If you’re a retailer trying to choose between Merlin ERP and Brightpearl, this guide is here to help. Both platforms offer solid tools to run your business, but they’re built with different goals and users in mind.
We’ll explore how each platform works, what they do best, and which type of retailer they’re most suited for, backed by industry stats, expert insights, and a clear comparison to help you decide with confidence.
First, Why Choosing the Right ERP Matters
Implementing an ERP system isn’t just about ticking a box: it’s a long-term investment in how your business operates. From inventory control and customer orders to forecasting and financials, the right ERP can unlock better performance across every department.
Retailers using cloud-based ERP solutions report:
- 11% to 22% reductions in inventory costs
- 66% of organizations reported improved operational efficiency following ERP implementation
- 77% better decision-making through real-time data access
What Is Merlin ERP?
Merlin ERP, now part of Aptean, is a full-suite ERP solution originally developed for distributors and manufacturers (but now used across retail too). It’s especially strong for businesses with high operational complexity: those managing logistics, large inventories, or multiple warehouses.
Key strengths:
- Handles everything from order processing and CRM to forecasting and reporting
- Excellent for complex B2B and wholesale operations
- Deep financial management features
- Strong forecasting and demand planning tools
What Is Brightpearl?
Brightpearl, on the other hand, is a retail-focused ERP that’s all about speed and automation. Acquired by Sage, it was designed for growing multichannel retailers who need everything—from order and inventory management to finance and CRM—in one easy-to-use system.
Key strengths:
- Fast onboarding and setup
- Direct integrations with Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Magento, and more
- Automates order processing, fulfillment, accounting, and reporting
- Built-in CRM and real-time demand forecasting
ERP Market Trends in 2025
If you’re considering upgrading your ERP, you’re not alone. The shift to digital operations in retail is accelerating fast.
- The ERP market is worth over $50 billion globally and growing rapidly
- 60% of ERPs are now cloud-based, up from just 40% in 2020
Retailers are driving much of that demand, as they juggle multiple sales channels and require faster access to accurate data, inventory visibility, and customer insights—all things modern ERPs like Merlin and Brightpearl deliver.
Merlin ERP vs Brightpearl: What Really Sets Them Apart
| Category | Merlin ERP | Brightpearl |
|---|---|---|
| Target User | Wholesale, distribution-heavy businesses, manufacturers | Retailers scaling across multiple sales channels |
| Ease of Use | Powerful but may require setup support and customisation | Designed for fast deployment, especially with retail tech stacks |
| Customisation | Highly configurable, ideal for complex workflows | Standardised setup with plug-and-play integrations |
| Cloud Capabilities | Cloud-based | Cloud-native from day one, with a 97% implementation success rate |
| Pricing | Quote-based, tailored to business needs | Tiered subscription pricing (ideal for £1m–£6m turnover businesses) |
Which ERP Should You Choose?
Both systems are capable, but which one is right for you depends on your business model and goals.
Choose Merlin ERP if:
- You manage large inventories, warehouses, or distribution processes
- Your team needs tailored workflows and deeper control over forecasting and finances
- You want a system that scales with more operational complexity over time
Choose Brightpearl if:
- You’re an ecommerce or omnichannel retailer scaling quickly
- You want faster time-to-value with fewer technical headaches
- You need seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, or Magento
Summary Table: Merlin ERP vs Brightpearl
| Feature | Merlin ERP | Brightpearl |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Distributors, wholesalers, B2B retailers | Omnichannel and ecommerce retailers |
| Key Strength | Inventory + financial control, advanced analytics | Retail automation, multichannel integration |
| Setup Complexity | Custom setup, tailored workflows | Faster deployment, easier onboarding |
| Cloud-Based | Yes | Yes (97% success rate) |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Subscription-based, ideal for £1m–£6m revenue businesses |
| Scalability | Strong for complex operations | Great for fast-scaling retail businesses |
| Integrations | ERP-level integrations with logistics & accounting | Direct integrations with ecommerce platforms |
Final Thoughts
Both Merlin ERP and Brightpearl have their place in the retail ecosystem. If you’re looking for a highly customisable solution with strong forecasting and supply chain tools, Merlin is worth considering. But if you’re after a streamlined, retail-ready ERP that integrates quickly and automates more from day one, Brightpearl could be the smarter pick.