Pets at Home has implemented IBM’s Sales Assist iOS app for iPad to help improve “end-user experience” across 434 of its stores.

The app, based on IBM MobileFirst technology, has been rolled out to help customer find the products they’re looking for by putting Pets at Home’s entire catalogue at its staff’s fingertips. It also means employees working on the shop floor can encourage customers to consider further purchases by pointing them towards similar products they may have overlooked while browsing.

Chris Holyland, e-commerce director at Pets at Home, says: “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.”

Customers are also able to order items not available to buy in-store for next day delivery – either to the store, to their workplace or home.

Mr Holyland added: “This will make it a much more convenient experience and ensure Pets at Home doesn’t lose sales to competitors that may have a product in stock.”