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A retail worker helping a customer in their clothes shop

HR and payroll software for the retail industry

Reduce labour costs, improve retention, keep every store fully staffed

The retail industry runs on its most important asset: its people. As complexity grows, MHR gives retailers the tools to tackle turnover, rising costs and compliance, while driving recruitment, retention and better employee experiences.

Our HR, payroll and workforce management platform can help you with:

  • Linking time data to accurate, real-time payroll
  • AI-enhanced scheduling to align skills and availability to roster
  • Improving employee wellbeing with self-serve payslips and wage access
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Employee using a mobile device while working in a retail environment

Trusted by 1,400+ customers, paying over 225,000 retail workers

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Online Retail Worker
Senior shop worker updating her schedule on People First

A solution that fits

Hotels and hospitality

From front desk to housekeeping, your teams work around the clock and your people systems should too. MHR makes it easy to manage complex shift patterns, keep payroll accurate across multiple departments, and give employees the flexibility that keeps them coming back.

Entertainment

With venues, attractions and live events, your workforce changes shape daily. MHR's AI-enabled Workforce Management takes the guesswork out of staffing, automatically optimising rotas around demand so your teams are always where they need to be, and your guests always get the experience they came for.

Sports

From football clubs to health and fitness operators, your people are the experience. MHR supports sports and leisure organisations with scheduling, accurate real-time payroll and HR tools that keep every team, back office or trackside, running at their best.

Hear what our customers have to say

Retail HR and payroll FAQs

How does People First help retailers reduce costs and drive revenue? 

People First automates time-consuming tasks like timesheet processing, payroll calculations, shift scheduling, and HR record-keeping, freeing store managers and retail leaders to focus on driving sales and improving customer service.  

Can People First help reduce staff turnover in the retail industry? 

Yes, People First improves pay transparency, employee satisfaction, and financial wellbeing, reducing common pain points that contribute to staff turnover, particularly in hourly retail roles.  

What makes People First different from other solutions? 

People First offers streamlined implementation and increased system ownership, reducing reliance on costly external consultants. Designed for ease of use, its intuitive interface and self-service tools make it simple for employees and managers to navigate, adopt, and stay engaged. Whether on the shop floor, warehouse or head office, People First helps you get the most out of our teams.  

Is my employee data secure?

Yes. We understand that the security of your employees’ data is paramount when considering a new system. Our products are secure by design and clear on compliance, and your data or information will never be exposed to, or accessed by, a third party. We offer cloud hosting via our state-of-the-art, UK-based data centres, which use a closed network with no shared infrastructure between third parties, giving you complete confidence that your data is secure. Find out more about our approach to security, or explore our industry accreditations

Does People First handle retail employees with multiple roles and pay rates? 

Yes, People First automates payroll for employees with varied roles, pay rates, and shifts, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments, reducing errors and administrative load.  

Can People First integrate with other retail systems like POS, WFM, or ERP? 

Yes, People First integrates seamlessly with existing POS, WFM, and ERP systems, providing a unified solution for payroll, scheduling, and HR management to enhance efficiency, accuracy and quality of your organisations data.  

What is the implementation timeline for People First in a retail business? 

People First’s solution typically takes 12 to 24 weeks for full deployment, depending on the size of your organisation and which modules you have chosen. MHR do not outsource any part of the process and support you through the entire journey, from implementation and change management to system adoption and business benefit realisation.  

How can People First help with compliance in the retail industry? 

People First ensures compliance with employment laws by automating complex rules for things like working hours, overtime pay, and salary sacrifice / national minimum wage considerations, helping you avoid costly mistakes, fines and reputational damage.  

Is People First suitable for retail businesses of all sizes? 

Yes, People First offers flexible solutions that scale with your business, whether you’re a small, local retailer or a large, multinational operation. The platform is designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.   

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