News

Pet retailer deploys IBM MobileFirst to simplify purchase journey

July 20, 2017

The U.K.-based Pets at Home is launching Sales Assist, an IBM MobileFirst for iOS app for iPad, to drive a simpler purchase process across its 440 stores.

The technology, according to a press release, creates an in-store digital experience for shoppers. Store associates will now have a fast way to access deeper insights on customers as well as products to convert sales on the spot.

"At Pets at Home, we're investing in innovative new technology to reinvent the retail experience for our customers. We want our consumers to be able to learn about and order the right products across every channel, and mobility is at the forefront of this transformation," said Chris Holyland, ecommerce director at Pets at Home, in the release. "By customizing Sales Assist, in collaboration with IBM and Apple, we are providing our consumers with access to an even bigger range of goods regardless of location. The unique tool allows our colleagues to confidently show product information, ratings and reviews from the shop floor, opening up opportunities to foster higher brand engagement and ultimately provide our consumers with the experience they expect."

Sales Assist is one of over 100 apps in the IBM MobileFirst for iOS portfolio. Using an iPad, more than 3,000 Pets at Home store colleagues have quick access to product databases while assisting customers to provide a more compelling in-store experience.

For example, if a customer is interested in a product for their pet which forms part of a wider range of goods and services, the Pets at Home store colleague can use the app to showcase this extended range.

Bringing this digital interface into the interaction provides consumers with the convenience of choosing one of 440 stores to pick up their chosen purchases the very next day, or alternatively selecting delivery to their workplace or home address. The app is allowing colleagues across store locations to showcase, educate and meet the needs of a dynamic range of customers and make the shopping experience even faster and easier to complete.

Pets at Home is using IBM Cloud to link Sales Assist with the company's applications and data, enabling a high performance, scalable and flexible hybrid cloud environment.