Master Multi-Location Inventory with Unleashed, Lightspeed, and TIDE

Introduction: The Complexity of Distributed Inventory

Running a retail business with multiple store locations isn’t just about selling more—it’s about keeping your stock in sync. When each store has its own sales, deliveries, and demand patterns, managing inventory becomes a full-time job. And without the right systems in place, it can turn into a full-time headache. That’s why many modern retailers are starting to sync Unleashed with Lightspeed. These platforms integrate to give you better control over stock across all your stores. But even that’s just the beginning. Add TIDE to the mix, and you’ve got a powerful trio that syncs sales, inventory, and supply chain data across your business in real time.

Ready to streamline your operations? Explore how TIDE complements Unleashed to transform your multi-location retail workflow.

Challenges of Managing Stock Across Multiple Retail Stores

When your business grows to include several retail locations, you quickly realise the old ways of managing stock—spreadsheets, manual counts, gut feeling—don’t cut it anymore.

Common pitfalls include:

No visibility into what’s in stock at other stores
Stockouts that kill sales—or overstocking that eats up space
Manual transfers that confuse staff and lose inventory

And when data isn’t flowing properly between locations or tools, it leads to missed opportunities and unhappy customers.

Unleashed and Lightspeed: Your Solution for Centralised Control

Unleashed gives you a robust inventory backbone, while Lightspeed handles your sales at the POS level. Together, they sync stock movement with on-the-ground transactions.

This is where TIDE takes things further.

By acting as a bridge between Unleashed and other tools—such as accounting platforms, fulfilment services, and marketplaces—TIDE eliminates data silos. It automates the transfer of inventory and sales data between systems, meaning fewer errors, faster updates, and better decision-making.

Unleashed as the Central Inventory Hub

Defining Multiple Locations/Warehouses in Unleashed

Mapping Each Physical Store to a Virtual Warehouse

Each store you operate can be set up in Unleashed as a virtual warehouse. This creates a digital mirror of your physical retail network.

Tracking Stock Levels Independently for Each Location

With separate locations defined, you can see precisely how much stock is in each store at any time, enabling smarter restocking decisions.

Centralised Purchasing for All Locations

Consolidated Demand Forecasting

By pooling data from all locations, you can forecast demand more accurately and negotiate better deals with suppliers.

Receiving Goods into a Master Warehouse, Then Transferring

Have everything delivered to one central warehouse first, then push stock out to stores as needed. Unleashed makes these transfers trackable and transparent.

Sync Unleashed with Lightspeed POS for Multi-Location Sales

Connecting Each Lightspeed Store to Its Corresponding Unleashed Location

Ensuring Real-Time Stock Updates from Unleashed to Each POS

Every sale in Lightspeed updates Unleashed in real time. That way, staff always know what’s actually available.

Facilitating Cross-Store Sales and Transfers

Staff Checking Stock in Other Locations from POS

With the integration, sales staff can check stock levels at other stores instantly—ideal when trying to save a sale or offer alternatives.

Streamlined Inter-Warehouse Transfers in Unleashed

If an item is needed elsewhere, transferring it is just a few clicks. The systems keep everything synced and error-free.

Key Benefits of Streamlined Multi-Location Inventory

Accurate Stock Visibility Across All Stores

Preventing Overselling from Any Location

No more selling what you don’t have. Real-time updates stop mistakes before they happen.

Minimising Stockouts by Identifying Available Stock Elsewhere

If one store is out, check another. You may already have what the customer needs.

Optimised Stock Balancing and Transfers

Moving Inventory Where It’s Needed Most

Sales trends shift fast. Easily move slow-selling stock to stores where it’s in demand.

Reducing Dead Stock in Underperforming Stores

Inventory shouldn’t collect dust. Transfer it where it can sell.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Ability to Fulfil Orders from Any Store

Let customers choose their preferred fulfilment location—store, click & collect, or home delivery.

Offering “Click & Collect” or “Ship from Store” Options

Flexibility wins loyalty. Customers can shop the way that suits them.

Sync Unleashed with Lightspeed: Improved Operational Efficiency

Centralised Management Reduces Manual Work

Automating updates across systems means fewer errors and less admin time.

Consistent Data Across All Locations

Everyone works from the same accurate data—head office, warehouse, and stores.

Best Practices for Multi-Location Setup

Consistent SKU Management Across All Stores

Use standardised SKUs across your business to ensure clean data.

Clear Naming Conventions for Locations

Keep naming clear and logical—especially when syncing systems.

Regular Stock Audits in Each Store

Even with automation, nothing beats a periodic physical check.

Training Staff on Transfer Procedures

A well-trained team ensures transfers are smooth, timely, and traceable.

Conclusion

Mastering Multi-Location Retail Operations

With Unleashed and Lightspeed at the core – and TIDE bridging your ecosystem – you gain more than just inventory control. You get operational clarity, system-wide visibility, and the ability to scale with confidence.

Scaling Your Business with Confidence

Multi-location retail doesn’t have to mean multi-layered chaos. With the right tools and integrations, you can stay agile, responsive, and customer-focused.

Want to see how TIDE could transform your workflow? Book a demo today.

Master Multi-Location Inventory with Unleashed, Lightspeed & TIDE