Health and beauty retailer Boots has launched an IBM MobileFirst for iOS app called Sales Assist across its UK stores.
This app will make it easier and simpler for customers to get the products they require.
IBM is collaborating with Boots UK to further develop the app in order to support the latter’s aim to use mobility to change the way how customers shop.
Books UK director of omnichannel and development Robin Phillips said: "At Boots UK, we’re investing in innovative new technology to further improve the retail experience for our customers, and mobility is at the forefront of this transformation.
"By developing Sales Assist, in collaboration with IBM and Apple, and launching it on the 3,700 iPads in our stores, we’re integrating our digital and in-store presence to deliver an even better shopping environment for customers.
"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."
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By GlobalDataSales Assist is one of more than 100 apps in the IBM MobileFirst for iOS portfolio, which has been made exclusively for iPhone and iPad.
Via iPads, the new app enables customers to access product databases on boots.com.
It uses analytics to enable Boots staff to make personal recommendations to customers and in case a product is not in stock in store, the Boots employee can use the app to locate the item in another Boots store nearby or offer to order the product online, which a customer could collect in the store of their choice the next day.
IBM Apple partnership general manager Mahmoud Naghshineh said: "Together, IBM and Apple are working with companies and real industry professionals to change how companies do business, and our collaboration with Boots UK is delivering a more contemporary approach to customer service.
"By empowering its colleagues with up-to-date data and product information delivered to the Apple device, Boots UK is leading amongst retailers by creating an enriched shopping experience that helps personalise customer engagement and enables faster service."
Boots is implementing IBM’s Bluemix cloud platform to connect Sales Assist with the company’s applications and data.
Boots UK is part of the retail pharmacy international division of Walgreens Boots Alliance.