When building your tech stack, it's only natural to want the best. This is especially true for retail businesses, which have many moving parts—including point of sale (POS), ecommerce, customer loyalty, payments, and more. You want these elements to work seamlessly together while at the same time ensuring that each component is robust and tailored to fit your specific needs.
And that's why many retailers use Lightspeed Commerce with Shopify. As two leading software vendors in the POS and ecommerce markets, they offer complementary strengths that can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
In this article, we look at how Lightspeed and Shopify integrate and what merchants can do to get the most out of each solution, used together.
About Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a POS and payment platform for retailers, restaurants, and golf courses. On the retail side specifically, Lightspeed offers an intuitive point of sale system and built-in payments that enable merchants to quickly ring up sales using a computer or mobile device.
Lightspeed also has robust inventory capabilities, enabling retailers to order and receive products, track and transfer stock between different locations, conduct full and partial inventory counts, and more.
In addition, Lightspeed has an ecommerce platform that allow merchants to set up an online shop and manage their digital presence. That being said, Lightspeed is built for brick and mortar retailers first, so merchants that require advanced and deep ecommerce capabilities may not get all the features they need from the platform — hence the need to integrate with other solutions.
About Shopify
Shopify is built for the ecommerce sector first and has everything you need to sell online. The platform offers a user-friendly interface for creating and customizing online stores with a wide range of themes and templates.
Shopify also has powerful shipping capabilities through Shopify Shipping and the Shopify Fulfillment Network, which lets you outsource fulfillment and returns.
Plus, Shopify supports various sales channels, including social media, marketplaces, and in-person sales. It also provides powerful marketing and customer engagement tools, including social media integrations, live chat, and email marketing.
Pros of using Shopify and Lightspeed together
Many merchants use Shopify and Lightspeed, and it’s easy to see why: if you want the best of both worlds (ecommerce and brick and mortar), it may make sense to integrate the two solutions.
Access to the best tools
Between the two platforms, Shopify and Lightspeed are typically the first to market with new tools and features in their respective focus areas. As such, you can always have access to the latest and greatest features for each sales channel, giving your business a competitive edge.
Avoid messy (and expensive) migrations
If you've started on your retail journey—i.e., you already have an existing Lightspeed or Shopify account—choosing the integration route vs. migration will likely be more cost-effective.
Migrating all your data from one platform to another can be tedious and time-consuming because you need to transfer extensive records, reconfigure settings, and ensure everything works perfectly. It can also lead to downtime when the migration process isn't implemented correctly.
Cons of using Shopify and Lightspeed together
As with many integrations, users can have pain points and disjointed experiences when connecting different solutions, and the Lightspeed + Shopify integration is no different.
Challenges with finding integrations that work with both solutions
When creating a tech stack, you need to ensure that each part "plays nice" with all other components. Naturally, this task becomes increasingly complex the more apps you have. This issue can be seen in Lightspeed and Shopify.
Lightspeed and Shopify each have their own marketplaces with different apps, so it can be challenging (but definitely not impossible) to find apps that work with both.
Breakage points between the two systems
When set up correctly, Lightspeed’s Shopify integration serves most retailers well. But no integration is perfect 100% of the time. The reality of connecting different solutions is that issues can arise. Sometimes, data won't sync. Or maybe one platform experiences an outage, leading to disruptions in your operations.
There have been some reports of inconsistencies and data mismatches between Shopify and Lightspeed merchants. Some retailers, for example, report that Shopify orders aren't syncing with Lightspeed or that not all data (e.g. images or product details) are imported seamlessly.
Usually, these issues only arise with more complicated use cases — for example, franchises, or set ups that use parent accounts. Anything that deviates from the standard Lightspeed and Shopify set up can be a bit trickier to get right.
Solutions to address integration issues
While there are real concerns about connecting different apps, successful software integrations are totally possible. If your business doesn’t use a standard set up, you just need to find the right solutions and systems. Consider the following.
Choose apps that work on both platforms
Our first tip? Choose your apps wisely. If you're using Shopify with Lightspeed and want to extend the capabilities of these platforms, set your sights on apps that can connect to both solutions. You can find them by browsing Lightspeed's and Shopify's respective marketplaces and ensuring they are listed as compatible with both systems.
An example of one such app is Marsello. All our loyalty and customer engagement tools work perfectly with Shopify and Lightspeed, so you don't have to worry about disconnected data or a disjointed customer experience. More on this in a bit.
Implement middleware
You can deploy middleware—i.e., software that acts as a bridge between different applications to facilitate communication and data flow. These apps are built specifically to help with the connection between Lightspeed and Shopify. Middleware can provide an adequate workaround, but keep in mind that they can be unreliable and setting them up is typically labor-intensive.
We would recommend only using middleware if you have a complex or unique store set up (for example, a parent-child store set up in Lightspeed, or if you're running a franchise model).
Custom development
If you have the dev resources, you can also go the custom development route by leveraging Lightspeed's and Shopify's open APIs to build a bespoke integration. This is ideal for merchants who need highly-customized integrations or extra-tight and robust connections.
Best apps when using Shopify and Lightspeed
Ready to connect your sales channels? Here are the apps we recommend for retailers using both Lightspeed and Shopify.
Marsello: Loyalty & Marketing
Marsello is customer loyalty and marketing software for omnichannel retailers. If you're looking to launch a rewards program that lets shoppers earn and redeem points across digital and physical channels, Marsello can help.
Key features of the software include customer rewards (including awarding points for non-purchase activities), email marketing, win-back campaigns, gift cards, and more.
Of course, Marsello integrates really well with Lightspeed and Shopify, so you can manage your loyalty and marketing efforts seamlessly across both platforms.
Above: Marsello was featured as a Best Practice app at Shopify’s 2024 conference, Editions.dev.
Lightspeed Advanced Marketing: Loyalty & Marketing
When it comes to describing Lightpeed's Advanced Marketing capabilities, TechnologyAdvice.com said it best:
"Lightspeed operates with store sales in mind, so it truly excels at multi-store and multi-location sales tracking. It also has an unrivaled omnichannel loyalty program that bridges in-store, online, SMS, and email and is highly customizable."
Simply put, Lightspeed Advanced Marketing has you covered on multiple fronts—from loyalty marketing to customer comms. Lightspeed Advanced Marketing is powered by Marsello, but runs natively in the Lightspeed environment.
Klaviyo: Email Marketing
Klaviyo is an email and SMS marketing platform designed to help businesses create personalized and automated marketing campaigns. It offers robust segmentation, detailed analytics, and easy-to-use templates to create engaging emails and messages that drive customer engagement and sales.
With integrations with Lightspeed, Shopify, and Marsello, Klaviyo is an excellent option for retailers who want to streamline their marketing efforts and enhance customer outreach across multiple channels.
Wrapped: Omnichannel Gift Cards
If gift cards are a big part of your business, you'll want to look into Wrapped. As a self-described "out-of-the-box gift card solution that integrates with POS, eCommerce, and mobile ordering platforms, all wrapped into one," this app makes managing gift cards simple and efficient.
With Wrapped, you can sell gift cards that customers can use wherever they shop—in-store, online, or both. Gift card data syncs between your POS (Lightspeed) and ecommerce software (Shopify), so balances are updated across both solutions.
Judge.me: Product Reviews
Judge.me enables you to add widgets to your online store to display reviews and Q&As. It's a nifty tool that makes it easy to share social proof and build trust with potential customers.
Judge.me also has some handy review management capabilities. Effortlessly generate reviews through automatic review requests. You can even A/B test different messaging to see which ones generate the most engagement. And when you need to manage your reviews, you can do so with Judge.me's built-in features for sending replies and following up with reviewers.
NetSuite: ERP & CRM
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based business management software suite that covers ERP, CRM, and ecommerce functionalities. It provides you with tools for financial management, inventory, customer relationship management, and more.
NetSuite's real-time data and analytics help businesses make informed decisions and streamline operations. With its robust integration capabilities, NetSuite can seamlessly connect with both Lightspeed and Shopify, ensuring smooth data flow across your entire business ecosystem.
Retailers who use Lightspeed and Shopify
Now, let's take a look at merchants who have been using Lightspeed and Shopify successfully.
HobbyTech Toys
HobbyTech Toys is a sports and hobbies store in Australia known for its extensive product range. With a wide catalog that it sells across ecommerce and physical retail, HobbyTech Toys needs best-in-class solutions, which is why the owner, Jordan Hepburn, uses Lightspeed and Shopify.
Beyond having powerful selling tools, Jordan leverages a data-driven approach to marketing and operations. This is where Marsello and Klaviyo come in.
HobbyTech Toys utilizes Marsello for integrated loyalty programs, automation, and seamless omnichannel data management. Additionally, Jordan syncs all in-store transaction data with Klaviyo, enabling him to run effective email campaigns.
That data sync is critical, as it allows Jordan and his team to get a comprehensive view of customer behavior and preferences.
"It's good to be in that position where we've got so much access to data, and it helps us make informed decisions," he says.
Pace Athletic
More than just a sporting goods store, Pace Athletic is dedicated to breaking down barriers to running and fitness. Founded by Will and Stu, two fitness enthusiasts, the store aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Pace Athletic uses Lightspeed, Shopify, and Marsello to create a seamless and engaging experience. Lightspeed's POS system enables efficient in-store transactions, and Shopify's ecommerce platform complements this by providing a user-friendly online shopping experience.
Marsello ties these components together with intuitive marketing and loyalty tools. Pace Athletic’s loyalty program, powered by Marsello, contributes to 28% of their revenue — which is a testament to the power of having an engaged community (and the benefits of tightly-integrated marketing tools).
Super Butcher
Super Butcher is a chain of butcher shops with a growing online presence. With the rapid expansion of both its physical stores and online shop, the team needs to integrate customer data across channels.
Super Butcher relies on Shopify, Lightspeed, Klaviyo, and Marsello to create a seamless shopping experience for its customers. Lightspeed and Shopify power the company's POS and ecommerce, while Klaviyo facilitates personalized email marketing.
Meanwhile, Marsello complements these components by powering Super Butcher's omnichannel loyalty program and bringing in-store sales data into Klaviyo for extensive customer insights.
Marsello's multi-site reporting shows customer behavior across physical and digital channels so that the team can make better marketing decisions.
"Marsello helped link everything together. Now we have a seamless loyalty program that's easy to use," says Jaden of Super Butcher.
TennisGear
Driven by his passion for tennis, Mark, an avid tennis enthusiast and accountant, decided to purchase a four-court tennis center with an attached retail store. This bold move set the foundation for TennisGear, a flourishing multi-channel retail and coaching business catering to tennis lovers across Australia.
Lightspeed POS provides a robust foundation for managing in-store transactions and inventory across multiple locations. By integrating with Shopify, TennisGear has a solid ecommerce presence, allowing customers to shop online effortlessly.
As for Marsello? Our platform provides marketing and loyalty tools so TennisGear can segment its customer base and create tailored campaigns.
This integrated approach has yielded significant results. TennisGear experienced a 2.5% increase in its customer database after implementing Lightspeed POS prompts, which remind staff to add customers to sales. Marsello's automation capabilities help recover abandoned carts and incentivize lost customers to return, which boosts engagement even more. With a centralized data hub, TennisGear can execute highly targeted marketing strategies and drive repeat business.
"I think Marsello is the only solution that we found that had a native integration between all the systems that we are using. Now we can really easily separate our in-store and our online customers. In terms of loyalty, campaigns, and everything, it's certainly the best solution that we found," remarks Declan, Project Manager at TennisGear.
Brandini Toffee
A specialty foods company based in Southern California, Brandini Toffee offers gourmet toffee products through both their brick-and-mortar stores and their ecommerce platform.
With its retail stores powered by Lightspeed and ecommerce shop set up via Shopify, Branidni Toffee keeps all data flowing across both channels through the softwares' tight integration.
Marsello enhances these systems with comprehensive marketing and loyalty tools, enabling Brandini Toffee to drive customer engagement and retention across all channels. The integration helped Brandini triple its revenue from 2019 to 2023.
"The integration is super important for us between our brick and mortar stores and ecommerce," explains owner Brandon Weimer. "Having loyalty aspects is a key component to growing those channels."
Conclusion
Should you use Lightspeed with Shopify?
The reality is that most omnichannel retailers use both because each platform excels in different areas — Shopify for its robust ecommerce capabilities and Lightspeed for its powerful point-of-sale and inventory management features. This is especially true for retailers with complex inventory needs.
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to integrate, it helps to take a closer look at how you currently work and what tech you’re already using to make sure everything will fit together. Also, think about doing a cost analysis to see what kind of investment you'll be looking at and if it’s worth it.
And if you decide to go for it and need a loyalty program and marketing solution that works with both, Marsello is a great choice. It syncs perfectly with Shopify and Lightspeed, providing a unified customer engagement experience.
Request a demo to see our platform in action.
Need help? Get advice from an expert.
Read more: 7 Steps To Building A Profitable Loyalty & Rewards Program
