Klarna has announced a number of milestones, including building a network of over 575,000 Australian customers, as it celebrates its first anniversary in the country.

Speaking at the recent Commonwealth Bank Technology Briefing in Sydney, Klarna country head for Australia and New Zealand, Fran Ereira spoke of the company’s achievements, as well as plans for the year ahead.

“Klarna is obsessed with bringing a better experience to Australian shoppers and retail businesses. It’s incredible that within our first 12 months we’ve had well over half a million customers and some outstanding retail brands join us,” Ereira said.

Cotton On Group, Kookai, Adore Beauty, Luxury Escapes, Surfstitch and Peters of Kensington are now offering their consumers Klarna’s Pay in 4 option at the checkout, both online and instore. Other leading fashion retail groups which have come on board and are set to go live in the near future, including: Country Road Group, Hanes Group and General Pants Co.

These wins build on the list of retailers signed earlier in the year, including H&M, JD Sports, ASOS, Roses Only, Appliances Online, Kogan, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Ereira also announced major plans for 2021 including launching into New Zealand, enhancements to Klarna’s rewards club with greater flexibility and a list of retail brands that will integrate with Klarna over the coming weeks and months.

“2020 was a challenging year in a lot of respects, but it also accelerated significant changes in how Australians shop and it created opportunities for innovative businesses. There is  huge interest in ecommerce and in our sector specifically,” she said.

“Klarna is confident we bring something different to the Australian market – we give more inspiration and value to shoppers, and greater engagement to retailers. We will continue to play a leadership role in our sector through a meticulous approach to customer onboarding, credit checking and ensuring our products are appropriate for those using them; as well as partnering with retailers to deliver them additional value and insights.”