So you're ready to ditch the clunky old till and join the 21st century? Good call. Whether you're running a boutique in Brighton or a café in Cardiff, choosing the right EPOS system can genuinely transform how you do business.
The problem? There are dozens of options out there, and wading through all the features, pricing tiers, and sales jargon can feel overwhelming. That's why we're cutting through the noise and focusing on four systems that UK retailers consistently ask about: Shopify POS, EPOS Now, SumUp, and Toast.
Let's break down what each one actually offers, who they're best for, and: most importantly: which one deserves your hard-earned cash.
Why These Four Systems Matter for UK Retailers
These aren't random picks. Each of these platforms has carved out a specific niche in the UK market, and they all approach retail slightly differently. According to the British Retail Consortium, UK retailers are increasingly prioritising systems that combine in-store and online capabilities: something all four of these systems claim to offer.
But here's the thing: they don't all deliver equally well for every type of business. Your perfect EPOS system depends entirely on what you're selling, where you're selling it, and how tech-savvy you (and your team) actually are.
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Let's start with the basics:
Shopify POS – Best for retailers with existing online shops who want seamless integration
EPOS Now – Ideal for traditional brick-and-mortar UK retailers who prioritise in-store functionality
SumUp – Perfect for small businesses and market traders who need something affordable and portable
Toast – Designed specifically for hospitality, though it works for food retail too
Now, let's dig into what makes each one tick.
Shopify POS: The eCommerce Champion
If you're already selling online through Shopify, their POS system is the obvious starting point. The integration is seamless: your inventory syncs automatically between online and in-store, which means no more double-entering products or frantically checking stock levels on two different platforms.
Pricing: Shopify POS starts at £25 per month per location for the Lite plan, but most retailers will need the Pro features at £69/month. Card processing fees sit at 1.7% + £0, which is competitive.
The Good Stuff:
You get unified reporting across all your sales channels, proper inventory management, and a customer database that actually works. If you're already in the Shopify ecosystem, it just makes sense. The interface is clean, modern, and your staff will pick it up quickly.
The Downsides:
It's pricey compared to alternatives, and some users report that the payment terminals lack TAP support: which is a bit mental in 2026, honestly. For detailed specs, check out our full Shopify POS review.
Best for: Retailers with established online shops who want one unified system.
EPOS Now: The UK Retail Workhorse
Here's where things get interesting. EPOS Now has built its reputation specifically with UK brick-and-mortar retailers: think independent grocers, bakeries, fashion boutiques, and gift shops.
Pricing: Plans start around £39 per month, with reasonably priced hardware bundles. You're not going to break the bank getting set up.
The Good Stuff:
It's built for in-person retail, which means it actually does the basics brilliantly. Inventory management? Sorted. Staff management? Easy. Customer service? Generally gets positive reviews from UK users. The system works offline, too, which is crucial if your internet decides to have a wobble during Saturday rush hour.
EPOS Now offers proper sector-specific solutions, so whether you're selling clothes or running a convenience store, the system's configured with features that actually matter to your business. We genuinely think it's one of the most reliable options for traditional UK retailers.
The Downsides:
The eCommerce functionality isn't as robust as Shopify's, and if you're planning a massive online expansion, you might find it limiting. It's designed for shops that primarily sell face-to-face.
Best for: Independent UK retailers who prioritise in-store experience and reliability over fancy online features.
Want the full breakdown? Our comprehensive EPOS Now review covers everything from hardware options to integration capabilities.
SumUp: The Budget-Friendly Starter
SumUp has made waves by offering genuinely affordable EPOS solutions for small businesses. If you're just starting out, doing market stalls, or running a small operation, this is worth considering.
Pricing: No monthly subscription: you just pay card processing fees (around 1.69% per transaction). The hardware is affordable too, with card readers starting under £30.
The Good Stuff:
It's brilliantly simple. You download the app, connect a card reader, and you're taking payments. Perfect for mobile retailers, pop-up shops, or anyone who needs flexibility. The reporting is decent for basic needs, and you're not locked into lengthy contracts.
The Downsides:
You get what you pay for. It's not as feature-rich as dedicated retail systems: inventory management is basic, and you won't get advanced analytics or multi-location management. If you're planning to scale significantly, you'll likely outgrow it.
Best for: Start-ups, market traders, mobile retailers, and anyone wanting minimal commitment.
Toast: The Hospitality Specialist
Full disclosure: Toast was built specifically for restaurants and cafés. But if you're in food retail: say, a deli, farm shop, or bakery with a café: it's worth considering.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on your business size, which can be frustrating when you're trying to budget. Expect to pay more than SumUp but potentially less than Shopify POS Pro.
The Good Stuff:
The system understands hospitality. Table management, kitchen display systems, online ordering integration: it's all built in. The reporting is excellent for tracking food costs and labour, which matters when margins are tight.
For food retailers with eat-in options, Toast handles the complexity of both retail sales and table service without breaking a sweat.
The Downsides:
If you're pure retail with no food service element, Toast is probably overkill. The features you're paying for won't be relevant, and you'd be better off with something more retail-focused.
Best for: Food retailers, delis, bakeries with cafés, farm shops, or anyone straddling retail and hospitality.
So Which One Should You Actually Choose?
Here's the honest answer: it depends on your specific situation.
Choose Shopify POS if: You've already got a successful online shop and need your in-store experience to match.
Choose EPOS Now if: You're a traditional UK retailer who prioritises rock-solid in-store functionality and excellent customer support. It's the system we'd recommend to most independent UK shops, and you can read our full review here to see why it consistently performs well.
Choose SumUp if: You're just starting out, working markets, or need something portable and commitment-free.
Choose Toast if: You're in food retail with a hospitality element, or running a restaurant that also sells retail products.
What to Consider Before You Commit
Beyond the specific systems, think about these factors:
Integration Needs: What other software are you using? Accounting packages like Xero or Sage? Email marketing platforms? Make sure your chosen EPOS system plays nicely with your existing tech stack.
Hardware Requirements: Some systems require specific hardware; others work with tablets you already own. Factor in the total cost, not just the monthly subscription.
Contract Terms: Are you locked in for years, or can you cancel with reasonable notice? Flexibility matters, especially if your business is still evolving.
Support Quality: When something goes wrong at 2pm on Saturday, can you get help? UK-based support makes a genuine difference.
Ready to Make a Decision?
Look, there's no universally "best" EPOS system: but there's definitely a best one for your business. For most traditional UK retailers, we'd say EPOS Now offers the sweet spot of functionality, reliability, and value. It's designed with UK shops in mind, and it just works.
That said, don't take our word for it. Most providers offer free demos or trial periods. Take advantage of them. Get your staff involved. See how the system feels when you're actually using it during a busy shift.
The right EPOS system should make your life easier, not more complicated. Choose wisely, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.