From One Store to Many: The Top 10 Best HR Software Programs for Growing Retail Chains

Main image courtesy of Sterling.

Everyone loves to shop and treat themselves to a new wardrobe every once in a while! Whether it’s changing up your style, wanting to upgrade to more high-quality clothing, or even shopping for clothing for a new job, retail businesses continue to be places that people go to everyday to treat themselves to something that makes them look and feel their best. Retail businesses not only thrive off of customers and the sales they make from them, but their employees who help to organize and keep the store running as well, which is also why an essential HR software is needed to help manage daily tasks.

Aiken House understands what it takes to run a business where we not only manage our own, but have helped 17+ small businesses get their start as well. In this article, we’ll help you through the essential tools and services needed for any HR software for retail businesses that include the following:

• Explain HR software’s role in optimizing retail business operations
• Provide solutions for time tracking, performance management, and more
• Position Aiken House as an expert in helping small businesses get their start

The Metrics That Matter: How HR Software Can Optimize Your Workforce

Retail businesses thrive on a strong team—whether it’s cashiers keeping the checkout line moving, stockroom employees making sure shelves stay full, or managers juggling schedules and payroll. But as your business grows, so do the challenges of managing your workforce efficiently. Without the right HR software, tasks like scheduling, payroll, and compliance can quickly become overwhelming, leading to costly mistakes and high employee turnover. In fact, retail has one of the highest turnover rates, averaging 60% per year, and research shows that businesses using smart HR solutions can boost productivity by 25% while reducing administrative errors by 35%.

To keep your team running smoothly and your business operating efficiently, the right HR software should include:

• Automated Scheduling & Shift Management – Helps prevent overstaffing and understaffing while keeping employees happy.
• Payroll & Benefits Administration – Ensures employees are paid on time and benefits are managed accurately.
• Time Tracking & Attendance – Works seamlessly with POS systems to monitor employee hours.
• Compliance Management – Keeps you up to date with labor laws to avoid costly penalties.
• Employee Onboarding & Training – Simplifies new hire integration and ongoing staff development.
• Performance Management & Feedback Tools – Helps track employee progress and encourage growth.
• Mobile Accessibility – Allows employees to check schedules, request time off, and communicate easily.
• Scalability & Multi-Location Support – Grows with your business as you expand to new locations.

By choosing HR software that streamlines these tasks, retail businesses can reduce headaches, improve efficiency, and keep their workforce engaged—helping them scale from one store to many with ease.

10 HR Software Solutions That Help Retailers Expand with Ease

Finding the right HR software is a game-changer for retail businesses looking to scale. Whether you're running a single boutique or managing multiple store locations, the right tools can simplify scheduling, payroll, and employee management—so you can focus on growing your business. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best HR software solutions tailored for retail businesses, each with features designed to keep your workforce organized and engaged.

1. Homebase

Website: Homebase

Homebase is a great choice for retailers who need a simple, budget-friendly way to manage employee scheduling, time tracking, and payroll. Its free plan offers essential features like timesheets and team communication, while paid plans include advanced scheduling, compliance tools, and hiring features. The mobile app allows employees to swap shifts, request time off, and clock in remotely, making it ideal for retailers with hourly workers.

2. Deputy

Website: Deputy

Deputy specializes in employee scheduling, making it an excellent option for retailers juggling multiple shifts. With AI-driven shift planning, automated labor compliance, and real-time attendance tracking, it helps managers stay ahead of scheduling conflicts while keeping labor costs in check. The mobile-friendly interface makes it easy for employees to view schedules and swap shifts on the go.

3. BambooHR

Website: BambooHR

BambooHR is a full-service HR solution that helps retailers manage hiring, onboarding, and employee records all in one place. It’s a great option for retail businesses transitioning from a single-store setup to a multi-location chain. Features like self-service portals, e-signatures, and performance tracking help streamline HR tasks, while integrations with payroll software ensure smooth employee payments.

4. When I Work

Website: When I Work

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use scheduling app, When I Work is a top choice. It’s built for shift-based workplaces, allowing managers to create schedules, track time, and communicate with staff all from their phones. Employees can swap shifts and receive notifications, reducing no-shows and last-minute scheduling issues.

5. Gusto

Website: Gusto

Gusto is a great HR solution for retail businesses that need more than just scheduling. It offers payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance support, all in an easy-to-use platform. Small businesses love Gusto for its affordability and automation, which helps reduce payroll errors and save time on administrative tasks.

At Aiken House, we love the HR services that Gusto provides for our business, which is why we always recommend it to those looking for a new software to try out. Click our link to save $100 on your first payroll with Gusto today!

6. Paycor

Website: Paycor

Paycor is designed to grow with your business, making it an excellent option for retailers planning to expand. It combines payroll, scheduling, and workforce analytics into one platform. Features like automated payroll tax filing and labor cost insights help retailers stay compliant and make data-driven decisions.

7. TriNet

Website: TriNet

TriNet is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides comprehensive HR solutions tailored for small and medium-sized retail businesses. Unlike traditional HR software, TriNet acts as an outsourced HR department, offering payroll processing, benefits administration, risk and compliance management, and employee onboarding. Retailers benefit from TriNet’s expertise in labor law compliance, making it a great option for businesses navigating multi-state regulations or rapid expansion. Its scalable solutions allow retail owners to offload administrative HR tasks while focusing on growing their stores.

8. Rippling

Website: Rippling

Rippling is a powerful HR software that combines payroll, benefits, and IT management in one system. Retail businesses that use multiple tools for HR and operations will love its ability to integrate with over 500 apps, including POS systems. Its automation features help reduce manual work, freeing up managers to focus on growing their business.

9. UKG Ready

Website: UKG Ready

UKG Ready is an excellent solution for retailers who have outgrown basic HR software and need more advanced workforce management features. It offers powerful time tracking, payroll, and compliance tools, helping businesses manage labor costs efficiently. The system is cloud-based and mobile-friendly, making it accessible from anywhere.

10. Square Team Management

Website: Square Team Management

If your retail business already relies on Square for payments, its built-in HR solution is a convenient option. Square Team Management allows you to track employee hours, set permissions, and manage payroll directly within your POS system. It’s an affordable and seamless way to integrate workforce management into your existing retail operations.

With the right HR software, retailers can simplify workforce management, improve employee satisfaction, and scale operations efficiently. Whether you need a scheduling tool, a full-service HR platform, or an integrated payroll solution, there’s an option to fit your retail business needs. The next section explores how Aiken House provides the support and resources retailers need to grow successfully.

The Right Support at Every Stage: How Aiken House Helps You Grow

There is something so satisfying about starting your own business, even a small retail business, that really makes you proud of the work you can accomplish. Aiken House understands all of the challenges and successes that come with starting your own business, and we can help with everything from marketing, branding, software design, and even website development.

If you want to kickstart your business, consider scheduling a consultation with us today to start the next chapter of your life!

While you’re waiting for your consultation, consider checking out the top ten HR software programs that are perfect for any retail business, no matter how big or small!