ffline purchases often create a stronger emotional impact than online shopping, making them more memorable for customers. As a result, sales staff are increasingly taking on the role of brand ambassadors, not just sellers or product experts. This shift highlights the growing importance of training and skill development in attracting and retaining top talent.
Research supports this trend: Devlin Peck found that companies with comprehensive employee training programs see a 218% higher income per employee than those without formalized training. Additionally, LinkedIn research shows that 76% of Generation Z students believe that training is essential for a successful career.
So, how do you create an engaging and highly effective online learning experience? While having captivating content for your online courses is crucial, choosing the right online learning tool is just as important.
To help you save time, we've researched and compiled a list of the 10 best retail LMS software that will help you create an unforgettable experience and meet your retail success & employees' professional development needs.
Key Features of LMS for Retail Training
To maximize the effectiveness of training in the retail sector, your LMS should include the following key features:
- Onboarding Efficiency. Given the high turnover rates in retail, a smooth onboarding process is crucial. Look for an LMS that enhances onboarding with interactive modules, multimedia content, and quizzes to help new employees integrate quickly and efficiently.
- Customization Capabilities. Retail jobs can vary widely, each demanding unique training. An LMS should offer modular content and adaptive learning paths, allowing for tailored training. This is necessary to align with specific job roles and individual learning preferences.
- Mobile-Friendly and Microlearning. For retail employees who often juggle multiple tasks, microlearning — delivering concise, targeted lessons — is highly effective. An LMS with mobile accessibility allows learners to access training anytime, anywhere, making learning convenient and flexible to fit into their busy schedules.
- Detailed Reporting. Analytics are critical for measuring the effectiveness of training programs. A good LMS should provide comprehensive reports on employee performance, training completion, and areas for improvement. It enables managers to make informed decisions and continuously refine their training strategies.
- Collaborative and Social Learning. An LMS should foster a sense of community and encourage knowledge sharing through features like forums, discussion boards, and collaborative projects. This not only builds team cohesion but also enhances the overall learning experience.
- Compliance Training. Compliance is key in retail, where adhering to industry standards and regulations is non-negotiable. Choose an LMS that supports SCORM and offers robust tools for creating, delivering, and monitoring compliance training. It should also manage certifications and send alerts for recertification to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Integration with Retail Systems. For a seamless training experience, your LMS should integrate with existing retail technologies such as HR and POS systems. This integration ensures that employee data is synchronized and that the LMS aligns with your organization’s broader objectives.
It’s time to discover our top 10 solutions for retail employee training.
#1. EducateMe – Best Retail LMS Software for Collaborative Learning
EducateMe is the best LMS for retail designed to boost the performance of your reps and drive revenue. This platform combines powerful collaborative tools, advanced reporting features, and streamlined learning management to provide a highly engaging and effective training experience for your team.
Whether you're onboarding new retail specialists, offering continuous learning, or delivering advanced courses, this LMS for retail businesses adapts effortlessly to your business needs.
What features make it a perfect choice for the retail industry?
Key Features
- White-Labeling: Ensure brand consistency with customizable colors, fonts, logos, and domains to match your company's branding.
- Engagement-Driven Learning: Use a mix of cohort-based and self-paced learning with bite-sized modules, quizzes, webinars, and interactive content to keep your team engaged.
- Kanban Assignment Management: Manage tasks efficiently with a Kanban-style dashboard, complete with deadline management and group assignments to foster teamwork.
- Certificates as Achievements: Recognize and reward your team's accomplishments with certificates to celebrate key milestones.
- Progression-Based Learning: Enhance the learning experience by unlocking new modules only after completing previous sections, keeping learners motivated and on track.
- Seamless Integration: Easily connect EducateMe with your existing sales tools and CRMs, thanks to API and Zapier integrations.
#2. Academy Ocean – Best LMS for Adaptive Learning
AcademyOcean is an advanced learning management systems LMS for retail sector, providing a powerful platform for employee training and development. Perfect for retail businesses looking to enhance their training programs, they offer a range of tools that make onboarding, continuous learning, and compliance training efficient and engaging.
Pricing: Starts at $300/month (includes 5 admin users and up to 1,000 learners)
Key Features
- Centralized Training Portals: Create a consistent training experience across all your retail locations with centralized portals.
- Adaptive Learning Paths: Whether your employees are new hires or seasoned staff, adaptive learning paths provide relevant, role-specific training that improves performance and retention.
- Automated Onboarding: New employees can start learning immediately, reducing turnover and helping them become productive faster.
- Engaging Content Creation: Create multimedia content, quizzes, and simulations that capture your retail staff's attention and enhance their learning experience.
- In-Depth Analytics and Reporting: Identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement to ensure that your training programs are as effective as possible.
- Customizable Templates: Use convenient templates to quickly set up training courses that align with your brand and business needs.
#3. Docebo – Best LMS for AI-Based Learning
Docebo is another LMS retail example, that provides a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to enhance their training programs, streamline onboarding, upskill employees, and foster a culture of continuous learning. With advanced AI-driven features, seamless integrations, and robust reporting tools, Docebo is designed to empower retail organizations to build a skilled, productive, and engaged workforce.
Pricing: Docebo offers custom pricing based on the number of users and features required. Contact sales for a quote.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Personalization: AI-driven content recommendations and adaptive learning paths ensure that each retail employee receives training that is most relevant to their role and skill level.
- Seamless Integration: The platform integrates easily with existing tech stacks, including CRM, HRIS, and other business systems.
- Content Marketplace and Creation Tools: Docebo offers a rich content marketplace with a variety of courses and multimedia resources. Additionally, it provides powerful tools for creating custom training materials.
- Gamification and Social Learning: The platform includes gamification features to enhance learner engagement and motivation. Social learning tools enable employees to share knowledge, collaborate, and learn from each other, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Docebo provides robust analytics and reporting features.
#4. Axonify – Best LMS for Continuous Learning
Axonify is an LMS for retail training+ specifically designed to empower frontline workers. By focusing on practical, in-the-moment learning, Axonify ensures that retail businesses associates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to deliver memorable customer experiences, drive sales, and maintain operational efficiency. Their science-backed approach to training integrates seamlessly into the daily routines of retail employees.
Pricing: Contact sales for a quote.
Key Features
- AI-Driven Learning and Reinforcement: Axonify uses advanced AI to deliver personalized microlearning and intelligent reinforcement, ensuring that employees retain critical knowledge over time.
- Seamless Onboarding: New hires can onboard quickly by integrating learning directly into their routine.
- Real-Time Communication and Feedback: The platform offers embedded communication tools that keep retail staff connected across all locations, in over 60 languages.
- Task Management and Operational Guidance: This feature ensures that employees know exactly how to apply their training in everyday scenarios, enhancing productivity and driving better business results.
- Data-Driven Insights: This solution provides robust analytics that delivers insights into employee performance, skills, and tasks.
#5. 360 Learning – Best LMS for Interactive Learning
360Learning is another designed to foster collaboration, engagement, and knowledge sharing within teams. With a focus on interactive training and a mobile-first learning approach, 360Learning empowers retail employee training by creating a seamless and engaging learning experience, both online and offline. This LMS integrates advanced tools such as customizable course templates, AI-powered quiz suggestions, and interactive forums, offering retail staff engaging and dynamic training experiences.
Pricing: 30-day free trial; Team Plan — $8/registered user per month (up to 100 users/month); Business Plan — custom price.
Key Features
- Collaborative Learning Environment: With features like comment threads, forums, and virtual classrooms, retail industry employees can learn from each other, share insights, and build a community of practice.
- User-Friendly Course Creation and Management: This feature is particularly useful for creating retail-specific training programs that can be quickly updated to reflect new products, policies, or sales strategies.
- Gamification and Engagement Tools: To enhance engagement, 360Learning incorporates gamification elements such as badges, leaderboards, achievements, and social features like upvotes and sharing options.
- Integrated Content Creation and Customization: The platform allows for easy content creation with customizable course templates, integrated video recordings, and AI-powered quiz suggestions. Retail trainers can embed web-based files and create surveys to gather feedback, making the training experience more interactive and personalized.
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning: 360Learning supports both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning environments, offering flexibility in how training is delivered.
💡Further Reading: 10 Best 360Learning Alternatives For 2024
#6. Tovuti – Best LMS for Blended Learning
Tovuti is one of the best LMS retail solutions, designed to meet the unique needs of businesses, especially when it comes to blended learning. It enables businesses to create, manage, and deliver high-quality blended learning programs that combine both online and in-person training. This LMS for retail and distribution also excels with its diverse content options, gamification features, and collaborative tools.
Pricing: Starts at $11.160/year; Tovuti Lite starts at $199/mo (up to 50 users, unlimited courses)
Key Features
- User Management: Streamline the management of users, groups, and roles with comprehensive administrative tools.
- Engagement Tools: Enhance learner engagement through gamification features such as badges, leaderboards, and interactive elements.
- Reporting and Analytics: Track key metrics to ensure training goals are being met and identify areas for improvement.
- Blended Learning Support: Leverage the platform’s capabilities to deliver both virtual and face-to-face training sessions, ensuring a holistic learning approach.
- Content Management: Maintain an organized content repository where learners can access training materials, including PowerPoints, PDFs, podcasts, and webinars, at their convenience.
- Custom Branding: Customize the LMS to reflect your brand’s identity with white-label branding options.
- Integration Capabilities: Connect with over 2,000 platforms through API integrations.
💡Further Reading: 10 Best Blended Learning LMS [2024]
#7. SAP Litmos – Best LMS for Gamified Learning
Litmos is an enterprise LMS for retail training and e-learning designed to boost engagement and motivation through gamified learning. Ideal for the retail sector, it provides a platform that combines gamification with robust enterprise administration, pre-built content, and a flexible content management system. This approach not only makes training more enjoyable but also helps improve learning outcomes and employee performance.
Pricing: To get prices for Litmos LMS you need to contact their sales department.
Key Features
- Gamification Tools: Foster a sense of friendly competition among learners with leaderboards, point systems, badges & rewards.
- Flexible Content Options: Use Litmos’ authoring tool to develop SCORM-compliant courses, or utilize existing off-the-shelf courses covering compliance, soft skills, leadership, and more.
- AI Assistant and Video Assessments: Enhance the learning experience with AI Assistant and video assessments. These tools provide interactive feedback and personalized learning paths based on individual performance.
- Rapid Implementation and Integration: Litmos integrates seamlessly with CRM, ERP, and HRIS systems, ensuring smooth deployment and operation.
- Comprehensive Reporting and Tracking: Gain valuable insights into course completions, quiz results, and content popularity to optimize your training strategy.
💡Further Reading: LMS Gamification: Top 6 Examples
#8. Safety Culture – Best LMS for Social Learning
SafetyCulture stands out as a powerful tool for social learning, specifically tailored to enhance retail operations through collaborative and data-driven training. It integrates robust management and compliance tools, allowing retailers to enhance employee product knowledge, streamline operations, and maintain high standards.
Pricing: Free Plan — unlimited number of lessons and unlimited users; Do it yourself — $2.95 per active user/month; Managed — $2.95-$5.95 per user/ month; Enterprise — custom pricing.
Key Features
- Social Learning: Employees can discuss issues, share solutions, and collectively address challenges, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Safety and Compliance Tracking: Implement and monitor safety procedures with built-in audits and risk assessments. Track compliance with regulations and standards to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
- Integration: Easily integrates with G-Suite; Microsoft; Canva; BambooHR; Xero; Deputy; SSO; Zapier; Public API; SCORM and AICC Import / Export.
- Real-Time Feedback and Collaboration: Utilize in-build games; achievements; real reward; spaced repetition; push notifications; certificates; assignments; discussion forum; Brain Boost spaced repetition tool; stars & prizing draws; peer authoring;
- Customizable Assessments and Checklists: Create and deploy customized assessments and checklists that align with your brand’s standards and procedures.
- Visual Campaigns and Communication: Quickly roll out promotional and merchandising initiatives with visual content that captures attention and improves understanding.
- Onboarding and Training: Accelerate the onboarding process with digital assessments and training modules.
💡Further Reading: 11 Best Social Learning Platforms for 2024 [+Features Guide]
#9. Learn Amp – Best LMS for Community Based Learning
Learn Amp is a retail learning management system designed to cultivate a strong sense of community within retail organizations. It empowers employees to share knowledge, collaborate on learning, and engage with content in meaningful ways. By leveraging social learning principles, Learn Amp enhances the learning experience through community-driven interactions and insights.
Pricing: To get prices for Learn Amp you need to contact their sales department.
Key Features
- Community Building: Create vibrant learning communities by setting up cohort-based groups for onboarding, leadership, or other training initiatives.
- Centralized Content Assignment: Provide a single, consolidated view where learners can access all necessary resources.
- Engagement Tracking: Track progress, task completion, and participation levels to ensure learners are actively involved and on track with their development goals.
- Pulse Surveys and Feedback: Use quick pulse surveys and feedback mechanisms to gauge employee satisfaction and engagement.
- Content Sharing and Collaboration: Allow them to recommend resources to peers, contribute to discussions, and post questions that can be answered by experts or fellow learners.
- Dynamic Group Management: Create and manage dynamic groups based on various attributes such as location, language, or role.
- Kudos and Recognition: Recognize and reward learners for their contributions and content uploads. Use Kudos and ratings to highlight popular content and encourage active participation.
#10. Expert LMS – Best LMS for Microlearning
Expert LMS is one of the best retail LMS online learning, engineered to support retail organizations with a dynamic, all-in-one training solution that emphasizes microlearning. The platform provides employees with easily accessible, bite-sized learning modules through a native mobile app.
Pricing: $3.50 per active account
Key Features
- Easy Course Building: Develop engaging, short courses with images, text, files, quizzes, and SCORM-compliant materials.
- Interactive Quizzes and Assignments: These features promote active engagement and help reinforce knowledge through practical application.
- Career Pathways: Define clear, microlearning-driven career paths to motivate employees and guide their development.
- Automations: Enroll users into relevant courses based on their role, location, or department, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring timely access to learning materials.
- Smart Notifications: The platform prioritizes in-app alerts for immediate updates and uses email as a backup when the app is not installed.
- Performance Reviews: Conduct performance reviews directly through the app and automate recurring evaluations to support continuous development.
- Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate Expert LMS with other platforms like HR systems (e.g., Planday, S4Labour) and document management tools (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive). The open API facilitates endless integration possibilities.
Still unsure about which option to choose? Book a demo with our EducateMe LMS expert - and get all the answers in 30 minutes:)