in product matrix lets you organize items by size, brand, and color, simplifying your inventory management. By automating manual tasks, you can speed up service and enhance customer satisfaction. Plus, with e-commerce functionality, you can expand your reach by selling online, attracting customers from all over.

Hardware

The Epos Now Complete Solution includes everything you need to operate your clothing store, such as a POS system, cash drawer, and receipt printer. This POS hardware is designed for efficiency, enabling you to process sales quickly and accurately. It’s versatile enough to adapt to different retail environments, whether you’re running a boutique, a pop-up shop, or a multi-location brand.

Integrations

Epos Now’s powerful app integration capabilities ensure you can connect with other essential tools for your clothing business. Utilize integrated accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage to manage your finances efficiently. Capture valuable customer data during transactions, whether in-store or online, and use this information to build relationships through targeted marketing campaigns. You can even create a loyalty program to reward your most dedicated customers and encourage repeat business. Advanced sales reports provide insights into customer preferences, helping you make informed decisions about promotions and stock management.

Square

Square is a payment processing and point-of-sale (POS) platform that caters to businesses of all sizes. According to a review by Forbes, it's an option for newcomers to the retail scene.

Pros:

• Free to get started
• No monthly fees on the basic plan
• POS hardware options available
• Offers Square loyalty programs

Cons:

• Accounts can freeze due to irregular activity
• Not Ideal for high-volume transactions
• No phone support

While Square has its perks, its features and limitations may not be the best fit for everyone, especially for those looking for more extensive support and advanced functionalities.

Shopify 

Shopify is a point-of-sale (POS) system that caters to businesses looking for integration between online and offline sales. It offers some features that are appealing for retailers, but it also has its drawbacks. Here’s a look at its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Connects online and offline sales
• Offers app integrations
• Designed to be easy to navigate

Cons:

• Monthly costs can be on the higher side compared to some competitors.
• You must use Shopify Payments to utilize their POS system, which may not work for everyone.
• The offline functionality is not very extensive, which could be a drawback for some retailers.

Lightspeed retail

Lightspeed has been in the point-of-sale (POS) market for over a decade, offering a cloud- and browser-based system, as well as an app for iOS devices. The platform includes features like inventory management and 24/7 customer support, but it may be overly complex for newer clothing stores. Here’s a look at its pros and cons based on insights from Forbes:

Pros:

• 24/7 Support Available
• Dedicated Account Manager
• The system includes inventory management tools.

Cons:

• Lightspeed tends to be more expensive than some alternatives.
• Users may need to commit to long-term contracts.
• Canceling the service can be complicated.

Clover

Clover is a point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers software and hardware options suitable for various types of businesses, including retail, restaurants, and service providers. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:

Pros

• Offers pricing plans
• Free trial available
• Provides some affordable hardware choices.
• Suitable for online businesses

Cons:

• You cannot apply for the POS system online, you must go through a sales representative.
• Pricing details can be unclear, making it hard to compare with other options.
• There isn't a free plan available, which might deter some potential users.

Overall, Clover offers various features and options, but its lack of transparency and online application process may be inconvenient for some businesses.

Factors to consider when choosing a POS system for your clothing store

Selecting the right point-of-sale (POS) system for your clothing store can significantly impact your operations. Here’s how to find a system that meets your needs:

• Identify your needs: Start by figuring out what you need from your POS system. Are you looking to accept payments, manage inventory, or track sales data? Make a list of must-have features to help narrow down your options.
• User-friendly interface: If your staff can quickly learn how to use it without extensive training, you'll save time and effort. This is especially crucial in retail, where quick service and efficiency are essential.
• Read reviews and request demos: Nothing beats first hand feedback from other clothing store owners. Check out reviews on platforms like G2, Forbes, Capterra, or Trustpilot for insights into different POS systems.

Conclusion

With the apparel market booming, having a solid point-of-sale solution is like having a secret weapon. It helps you juggle inventory, keep tabs on sales, and connect with customers like a pro. So, figure out what you really need (think user-friendly interfaces and smart inventory management.) Don’t forget to read the reviews and snag some demos. At the end of the day, the right POS system will have your clothing store strutting its stuff and ready to take on whatever the retail world throws your way. Happy selling!