Running one grocery store is hard enough, but running two or more can feel like a whole different beast — especially when spoilage, staffing, and shopping preferences vary by location.
An inefficient tech stack, including your point of sale (POS) system, can lead to wasted produce, mismatched pricing, and disconnected reporting.
In this blog, we’ll cover what you should look for in a multistore POS system and compare top providers built for grocers expanding to multiple locations.
Running multiple supermarket locations introduces unique problems that a general POS system often can’t handle.
Here are some of the most common issues owners start to run into — and signs that you need a more tailored solution.
If not managed correctly, expanding to multiple grocery locations creates operational strain. From inventory transfers to pricing and payment processing, the pressure builds quickly without the right systems in place.
Some of the biggest pain points multistore grocers face include:
Say, for example, a family running a successful Hispanic grocery adds a second location nearby. Store A is nearly sold out of fresh produce by midweek, while Store B is overstocked and seeing waste. Without a system to track and transfer perishable inventory in real time, profits slip through the cracks.
Each of your stores has different needs — some based on neighborhood demographics, others based on store layout or available staff. Without location-specific controls and centralized oversight, even the most well-run businesses can quickly lose track of inventory, pricing accuracy, and customer trends.
The right POS system won’t fix every problem overnight, but it gives owners the tools to act before small issues grow into larger ones.
As you add more locations, you might find that a generic POS system lacks essential features. The right system should support everything from tracking perishables, adjusting pricing by location, and managing loyalty and payments across multiple zip codes.
Look for features like:
Say you’re a grocer with three stores in different neighborhoods, each running weekly produce specials. Store A serves a working-class area with high price sensitivity, while Store C is in an affluent suburb where customers prioritize organic options.
In this example, the grocer needs to adjust pricing and promotions store by store while still tracking inventory centrally, and without toggling between disconnected systems.
Related Read: What Software Do Supermarkets Use? 6 Must-Have Tools
A strong multistore POS gives you that kind of control. It lets you act on what’s actually happening at each of your locations, while still keeping your business aligned.
That balance becomes harder (and more important) the more locations you open.
Below, we compare five popular multistore POS system options built with supermarkets in mind. Each system offers multilocation features, but the best choice depends on your store size, goals, and how you operate.
NRS POS helps independent retailers compete with big-box chains, especially those with limited staff and tight margins. It provides an all-in-one setup with pricing, inventory, and staff management tools — ideal for neighborhood stores looking to expand gradually.
Standout features include:
Reviews: 4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot, 2/5 stars on Slashdot
Great option for: Independent community markets that need flexible, multistore functionality
Clover is a flexible POS solution for grocers opening their second or third location. While not explicitly built for supermarkets, Clover’s third-party app marketplace makes it adaptable for a range of store needs, including inventory tracking, loyalty, and remote management.
Standout features include:
Reviews: 2.5/5 stars on Trustpilot, 5/5 stars on Nerdwallet
Great option for: Independent grocers with simple operations looking for fast setup and easy-to-learn hardware
Related Read: Point of Sale in Supermarkets: 6 Unique Features and Benefits
Loyverse is a budget-friendly POS built for businesses planning to grow quickly across multiple outlets. While it might not have as many necessary features compared to more specialized grocery systems, it offers centralized reporting, inventory tracking, and employee management from a single dashboard.
Standout features include:
Reviews: 4.8/5 stars on Software Advice, 3.6/5 stars on Trustpilot
Great option for: Grocery operators launching multiple outlets in a short timeframe who want quick onboarding and centralized controls
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS platform for retailers scaling across multiple locations. While not grocery-exclusive, its inventory tools and customizable workflows make it a good fit for midsize supermarkets looking to centralize operations and track store performance.
Standout features include:
Reviews: 4.3/5 stars on NerdWallet, 3.9/5 stars on Trustpilot
Great option for: Regional grocers and chains relying on custom workflows, reporting, and integration flexibility across locations
Created for grocers by grocers, IT Retail is purpose-built for supermarkets managing multiple locations. It’s a strong fit for family-run chains, international markets, and specialty grocers expanding into new neighborhoods.
This all-in-one system supports deli and produce departments, loyalty programs, online sales, payment processing, and more — giving grocers more visibility and flexibility without sacrificing control.
Standout features include:
Reviews: 4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot, 4.6/5 stars on Capterra
Great option for: Growing supermarket chains that need grocery-specific tools and centralized control across all store operations
| POS Provider | Description | Pricing* | Pros | Cons |
| IT Retail | Grocery-focused POS designed for specialty and multistore supermarkets | • Starts at $49/mo with custom pricing available on request | • Grocery-ready tools (EBT, self-checkout, deli scales) • Real-time multistore reporting and inventory • Unlimited SKUs and vendor-level purchasing |
• Setup requires training (onboarding support provided) |
| Lightspeed Retail | Feature-packed retail POS with multichannel sales and advanced inventory | • Basic plan: $89/mo • Core plan: $149/mo • Plus plan: $289/mo |
• Comprehensive customer loyalty features • Omnichannel sales support • Automations for promos and transfers |
• Not built for grocers (requires customization) • Inventory management may be lacking |
| Loyverse | Affordable POS for multistore expansion and employee tracking | Free basic POS software with add-ons ranging from $5/mo to $25/mo | • Free basic POS system • Robust customer loyalty capabilities • Employee performance tracking |
• Not built for grocers (requires customization) • No e-commerce options |
| Clover | User-friendly POS popular with small chains | • Starter plan: $16/mo • Standard plan: $180/mo • Advanced plan: $240/mo |
• Intuitive interface • Diverse hardware options • Several apps and integrations |
• Not built for grocers (requires customization) • Costly additional features |
| National Retail Solutions (NRS) | Retail POS with integrated loyalty and promotional features | • Hardware ranges from $599 to $999 annually • Software ranges from $19.95/mo to $74.95/mo |
• Easy to use with essential POS features • Fixed payment processing fees • Basic inventory tracking |
• Not built for grocers (requires customization) • Limited customer support hours • Hidden recurring fees for add-ons |
*Pricing is approximate and can vary based on store size, hardware needs, and negotiated contracts. Always confirm with providers.
Choosing the right POS system comes down to a few nonnegotiables — things like real-time inventory visibility, location-specific pricing controls, and the ability to scale without adding complexity.
If you’re looking for a grocery-specific POS built for multistore growth, IT Retail stands out as the most complete solution. Unlike generic POS systems, IT Retail includes scale integrations, comprehensive reporting tools, real-time data across locations, and more.
Schedule a free demo with IT Retail today to see how it can support your supermarket’s next phase of growth.