UK retailer Boots has launched the IBM MobileFirst for iOS Sales Assist app that will make it easier for its staff to respond quickly to customer requirements.
Sales Assist is one of more than 100 apps in the IBM MobileFirst for iOS portfolio developed exclusively for the iPhone and iPad and Boots is the first retailer to deploy the application across all UK stores.
The app taps into the product database on boots.com to allow employees to access online inventory and locate products for shoppers.
The app also uses online analytics to make product recommendations depending on earlier customer interest.
If a product is out of stock, the app helps Boots staff to locate the item in another nearby store or offer it online to be collected later.
IBM’s Bluemix cloud platform is being used to link Sales Assist with Boots’ applications and data to quickly deliver recommendations to customers.
The app, which was developed in collaboration with IBM and Apple, has been rolled out to 3,700 iPads across Boots’ 2,500 stores.
The move allows the retailer to integrate its digital and in-store presence for delivering a better shopping experience for customers.
Boots UK director of omnichannel and development Robin Phillips said: "The unique tool allows our colleagues to quickly show product information, ratings and reviews, look up inventory online and make recommendations based on online analytics, all from the shop floor.
"It will help even our smallest stores feel like a flagship shop, with access to the entire Boots range at their fingertips."
Boots UK is part of the Retail Pharmacy International Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.
