1C:Retail

1C:Retail is retail-management software for individual stores and chains, bringing sales, inventory, purchasing, staffing and analytics into one system. It suits retailers that need to connect store operations with online channels and retail equipment. The choice comes down to whether cloud access or a local installation fits your workstation and support needs.

Overview

The system covers core store operations, including product accounting, warehouse management, personnel management and analytics. Inventory management, purchase orders, multi-location support, consolidated reporting, barcode inventory and native POS support make it relevant to retailers managing stock and sales across more than one location.

Retail 3.0 can sell through a web storefront, a website, marketplaces, social networks or a business’s own mobile app. For purchasing, it can calculate stock needs from store sales and customer orders, while supplier price lists and purchase-price history support purchasing decisions. That breadth is useful for businesses joining in-store and online workflows, though the local editions’ workstation limits matter for growing teams.

Key features

Equipment support spans online cash registers, acquiring terminals, barcode scanners, label printers, data collection terminals and scales, alongside other certified retail equipment. The maker says transmitted cash-register data conforms to FFD 1.2, and receipts can be sent by email or SMS.

Integrations connect with several other 1C programs, including Accounting, Trade Management, Warehouse Worker and Orders. 1C-EDI supports exchange of invoices and other legally significant electronic documents with counterparties. 1C:Link provides secure remote internet access to 1C programs installed on a customer’s computer.

Registered Basic edition users receive documentation, regular updates and telephone and email hotline consultations at no charge. Professional edition users need a 1C:ITS support contract for program updates, adding an ongoing support consideration to the higher local edition.

Pricing

There is no free plan, but a 30-day free period is offered for the cloud version with all features. The cloud version is billed from 755 RUB/month per user when paid for 12 months; payment is possible from 1 month. It includes 2 workstations, with more available to add. This is the most flexible starting point for a small team that wants cloud access, but the per-user price and workstation count should be weighed against the intended team size.

The Basic local version costs 4,900 RUB, paid once. It includes 1 workstation, cannot be expanded with additional workstations, and includes free updates. That fixed limit makes it a fit for a single-workstation setup, not a store expecting multiple staff to work at separate stations.

The Professional local version costs 23,000 RUB, paid once, with additional workstations available at 9,400 RUB for each. It starts with 1 workstation and requires service under a 1C:ITS contract for updates. It offers a route to expand a local installation, but its upfront cost, per-workstation charges and support contract are material trade-offs.

Platforms

1C lists Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows. The 1C:Enterprise platform supports Windows, Linux and macOS clients; its mobile platform supports Android and iOS. Browser support on Android and iPhone/iPad has limited functionality, so it should not be treated as equivalent to the full client experience.

Who it's for

1C:Retail is best suited to retailers that need inventory, POS, purchasing and reporting across one or multiple locations, especially those already using other 1C programs or selling through several online channels. A single-station operation can choose the Basic local edition; retailers needing more local workstations should consider Professional and its added contract and seat costs, or the cloud edition. It is a weaker fit for buyers seeking a free plan or an expandable Basic local license.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad retail coverage combines inventory, purchasing, POS, consolidated reporting and personnel management.
• Pros: Retail 3.0 supports several online sales channels, and stock needs can be calculated from sales and customer orders.
• Pros: Cloud includes 2 workstations and a 30-day all-features free period; Basic local includes free updates and hotline support for registered users.
• Cons: Basic local is capped at 1 workstation with no way to add more.
• Cons: Professional local adds workstation costs and requires a 1C:ITS contract for updates.
• Cons: Browser functionality on Android and iPhone/iPad is limited.

Alternatives

AmisiERP is worth comparing for buyers seeking a free plan or a defined small-business package: its Starter plan is 2,500 KES a month for 3 users, 1,000 products and 200 transactions/day, with POS, inventory, eTIMS, M-Pesa reconciliation and email support. BUSY is another option for those prioritizing a free billing and accounting plan, with its Express plan covering billing and accounting, multiple companies and multiple financial years.

Oracle Retail Xstore Point-of-Service is a paid alternative for retailers willing to request a demo rather than compare a public price. SOFT1 Retail is another paid option, with a free trial and broad platform support. Cegid Retail is worth considering if you prefer to request a demo for a paid product.

er4u may suit buyers who want a stated startup package: it lists 3 users, 1 outlet and unlimited invoices, with ₹7,000+18% GST billed and renewal at ₹2,000 +18% GST per year after the first year. Jefacil is a lower-cost option for a small Brazilian store: its Básico plan is 39.50 BRL a month, with 1 store, up to 3 users and up to 500 NFC-e/month.

Oracle Retail Xstore Point-of-Service is another paid alternative.

For a broader shortlist, see Retail Accounting Software.

Verdict

Choose 1C:Retail if your store or chain needs connected retail operations, inventory and purchasing, plus support for multiple sales channels and retail equipment. Its strongest case is the breadth of operations and 1C integrations; look elsewhere if you need a free plan, or if a one-workstation local license cannot accommodate your team and Professional’s added costs do not fit.