GameStop will also participate in `Playing for Keeps,’ Klarna’s interactive, live-streamed gaming events featuring world-renowned gamers and celebrities

Klarna, the leading global payments provider and shopping service, announced that it has entered into an agreement with GameStop to provide the world’s largest retailer of video games and pop culture collectibles merchandise access to its flexible, secure and interest-free buy now, pay later payment service.

GameStop will also be featured in Playing for Keeps, Klarna’s immersive, gaming event series, which will be live streamed on Twitch on October 27 and 29. The event gives gamers of every level the opportunity to play against their favorite pro gamers, SypherPK and KittyPlays. All of the items in the gaming rig, including consoles, gaming chairs, accessories and apparel, will be winnable and removed in real time piece by piece with each challenger’s win. The event will feature celebrity guest appearances by Snoop Dogg and Lil Yachty, and provide players with unique promo codes for GameStop products and offer shoppable gaming wishlists.

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“The esports business has grown tremendously in recent years with the rise of streaming services and other technologies tailored to this space,” said David Sykes, Head of US at Klarna. “Recognizing the continued growth of the gaming community and its increasing influence in mainstream culture, we’re thrilled to introduce Klarna’s flexible payment options to GameStop customers as well as connect with them in a unique and meaningful way through our Playing for Keeps campaign. We also aim to drive new traffic from our nine million shoppers to GameStop, whether they prefer to shop in-store or online.”

“Today’s announcement represents one of the many steps we are taking to better serve our customers,” said Chris Homeister, chief merchandising officer for GameStop. “Partnering with Klarna is part of GameStop’s strategy in continuing to build out the capabilities and services of our global digital and in-store ecosystem to offer customers a broad spectrum of payment options to quickly and affordably purchase the video game and pop culture merchandise they are looking for this holiday season and beyond.”

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Data from the Klarna app indicates an increase in spend across demographics within the consumer electronics and gaming category throughout the pandemic. At the start of stay-at-home conditions in March, video game brands saw a 117% increase in spend compared to the previous month. There was also a one-day spike of 180% in spend for the category in March. Computer software stores saw an average month-over-month increase in spend of 13% from March to July, indicating an increased demand among consumers to optimize their home gaming setups with the latest equipment.

Klarna is the global leader in alternative payments and shopping, with more than 90 million customers and 200,000 merchant partners worldwide. The Klarna e-commerce platform and shopping app provide consumers with the flexibility and control they seek, while creating a smoother way to shop and pay.

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