Astound’s US clients can now offer flexible payment services and marketing tools under the Klarna for Business platform, including Klarna’s “Pay in 4” service, which allows consumers the flexibility to split their purchase total into four interest-free payments.
“Astound Commerce is a leader in digital transformation. Combined with Klarna, the leader in payments and shopping, we are able to offer unmatched solutions and results for brands that strive for customer loyalty and higher conversion rates,” says Vanessa Cartwright, chief operating officer at Astound.
According to Klarna’s recent 2021 Reopening Report, 69 percent of shoppers say the pandemic has changed their shopping habits, with 80 percent saying they now prefer to shop online, and 74 percent now looking for flexible payment options at checkout. The Klarna for Business platform enables retailers to accommodate these new preferences by offering consumers a smarter way to shop and pay that fits their budgets and lifestyles, rather than the requirements of the traditional payments and banking industries.
“Consumers today are mindful of budgets and are increasingly moving away from traditional forms of credit toward more transparent and innovative payment options,” says David Sykes, Head of North America at Klarna. “We look forward to continuing to work with Astound to bring significant value and flexibility to US shoppers nationwide, while also accelerating the growth of our joint retail partners.”
This expansion follows the success of the Astound and Klarna partnership in the UK that launched in 2020 with joint merchant partners including Fat Face, Boux Avenue, Boohoo Group, and Space NK.
Founded in 2005 and active in 17 countries, Klarna is one of the most highly valued private global fintechs with a valuation of US$45.6 billion. Klarna’s offering to consumers and retailers include payments, social shopping, and personal finances. More than 250,000 retail partners, including H&M, IKEA, Expedia Group, Samsung, ASOS, Peloton, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike, and AliExpress have enabled Klarna’s innovative shopping experience online and in-store. With Klarna consumers can buy now and pay later, so they get what they love today.