Payment service provider Klarna has been enlisted by Backcountry.com to offer its customers flexible buy now, pay later solutions. Backcountry.com’s community of athletes and outdoor fans can now shop for outdoor sporting equipment and goods using Klarna’s four equal, interest-free payments. The retailer expects the flexible payment option to be particularly appealing to its base of younger consumers.
“People are spending more time outdoors than ever before and exploring new ways to participate in active outdoor pursuits like skiing, hiking and cycling,” said Sarah Crockett, chief marketing Officer at Backcountry.com. “As the 2020/2021 winter season begins, this partnership enables more people to shop for items like snowboard and ski gear and apparel through interest-free payments rather than having to budget for big purchases all at once.”
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, both Klarna and Backcountry.com have seen an uptick in consumers seeking outdoor activities and exercise options. Data from the Klarna app revealed an increase in spend within the athleisure category across demographics during the pandemic. Gen Z shoppers increased their category spending by 28 percent week-over-week in the March–May period versus prior to the pandemic in January–February. There was also a 105 percent increase in running shoe purchases.
“Klarna’s suite of flexible payment options allows a wider group of customers to access Backcountry.com’s top-of-the-line products,” said David Sykes, Head of U.S. at Klarna. “We hope we can help introduce even more new customers – particularly younger customers – to the Backcountry with Klarna.”
Backcountry.com is the latest in Klarna’s growing merchant network, which currently includes Gymshark, Burton, Finish Line and Hurley, among others.
