Top 5 POS Solutions for Pop-Up Shops

Pop-up shops are taking the retail world by storm  –  short-term, high-impact sales experiences that depend on speed, simplicity, and accuracy. But here’s the catch: when you’re running a store that only exists for a few days or weeks, every sale, every second, and every customer interaction counts.

According to RetailDive, over 80% of retail pop-ups in 2024 relied on mobile or cloud-based POS systems to handle fast transactions and real-time inventory. The right POS solution for pop-up shops doesn’t just process payments  –  it syncs your sales, tracks your stock, and keeps customer data ready for your next event.

Below are the top 5 POS systems that help pop-up retailers run like pros  –  ranked for mobility, ease of use, and business growth potential.

1. Managerium Retail ERP

Managerium Retail ERP isn’t just a POS  –  it’s an entire business engine in your pocket. Built for both permanent and temporary retail setups, Managerium combines POS, CRM, accounting, HR, and inventory under one roof.

For pop-up shops, that means you can set up, sell, and scale without worrying about fragmented systems or complex setup.

Why It’s #1:
Managerium’s cloud-first architecture lets you access your store from anywhere. Whether you’re running a seasonal boutique, a mobile food stall, or a trade fair booth, it handles everything  –  from real-time stock levels to employee attendance.

Key Features:

• Portable cloud-based POS for on-the-go sales 
• Real-time inventory and analytics dashboard 
• Integrated CRM for repeat customer engagement 
• AI-powered chatbot support 
• Multi-branch and multi-user access 
• Secure payments with VAT-ready accounting

Performance Highlights:

Trusted by 1,500+ businesses and 50,000+ users, Managerium has delivered up to 300% efficiency boosts across operations

Perfect For:
Pop-up retailers, mobile kiosks, and seasonal sellers who want a professional system that scales with them.

Pro Tip: Use Managerium’s real-time analytics to see which products sell fastest  –  perfect for planning your next pop-up’s inventory mix.

2. Square POS

If there’s one system built for mobility, it’s Square POS. Known for its plug-and-play setup, Square lets you accept payments anywhere  –  even without Wi-Fi.

Key Features:

• Free POS app with mobile reader 
• Offline transaction mode 
• Quick inventory import/export 
• Instant payment reports via mobile

Why It Works for Pop-Ups:
It’s lightweight, reliable, and requires minimal setup  –  ideal for small teams selling at markets, fairs, or events.

Best For: Small retailers who prioritize affordability and simplicity.

3. Shopify POS

Shopify POS is perfect for brands that already sell online and want to go physical temporarily. It syncs seamlessly with your online store, ensuring unified stock and sales management.

Highlights:

• Unified online/offline sales tracking 
• Built-in payment processing 
• QR-code and barcode scanning 
• Mobile-friendly checkout experience

Why It Works for Pop-Ups:
You can run your online store and pop-up sales under the same dashboard, with synced data for real-time reporting.

Best For: eCommerce brands testing physical locations.

4. Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed POS combines mobility with enterprise-level reporting, making it ideal for established retailers hosting temporary events or brand activations.

Top Features:

• Cloud-based POS with offline support 
• Built-in CRM and staff management 
• Advanced analytics for demand prediction 
• Works on iPads and mobile terminals

Why It Works for Pop-Ups:
Its quick setup and detailed reporting make it perfect for brands running high-volume weekend sales or trade fair booths.

Best For: Mid-size businesses expanding into temporary retail.

5. Vend POS (by Lightspeed)

Vend POS specializes in fast setup and multi-location control. Its offline mode ensures you never miss a transaction  –  even in places with weak connectivity.

Features:

• Real-time inventory syncing 
• Customer loyalty and discount management 
• Quick product lookup and barcode support 
• Integrates with Xero and Shopify

Why It Works for Pop-Ups:
Vend’s cloud interface and hardware flexibility make it a go-to choice for retail events or short-term pop-up campaigns.

Best For: Independent retailers and boutique pop-ups with dynamic inventory.

Why Pop-Up Shops Need the Right POS

Pop-up retail success depends on speed, visibility, and adaptability. The right POS system helps you:

• Process payments instantly, even offline. 
• Track inventory in real-time, so you never oversell. 
• Capture customer data, fueling future marketing campaigns. 
• Manage staff and revenue with minimal setup.

A 2024 Forbes retail study found that pop-ups using integrated POS systems were 40% more likely to hit revenue goals compared to those using manual methods or basic cash registers.

Final Thoughts

Running a pop-up shop is all about agility  –  and your POS system should match that energy. Among all the contenders, Managerium Retail ERP stands out because it doesn’t just record sales  –  it empowers you with insights, automation, and scalability.

Whether you’re testing a new market or expanding your brand presence, Managerium offers the speed of a POS with the intelligence of a full ERP. It’s secure, reliable, and built for modern retail.

Ready to make your next pop-up smarter?
Book a free demo of Managerium Retail ERP and experience how effortless pop-up selling can be.