Cloud-Based Grocery Store Software: Features, Benefits, & Top Providers

As a small business owner, you’re almost always short on two valuable resources: money and time. 

And unfortunately, an outdated, unreliable point of sale (POS) system can make things even worse. 

That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to cloud-based grocery store software. This modern tool protects against costly slowdowns, eliminates maintenance headaches, and makes it easier to manage your business from anywhere, at any time. 

Keep reading to learn why you need a cloud-based POS solution, what to look for, and which provider offers the best fit for your grocery store. 

Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Grocery Store POS Systems

Let’s start with the basics: What is cloud-based grocery store software, and how does it differ from traditional POS systems? 

Traditionally, POS systems relied on physical servers located in your grocery store’s back office. These servers housed your business’ data and powered your checkout counters. 

While physical servers seem reliable, they come with downsides like: 

• Higher costs: Since they require heavier-duty hardware, on-premise POS systems are often expensive. 
• More frequent maintenance: Physical servers require specific conditions and regular maintenance to prevent crashes and data loss. 
• Complicated support: You might need a technician to come to your store to fix server-related technical issues — putting your grocery store’s operations at a standstill in the meantime. 

Cloud-based grocery software runs off the internet — eliminating the need for on-premise servers. The most obvious benefit of this approach is lower hardware costs and maintenance requirements, but let’s look at some other advantages of cloud-based software: 

• Remote accessibility: Check your inventory levels, adjust prices, review sales reports, and schedule discounts from anywhere, at any time — allowing you to manage your store on the go. 
• Simpler setup: Get your new POS system up and running within minutes instead of relying on a technician to come out to your store and configure a server. 
• Better support: Get instant answers to your questions and solutions to your problems since a support team can remotely access your software. 

In short, a cloud-based system is likely a more modern, reliable, and affordable option for your grocery store. 

8 Features You Need From Your Cloud-Based Grocery Software

You’ve decided to make the switch to cloud-based grocery software — now it’s time to start shopping for the right solution. 

First, let’s cover some cloud-specific features you need. Look for a system with these features:

• Automatic cloud backup ensures you never lose data during internet outages, allowing you to pick up right where you left off. 
• Offline mode lets you continue making sales even when your store’s internet is down, protecting your customers’ shopping experience and your bottom line. 
• Multilocation data sharing paves the way for you to open multiple grocery stores in the future. Instead of investing in different solutions for each, you can share data across all your locations. 

Along with these technical specifications, we recommend looking for a POS system that includes the following features: 

• Integrated payment processing ensures quick, secure, and accurate transactions at the checkout counter. 
• Real-time inventory tracking helps you prevent costly stockouts and minimize spoilage. If you sell products like meat and cheese by weight, look for a system with scale integration. 
• In-depth reporting and analytics help you learn more about your customers, their product preferences, and their shopping habits. 
• Marketing tools like scheduled promotions and a built-in customer loyalty program help you generate repeat business and increase your average basket size. 
• E-commerce integration makes it easy to offer revenue-boosting options like grocery pickup and delivery. 

Don’t forget to evaluate each provider’s support options. Ideally, you’ll choose a provider that offers 24/7 support at no additional cost, ensuring you have all the help and training you need during onboarding and beyond. 

3 Grocery Software Options To Consider

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to dive in and explore cloud-based grocery store POS providers.  

Choosing the right POS system is no easy task — which is why we’ve put together this detailed overview of three trusted solutions. 

3. Square: A Simple Option for New Business Owners

First is Square. This provider offers simple, cloud-based POS software for retailers in all industries. 

Let’s look at a few of Square’s best features: 

• Real-time inventory tracking with low-stock alerts
• Employee shift scheduling and time tracking
• Built-in e-commerce features for in-store pickup

Square’s biggest strength is its user-friendly interface. The setup process is quick and easy, and you and your team can start using the system within minutes. 

However, Square isn’t specifically designed for grocery stores — which means you’ll miss out on tailored features for perishable and weight-based inventory management. 

Square’s most popular plan starts at $29/month, with options to upgrade for email and SMS marketing ($10–$15/month), customer loyalty ($45/month), and other advanced tools.  

2. Lightspeed: A High-Powered Solution for Growing Retailers

Looking for a more powerful option? Lightspeed is another cloud-based POS solution. 

Here are some of Lightspeed’s most impressive features: 

• Multilocation inventory management and sales reporting
• Built-in e-commerce for online sales
• App store with additional tools and integrations

Lightspeed might be the right fit if you have big goals for your grocery store and are comfortable with technology. However, it’s not the most user-friendly solution. Since it isn’t grocery-specific, you’ll have to customize the software to meet your needs. 

Lightspeed is also one of the most expensive options on our list, with monthly prices ranging from $109 to $339. 

1. IT Retail: A Tailored System Designed for Grocery Stores

Our final (and favorite) cloud-based grocery store software solution is IT Retail. 

Unlike the other options on our list, IT Retail was designed by and for grocers — which means you’ll have access to all the tools you need to manage your store’s day-to-day operations. 

Here’s what you can expect from IT Retail: 

• Inventory management tools specifically designed for perishable and weight-based stock
• A built-in customer loyalty program
• Advanced reporting and analytics on your sales trends, profits, and more
• 24/7 support from a team of grocery industry experts

Whether you run a small grocery store, supermarket, or specialty food store, IT Retail includes everything you need to manage inventory, make sales, and grow. 

We offer custom pricing to meet every grocer’s needs and budget, so check out our build and price tool for an instant quote. 

Get Started With IT Retail and See the Cloud-Based Difference

Ready to make the switch to a powerful, modern, cloud-based POS system? You’re in the right place.

For over 30 years, IT Retail has provided grocers with the tools they need to serve customers, manage inventory, and boost profits. Plus, our team of grocery store experts is available during onboarding and beyond to help you succeed. 

Schedule your live, personalized demo today to see IT Retail in action.