10 Best CRMs for Retail

Alex WalzSenior Software Engineer

Explore how Podium's CRM tools can transform retail operations for an efficient, customer-focused business.
clock0 min. read

In the fast-paced retail world, every second counts. A tool that can save you time and help you better manage your operations can make a significant difference to your business. In this digital era, it can’t be denied that there’s software for nearly every function in a retail business. One of the most notable ones is Customer Relationship Management (CRM), a technology used for managing all your company’s relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.

Choosing the right CRM for your retail business can be a game-changer. Here at Podium, we’ve carefully selected the best CRM tools for retail businesses to ensure the best possible results. Let’s dive in!

1. Salesforce

Salesforce, known as the world’s top CRM platform, offers a variety of products to help businesses succeed. Thanks to its cloud-based systems, it provides a real-time, 360-degree view of your customers. This omnichannel support comes in handy in retail, allowing businesses to create personalized customer experiences.

We recommend Salesforce for its robust set of features ranging from sales and service to marketing and commerce, all of which can be customized to better serve your retail business. Salesforce excels in its ability to accurately predict customer needs, monitor trends, and accelerate productivity.

2. Podium Webchat

Podium Webchat allows you to manage all your customer interactions from one place. It’s not just a chat tool, it’s a complete interaction platform. Perfect for retail businesses, it helps bridge online and brick-and-mortar experiences and manage all customer interactions from a single inbox.

As a part of the wider Podium platform, we recommend Webchat for its ability to connect your retail business with customers on their terms. The convenience of communicating via text makes connecting and converting customers easier than ever. Coupled with review management and feedback analysis, Podium’s Webchat tool is a powerhouse in managing interactions and understanding customer behavior specific to the retail industry.

3. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM empowers numerous global businesses over an extensive industry range with its eclectic suite of applications, services, and proprietary development tools. It includes a strong set of CRM tools for small to mid-sized businesses, which results in a comprehensive organizational platform.

We recommend Zoho CRM for its quality customer service and features such as territory management and advanced CRM analytics that can isolate customer buying patterns within the retail industry. It is well-suited to handle multiple product lines, making it an excellent fit for retail businesses.

4. HubSpot

HubSpot is a top-rated CRM platform that presents a comprehensive set of tools for managing customer relationships. It integrates with various marketing tools to support sales and services, enabling synchronized data across systems and creating a seamless customer experience.

We recommend HubSpot for its exceptional all-in-one marketing, sales, and service platform and CRM. Its free CRM is user-friendly, and its scalability and customization options make it a top pick for businesses of all sizes, including retail.

5. ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign combines email marketing, marketing automation, and sales/CRM automation. It gives businesses of all sizes the opportunity to automate their customers’ experiences, turning them into repeat customers.

We suggest ActiveCampaign because it offers automated marketing features, pipeline management functionality, and a robust CRM system. This platform stands out with its sophisticated automation features–which are perfect for retailers looking to streamline their processes.

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6. Copper

Copper is a CRM for G Suite users. It seamlessly integrates with G Suite, gets rid of manual data entry, and is super easy to use. If you can use Gmail, you’ll know how to use Copper. Plus, it works from anywhere you work—your computer or phone.

We recommend Copper because of its G Suite integration and user-friendly interface. It is particularly valuable for retail businesses that operate via G Suite and value seamless workflows and reduced administration.

7. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM that uses AI to automatically streamline your sales process. It gives you valuable insights and lets you maintain complete control over your schedule, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

We suggest Pipedrive for its strong sales capabilities, offering retail businesses a comprehensive overview of their sales processes as well as detailed analytics and reporting.

8. Keap

Keap (formerly known as Infusionsoft) allows you to manage customer interactions and daily work from one platform. It offers a robust suite of products satisfying various business needs, ranging from CRM to robust marketing and sales automation.

We endorse Keap for its all-in-one sales and marketing approach. Its focus on ease of use, along with its strong automation capabilities, makes it a viable option for retail businesses, especially those investing heavily in marketing.

9. Agile CRM

Agile CRM provides key features of sales, marketing, and service automation in an all-in-one, integrated solution. It’s a cloud-based application with extensive integration capability, making it flexible for diverse retail business needs.

We propose Agile CRM for its ample features addressing sales, marketing, and customer service in one platform. It’s a cost-effective solution for retail businesses that are looking for rich functionalities to manage their customer relationships better.

10. Podium Texting

The Podium Texting tool helps businesses gain control over their customer communications. It empowers businesses to manage and respond to every message across multiple channels, all from a single inbox.

What makes Podium Texting a strong contender is that it allows retail businesses to streamline their communication processes effectively, providing a platform for efficient, personalized customer interactions. Not to mention, it naturally integrates with other Podium tools, providing a comprehensive communications solution for any retail business.

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CRM tools have become the backbone of successful retail businesses. Choosing the right CRM that fits your specific needs can greatly enhance your relationship with your customers, improve customer retention, and drive sales growth. Each of these tools has its unique offerings, and the best fit depends on your specific needs and objectives. To help you make your choice, you can always look into the robust toolkit provided by Podium. Our platform is designed to fit your communication needs seamlessly while ensuring you sustain strong relationships with your customers.

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