Throughout this research project, I keep coming back to the concept that the best thing we could do to improve the impact of fashion in the current climate would be to buy high-quality pieces that we can wear every year, avoid buying into trends and create a ‘capsule wardrobe’ that means you just need a small selection of clothing. I have been trying hard to stop buying clothes that won't last and buy high-quality items, but the issue is the cost. I have talked about how it is probably cheaper over time but to have the money to spend at the time you need to purchase is tricky, especially when you are a student. Therefore I am going to look into the payment service Klarna today.
Klarna is essentially a short-term, interest-free loan service that allows users to buy products and not pay straight away. Klarna offers two options to users, pay in 3 instalments, or pay in 30 days.
The pay in three instalments option takes the first payment at the point of purchase, with the next instalments automatically taken every 30 days. This option allows the buyer to spread the cost of purchase and if they make the payments there will be no negative effect on their credit score.
The pay in 30 days option allows you to pay nothing at the point of purchase, and then only pay for what you keep. This is something a lot of people use when shopping online, making a huge purchase, trying all the items, sending back what they don’t like and then just paying for the few items they keep, also paying no fees if you pay on time.
The first service they offer can help with the issue of purchasing more expensive clothing. For example, if you are someone who enjoys hillwalking you will know it's important to have comfortable, good-quality walking boots that will protect your feet and joints on long walks. Walking boots aren’t cheap and it’s a great example of wanting to have a more expensive pair that lasts many years instead of repurchasing, for environmental reasons and also for comfort and practicality as you want to ‘break in’ your boots.
Salomon is a well-known brand and according to the Telegraph, the boots above are in the top 10 boots of 2023. They come with a price tag of £165, which is quite a lot to splurge in one month, however, if you spread it over three payments it's only £55 a month which is much more realistic to spend. I think that Klarna is great for this purpose, it makes it far easier to purchase high-quality pieces when you need them.
The pay in 30 days option is more targeted towards buying big online purchases. In some ways, this is good because before you might buy a few items, try them on, not like them, then return them and repeat the cycle, so being able to buy everything in one load reduces unnecessary CO2 emissions from delivery.
According to Klarna, their services help reduce the use of credit cards and high-interest lending so irrespective of the environmental benefits or not, it is helping people save and manage their money. Klarna is working with more and more businesses so it is going to be an option for more sustainable shopping.
Klarna website: https://www.klarna.com/uk/smoooth/
Telegraph article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/recommended/leisure/best-walking-boots-men-women-tried-tested/
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