New York, NY (Oct. 19, 2020) – Klarna, the leading global payments provider and shopping service, today announced that it has partnered with Backcountry.com, the premier online specialty retailer of outdoor gear, to offer customers flexible buy now, pay later solutions. Backcountry.com’s community of athletes and outdoor fans, including its many millennial and Gen Z customers, can now shop for outdoor sporting equipment and goods using Klarna’s four equal, interest-free payments.

“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.

“We are excited to further Backcountry's goal of connecting people with their passions by making it easier for its active lifestyle community to buy the outdoor gear and apparel they need,” said David Sykes, Head of U.S. at Klarna. “Klarna’s suite of flexible payment options allows a wider group of customers to access Backcountry.com’s top-of-the-line products. We hope we can help introduce even more new customers - particularly younger customers - to the Backcountry with Klarna.”

Klarna is the global leader of buy now, pay later options and the future of shopping. With 90 million customers and more than 200,000 retail partners worldwide, the Klarna e-commerce platform and app provide consumers with flexibility and control, while creating a smoother way to shop and pay. Backcountry.com is the latest in Klarna’s growing merchant network, which currently includes Gymshark, Burton, Finish Line, Hurley, and many more.

About Klarna

We make shopping smooth. With Klarna, consumers can buy now and pay later, so they can get what they need today. Klarna’s offering to consumers and retailers includes payments, social shopping and personal finances. Over 200,000 merchants, 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. Klarna is ranked number five on the 2020 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, is one of the most highly valued fintechs in Europe, with a valuation of $10.6 billion, and is one of the largest private fintechs globally. Klarna was founded in 2005, has over 3,000 employees and is active in 17 countries. For more information, visit klarna.com.

About Backcountry

Backcountry.com is the leading online retailer of premium outdoor gear and apparel for skiing, snowboarding, biking, climbing, fly fishing, hiking, camping and more. Founded in the Park City, UT area in 1996, Backcountry connects people to their passions by offering the best selection of outdoor products, backed by knowledgeable, responsive customer service from its Gearheads and rapid fulfillment out of its two warehouse hubs.

Klarna Media Relations:

[email protected]
Berns Communications Group
Michael McMullan/Jenna Metcalf
212-994-4660/772-696-1560
[email protected]/[email protected]