Category: Switzerland

Welcome to Klarna’s Shopping Pulse: Switzerland

Almost 2 years into the pandemic, digital transformation has accelerated, and shoppers have turned online more than ever before. Many retailers have pivoted to evolve their online presence to meet new shopper expectations online. But does this mean physical stores are irrelevant? Not at all. Our research shows physical stores still play an essential role for shoppers. That said, many people anticipate they will shop online even more often in the future.

In this report, you’ll find a pulse check on shopping habits worldwide — and more specifically, in Switzerland.

Happy exploring!

Methodology.

Insights from Klarna’s consumer research, conducted in collaboration with research agency Dynata to a representative sample of 1,035 consumers from Switzerland aged 18-65+ in May 2022.

The data from that survey has been compared with the data from Klarna’s Pulse reports, which are conducted in cooperation with Nepa across 11 countries (the US, UK, Australia, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Norway, and Finland). The research is conducted quarterly and always includes a minimum of 1,000 respondents in each country. In total, 11,740 consumers participated during Q1 2022 (January-March). The sample sizes are nationally representative, naturally including both Klarna users and non-Klarna users, and have been selected by research agency Nepa.

12 countries

12,775 consumers, out of which 1,035 from Switzerland.

147m consumers

400,000 retailers

Online shopping data.
Insights from Klarna’s shopping data. Klarna serves more than 147 million consumers and 400,000 retailers.

Digital transformation in retail.

Online shopping has accelerated amid the pandemic. And there are no signs of the digital transformation slowing down. Shoppers’ preferences for online shopping continue to increase despite restrictions lifting in physical stores worldwide.

Online shopping is on the rise.

Shoppers globally are growing increasingly fond of online shopping. Not surprisingly, many retailers have stepped up their digital offerings during the pandemic. Younger generations prefer the online shopping experience while their older peers are trending in the same direction as they grow increasingly tech-savvy.

In-store

is preferred by the average shopper in Switzerland, and only Austrians favor the in-store shopping experience to a higher extent. This is in stark contrast to Germans, who are on the verge of preferring online stores.

Gen Z & Millennials

are equally favoring online shopping as much as physical stores in Switzerland.

Physical stores are still the norm for shoppers.

Consumers are still shopping in physical stores more frequently than they are shopping online. Preference for online shopping is the highest in the UK, US and Australia.

The charts below show the percentage of shoppers in each market who have shopped online and in physical stores respectively at least once a week.

23%

of shoppers from Switzerland shop online at least once a week, which is far lower than in any neighbouring country – only Finland (23%) and Norway (21%) have as few weekly online shoppers.

Some categories appear more available online than others.

While some retail categories are shopped more often online, physical stores still see certain product types are bought more often in person. The biggest differences are found across some of the most commonly bought categories, indicating an opportunity for disruption, as online shopping’s main drivers are convenience and the ability to save time.

The charts below show the average percentage of shoppers in each market who have shopped the category online and in physical stores respectively.

Clothing & Shoes, Electronics and Entertainment

are shopped more often online than in physical stores, while Jewelry & Accessories are shopped about as often online as in physical stores in Switzerland.

Traditional offline categories ripe for disruption.

Online shopping means people can access offers from all over the world, regardless of whether they are in a major city or the countryside. Still, some products appear more available than others.

The chart illustrates consumers’ mindset with regards to the extent they prefer to shop online and in physical stores.

Erotic materials/Toys and Entertainment

are the categories most prefer to shop online.

Groceries and Pharmaceutical products

are the categories most preferred to shop in physical stores.

Attitudes towards online and physical stores.

Shoppers’ choice heavily depends on whether they are looking to save time and money—or whether they are looking for better social interaction and customer service.

Saving time and comparing prices remain the 2 main perceived benefits of online shopping for shoppers in Switzerland, while more shoppers believe that social interaction and customer service are better at physical stores. The benefits attributed to physical stores are fewer, but have a higher impact for the final verdict in regards to the best overall shopping experience.

65%

of shoppers in New Zealand consider physical stores the better overall shopping experience.

Younger generations

believe they get better inspiration online. The driving forces could be found later in this report, considering their overrepresentation in attending live shopping events online and consuming shoppable social media content.

Technology investments are a must.

Today’s shoppers are looking for innovative solutions that give them a better shopping experience. These are the main focus areas for online and physical stores according to shoppers themselves.

Frictionless payments

is the most wanted improvement in Switzerland, followed by personalized product recommendations and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR).

Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR)

is currently twice as anticipated for online shopping in the wider population—but Gen Z’ers from Switzerland stand out by expecting investments to almost the same extent in physical stores.

Social shopping on the rise.

Social media and online live shopping events drive increased engagement, discovery, and more informed purchasing decisions—particularly among younger generations.

Digitalization of shopping.

The path to shopping begins in similar patterns according to countries and generations, with search engines (e.g., Google) being the channel of choice for product search. Consumers tend to visit online stores a second time to research their products.

Followers become buyers.

On average, 26% of shoppers have purchased a product after seeing it on social media. And about half of them did it directly from the platform.

Social channels to shopping discovery.

After discovering it on social media, purchasing a product is becoming common in all consumer groups—and especially among younger generations.

Brands

Brands have the most impact on shopping discovery in Switzerland followed by retailers.

Influencers

The younger you are, the more likely you are to follow influencers to a higher extent than retailers. The opposite is true for retailers.

Social media climbers.

Social media has made it easier than ever to discover new trends and items. Shoppers find both inspiration—and shopping opportunities.

Youtube, Facebook and Snapchat

are the main social media platform used to purchase a product in Switzerland.

Instagram

is used by female audiences to a much higher extent than male audiences.

Taking the shopping experience to the next level.

Shoppers are looking for innovative online shopping experiences, and are keen to engage with new types of experiences such as livestream shopping.

6%

very few Swiss shoppers have participated in livestream shopping events. Another 30% have heard about it, but not tried it yet.

19%

of Gen Z’ers have tried it so far, and the majority recognize the emerging trend.

Benefits of livestream shopping.

The modern online version of teleshopping invites shoppers to engage with their favorite influencers to get inspiration and get access to exclusive discounts.

Recommendations

exclusive discounts and learning more about sustainability and environmental impact of the products are the main perceived benefits of live shopping events in Switzerland.

Mobile shopping online and in-store.

As smartphones and tablets continue to take screen time from computers, mobile devices are expected to play a central role in the continued digitalization of retail.

Mobile shopping on the rise.

Many shoppers have changed their purchasing habits as a result of the pandemic, with more now turning to their mobile devices to carry out their shopping needs. Although much of the growth in mobile shopping compared to two years ago is Gen Z and Millennial-driven, this trend is reflective across demographics. And many believe they will use their mobile phones for shopping to a further extent in the future.

62%

of shoppers in Switzerland have used their mobile phone to shop online.

42%

shop with it more often compared to 2 years ago.

43%

believe they will use it even more often in the near future, which is more than in most other countries.

More informed mobile shoppers.

While the digitalization of retail has given additional power to the consumer—including more choice and information—it has also made the decision-making process more complex. Drawing price comparisons and searching for deals and promotions are the most common activities people do when shopping online, followed closely by the ability to manage bought and returned items through delivery tracking.

92%

of shoppers in Switzerland compare prices and look for deals and promotions online.

85%

keep track of their deliveries and returns, and the majority use various apps to do so.

Virtual cards on the rise.

Virtual cards, also known as electronic cards, can be used when making online purchases and act as digital replacements to regular physical cards. A virtual card number is unique and temporary, and is generated for each usage to increase safety for both the card holder and the issuer.

The vast majority (84%) of those that have tried it say they would rather make all future online purchases with virtual cards instead of physical cards.

17%

have used a virtual card, and 36% have heard about it.

84%

of those that have used one say they would rather make all future online purchases with virtual cards instead of physical cards.

The modern shopping experience begins online, and leaves a digital footprint in-store.

Online research, also called “webrooming,” plays an important role throughout the in-store shopping journey. The majority of modern day trips to the mall start online.

Smartphones have become ubiquitous for shoppers while they’re in a store. Similar to online, in-store shoppers are also making comparisons for competitive prices and offers, and checking product reviews and testimonials to make sure they’ve found the right product.

In Switzerland, no less than 74% of shoppers start their in-store shopping journey by doing research online – and 60% continue to use their smartphones in-store for additional research before they make a purchase decision.

Evolving in-store payment preferences.

Our increasingly digitized society also means preferences for payments in physical stores are evolving. In fact, only 3 out of the 12 countries covered in this report have a population preferring cash.

Innovation introduces new habits.

Gen Z’ers preference for digital devices like smartphones and smartwatches means neither hard cash or physical cards have a natural place in their pockets anymore. And with smartwatches on the rise, and biometrics on the horizon, much is likely to change in this space in the near future.

Mobile phones

are preferred over cash before the age of 41, and he most distinct generational differentiation is between physical cards and digital devices like smartphones and smartwatches.

10x

Gen Z’ers are ten times more likely to prefer payment with digital devices, such as mobile phones and smartphones, compared to Baby Boomers, and are less than half as likely to prefer to pay with cash.

Contrasting payment preferences across countries.

The difference in payment preferences gets even clearer when the countries are placed next to each other in the index.

Cash and plastic cards

are popular payment methods in Switzerland, and the country is above average in preference for these forms of physical payments.

Emerging technology

like smart watches and biometrics does not resonate with the Swiss, and the country has the lowest preference in an international comparison.

Cash in pocket.

How thick a shoppers’ wallet is varies across countries. The US stands out as the country with the highest amount of cash in shoppers’ wallets as opposed to Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway.

€96

is the average amount of cash found in the wallets of Swiss shoppers. This puts Switzerland in the top 3 together with US and Austria, and the average Swiss wallet contains almost twice as much money as an average Swedish wallet.

Cash withdrawals.

Until alternative payment methods become universal, cash will still be relevant. And there will be a need to access funds before payment can be made.

2,6

of cash withdrawals per month is the average in Switzerland. Millennials (3,8) withdraw money the most often, and men (3) do it more often than women (2,3).

A year from now.

Over the past 2 decades, online shopping has pivoted from something for early adopters and enthusiasts into the preferred way to shop for people all over the world. Technological innovation will continue to marvel and excite, retailers will continue to improve their digital offering, and the digitalization of retail will continue to shape the future of shopping.

Predictions for the future.

There’s still a general belief that the majority of shopping will be done in physical stores in a year’s time—but preferences are quickly shifting.

This chart illustrates the share of shoppers believing they will make the majority of their shopping online or in physical stores respectively.

28%

of shoppers in Switzerland believe they would shop mostly online a year from now.

1 in 2

Gen Zers (46%) believe the same, standing out as the generation thinking they would shop mostly online in the future.

And that’s that.

Thirsty for more knowledge?

Make sure to check out the other reports available at Klarna Insights.

Loyalty cards.

Plastic loyalty cards. Most of us have a whole bunch of them stacked in our wallets or lying around at home and have most definitely been offered to sign up to many more. They promise us discounts, cashback and rewards for being loyal customers when shopping in-store. But there are only so many loyalty cards you can fit into one wallet. How can brands convince consumers to sign up to yet another loyalty program? How is shoppers’ behaviour with respect to loyalty cards changing in the face of the rising popularity of mobile payments?

In this report, we deep dive into the attitudes towards loyalty cards across 19 markets, with responses from 20,000 consumers across the world.

Happy exploring!

Methodology.

Klarna research occurred in May 2022, in cooperation with Dynata and across 19 countries (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, and Portugal). The survey includes a minimum of 1,000 respondents in each country. In total, 20,413 consumers ages 18 to 75 participated.

19 countries

20,413 consumers

Are there more loyalty cards or wallets in the world?

The retail version of the “doors or wheels” brain teaser could be “loyalty cards or wallets”. If you check the homes and pockets of shoppers across the world, will you find more loyalty cards or wallets?

The majority has more than one.

Many retailers offer incentives and benefits to retain loyal customers and it’s clear they are very popular. While very few shoppers are not tempted by discounts and rewards from their favorite retailers, the vast majority has more than one.

84%

have at least one loyalty card.

68%

have more than one.

Most loyalty card holders use it at least one once a week.

Whether you’re shopping for groceries and everyday essentials, making a dream purchase or have found yourself at the checkout with an impulse buy, reward programs appear to work well as an incentive for using loyalty cards. After all, every penny spent counts towards a return. 2 out of 3 are using a loyalty card on a weekly basis, while 9 out of 10 are using them once a month. An estimate based on the frequency of usage shows that the average shopper uses a loyalty card around 108 times each year.

Overwhelming amounts of physical cards.

Today, despite a massive shift towards digital payments, you are still very likely to find a plastic loyalty card in most shoppers’ wallets. But you are equally as likely to find a shopper who has left one or more of their cards at home, or rejected the idea of signing up to another loyalty program altogether, unwilling to carry another card with them while out shopping.

The wide availability of loyalty programs is overwhelming for shoppers.

Ever been out shopping and been asked to join another reward program? You are not alone. We’ve all been there, stood at the checkout weighing up whether it’s worth signing up to another loyalty program. Is the opportunity to save money great enough? Is it worth having to carry another card with me? With the majority of retailers offering a loyalty program these days, consumers are feeling overwhelmed. This sentiment is felt most strongly by younger generations, while the Baby Boomers are the most open to joining new and a broader number of programs.

Many loyalty cards are left behind by shoppers.

Despite the benefits of discounts, rewards and cash back loyalty programs, the majority of shoppers are not bringing all their loyalty cards with them when they go shopping – which means that they risk losing out on the benefits if caught without their card at the checkout.

52%

52% of shoppers don’t carry all their loyalty cards with them.

Gen Z

are the most likely to leave their physical cards at home, and less than a third (31%) have all their loyalty cards available when they go shopping.

The vast majority of shoppers have rejected a new loyalty card.

There are no downsides to signing up for a loyalty card… or are there? Despite loyalty cards being offered to shoppers for free, with the intention to save users money, consumers still reject signing up to new loyalty programs. Why? For the majority, it comes down to how attractive the reward program is, although nearly one-third have also avoided a loyalty program simply because they didn’t want to add another card to their wallet. What’s clear is for retailers to onboard new loyalty members, the kickback needs to outweigh the hassle of signing-up and committing to another card.

74%

of shoppers have rejected a loyalty card. Gen Z’ers (81%) are the most likely to have done so, while Baby Boomers (55%) are the least.

33%

say it is because they don’t want another card to carry with them – or any plastic cards at all.

Missing out on the benefits.

Have you ever reached the checkout to discover you left your loyalty card at home so can’t collect the reward points? Or that you previously declined one in the same checkout because you didn’t want to carry another plastic card? You are not alone with this either, and you are once again more likely a member of the younger generations.

Is the future of loyalty cards digital?

The shift towards digital has never been faster. Today shoppers are in search of more efficient solutions that help them save time and money when shopping. With smart ways to pay on your phone, loyalty cards will follow a similar transition.

Shoppers are positive towards replacing their plastic cards with a mobile app.

Unsurprisingly, given that shoppers express feeling overwhelmed by the amount of loyalty programs available and as a result, the number of plastic cards they need to carry with them, an overwhelming majority are positive towards carrying them digitally.

73% of shoppers globally are positive about replacing their plastic cards with an app that stores all of their loyalty and rewards programs digitally. While this trend is reflective across demographics, the sentiment is the strongest among the younger generations, with 81% of Gen Z’ers and 82% of Millennials look forward to a future in which they never miss out on potential benefits in the checkout when shopping at their favorite stores – assuming they wouldn’t leave their smartphones at home.

And that’s that.

Thirsty for more knowledge?

Make sure to check out the other reports available at Klarna Insights.

A deep dive into Wellbeing & Leisure trends.

In the past two years, we have seen new habits being formed, with great emphasis on mindfulness activities, and connection to nature.

In this report, we explore current consumption habits and share insights into life outside of work – what activities or hobbies people undertake for their health and mental wellbeing. 

The report is structured into four major themes: the increase of leisure and mindfulness activities, plant parenthood, pet ownership, and Cooking/baking habits.

Happy exploring!

Methodology.

Klarna research occurred in May/August 2022, in cooperation with Dynata and across 11 countries (US, UK, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy, France, Germany and Poland). The survey includes a minimum of 1,000 respondents in each country. In total, 8,114 consumers ages 18 to 75 participated.

11 countries

12,197 consumers

Leisure activities & meditation.

Following the disruptions of the pandemic to our daily lives, people across the world used more mindfulness activities to help them cope with stress and improve their mental well-being. We’ve asked people to list their top leisure activities, and how has their engagement increased since the end of the pandemic.

Most common activities to recharge/relax.

The restrictions imposed by the lockdowns left many feeling trapped at home. A great number of people across the world have started undertaking new leisure activities or hobbies at home, following the pandemic. Let’s take a look at what were the most popular activities at home to relax or recharge.

Meditation

is practiced by 31% of Finnish consumers in order to recharge/relax at home

Reading

 is most practiced by Gen X (44%) and Baby Boomers (55%) to recharge at home, compared to only 29% of Gen Zers.

3x more

more men practice sports for relaxation compared to women in the US

Starting meditation.

The leisure activities that saw a surge in popularity during lockdown were “mindfulness” activities”. How we start engaging with mindfulness or meditation activities is very unique to each of us – each having specific motivations, paths, and mindsets. Advice and influence from friends and acquaintances seem to be the number one reason why people start doing mindfulness activities.

37%

of UK consumers have started meditating by reading websites online.

3 in 10

Danish consumers have started meditation through therapist recommendation.

Benefits of meditation.

Here we explore the impact of mindfulness/meditation on physical and mental well-being. A key takeaway is that meditation practice helps increase people’ mood and have a positive outlook towards life. 

35%

of US consumers have noticed a decreased level of anxiety when starting meditation.

37%

of Swedish Gen Zers have noticed having more creativity when starting meditation.

How often do you meditate?

In terms of how often people meditate, the number of days per month varies across countries and generations. Some people benefit from doing it once a day, while others prefer a short session every now and then,

18 days

is the average number of days a month that US consumers practice meditation.

Finns

who meditate practice less often on average in a month – 7 days.

Top items for mindfulness activities.

Yoga equipment, candles, painting accessories… The list of items dedicated to mindfulness is large. But, what are the top items purchased by people practicing mindfulness activities?

Food and Beverages

were the most common items purchased by US consumers (43%) that promote mindfulness.

Candle & Oil diffusers

were last purchased by 3 in 10 UK consumers who practice meditation on a regular basis.

Plant parenting.

Coined by Millennials and embraced by all other generations from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers, “plant parenting” is a phrase that refers to anyone who cares for their plants as much as they care for their family members or pets. Let’s check out consumers’ appreciation for plants and how their plant-parenting all started.

Owning houseplants.

The need for plants is real. Over 1 in 2 state owning a plant at home – spanning across generations, from the youngest to the oldest – showing a high interest in growing plants indoors.

8 in 10

Polish consumers own at least one houseplant

6 in 10

US Millennials own at least one houseplant – the largest share compared to other generations (Gen Z 40%, Gen X 49% and Baby Boomers 52%).

Into Plant Parenthood.

Caring for houseplants is a term most recently described and used as “plant-parenting”, with people increasingly interested in growing plants indoors, and caring for them as they would for a child or a pet. Let’s check out who is embracing this concept wholeheartedly.

8 in 10

Spanish and Polish consumers consider themselves as plant-parents

3 in 5

Danish Millennials who own a plant consider themselves as plant-parents

An increased interest post-pandemic.

Post-pandemic, house plants have been flying off the shelves in an unprecedented fashion. The interest in plants has grown in all countries.

9 in 10

US consumers (87%) had their interest in plants increase compared to two years ago

7 in 10

Gen Zers had their interest in plants increased compared to two years ago.

Main benefits of houseplants.

The mental health benefits of houseplants are far-reaching. Not only do plants improve the air of our homes and improve our moods, but plants also help us think more creatively and disconnect from the technology. Let’s find out the main benefits of plants according to their  plant-owners.

Improving the design of one’s home

is the number one house plant benefit according to Finnish (77%), and Norwegian (65%) plant-owners.

Aesthetics

are the first reason for owning house plants according to Danish plant-owners (62%).

Talking to plants.

Do plant-owners communicate with their plants? The practice may not be as far-fetched as it sounds.

French

plant-owners talk to their plants the most with three quarters doing so.

Danish

plant-owners talk to their plants the least (40%).

Pet-ownership.

Did you adopt a dog or cat during the pandemic? You are not the only one. The demand for adopting or fostering pets has risen worldwide. A staggering number have embarked on lives as new pet owners with many clearly having considered the numerous benefits of pet ownership.  Scroll on for more insights on pet parents.

New pet-owners.

While approximately 3 in 10 welcomed a new pet in the last two years, pet ownership is mostly Gen Z and Millennials driven.

3 in 5

US Millennials have gotten a pet in the last two years.

3 in 5

UK and Australian Gen Zers have gotten a pet in the last two years – the highest percentage compared to other generations.

Finding pets, explained.

How and where did pet-owners get their furry-friends from? A majority of pet owners have found their pet through a private seller, but also through friends and family.

Half of Finnish pet-owners

have gotten their pet via a private seller

Animal shelter

are the main source of having a pet for a quarter of Australian Gen X pet-owners.

Benefits of having a pet.

Whilst pet owners fully understand the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals, many of us are unaware of all the benefits that accompany the pleasure of owning a pet. Pets can reduce stress, anxiety and ease loneliness, and can provide valuable companionship for adults.

Boosting one’s mood

remains the first benefit of owning a pet for Finnish (64%) and Swedish (50%) pet owners

3 in 5

Australian female pet-owners state that owning a pet reduces stress.

The pet social-media universe.

More and more, social-savvy pet owners dedicate social media accounts to highlight their dogs, cats, rabbits and other furry friends. Social media accounts for pets have been more popular than ever before with their four-legged companions becoming real influencers and celebrities online.

45%

Swedish pet-owners have started a social media account for their pets.

1 in 2

UK Gen Z or Millennials have created a social media account for their pets.

What’s cooking.

Cooking and baking also became the most popular activities post-pandemic, with many people spending more energy and time preparing delicious meals at home for their family and friends. In this following section, we explore the current motivations behind cooking, as well as the new interests behind taking additional dietary supplements & vitamins.

More cooking at home.

Consumers have had more free time since the pandemic to experiment in the kitchen. Since then, consumers have been reconnecting with cooking, and experimenting with new flavors, but also seeing cooking as a cure for stress or feeling down. A staggering number are cooking more often compared to 2 years ago.

US consumers

cook or bake the most often compared to two years ago,

90%

of Norwegian Gen Zers cook/bake more often vs two years ago

Top cooking practices.

Cooking practices have noticeably increased, with consumers trying out new recipes, or getting into baking. Cooking for social reasons and spending time with friends and family has become more popular as well.

1 in 4

Australian consumers who cook/bake for relaxation often bake banana bread.

52%

of Swedish consumers cook with or for friends/partner/family.

Sources of inspirations for cooking.

Cooking inspirations can come from a variety of sources: restaurants, roaming around markets, search engines, social media… How do consumers get most inspiration from?

40%

of Swedish consumers get inspired for cooking through online blogs and apps

40%

of US consumers get inspired through friends and acquaintances.

Vitamins power.

With more people focused on improving their health and fitness, dietary supplements are more popular than ever. Which country takes most vitamins on average per year? 207 days is the is the average number of days US consumers eating vitamins take every year. 1 in 2 take vitamins daily.

Types of dietary supplements.

The choice of dietary supplements is today incredibly varied, each having their own benefits and purposes. We’ve asked our respondents to state which ingredients they think are most useful for them, and what are the main reasons behind taking dietary supplements. Health is at the forefront – as the primary purpose seems to maintain one’s overall health.

And that’s that.

Thirsty for more knowledge?

Make sure to check out the other reports available at Klarna Insights.

A deep dive into Fashion trends.

After nearly two years of disruption, the fashion industry has returned to growth with consumers wanting to dress to impress and fashion brands pushing boundaries and tacking new consumer demands.

In this report, we discuss four major themes shaping the current state of Fashion: the Music festival fashion, Fashion weeks, the Metaverse mindset and Gender fluidity – where we investigate what are the current consumer trends and approaches to fashion.

Happy exploring!

Methodology.

Klarna research occurred in May/August 2022, in cooperation with Dynata and across 11 countries (US, UK, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy, France, Germany and Poland). The survey includes a minimum of 1,000 respondents in each country. In total, 8,114 consumers ages 18 to 75 participated.

11 countries

12,197 consumers

Music festival fashion.

Although festival-goers are seeking unique experiences, attendees no longer visit a festival purely for the music. A variety of experiences, from music and food, to culture and fashion draw them each year onto the muddy fields. Music festivals have disrupted the fashion line-up – providing a fresh and fun opportunity for dressing.

Music festival revival.

Every year, thousands of people venture back into green fields, pits and tents for the festival season. Festival-goers span across all age groups, showing that festivals are not just for the young.

Americans

are most looking to go to music festivals over the coming months

Gen Zers

are the generation most planning in going to music festivals, except in the US where Millennials are ahead of Gen Zers.

Festival-goer outfits.

At the same time, the festival fashion is back in full force, bringing high-energy crowds altogether. When the festival season kicks off, buying a new outfit has become part of the fun, and driving stylish customers back to stores. Streetwear, funny or sexy? Let’s take a look at how people are wearing their festival spirit.

Streetwear

is the most popular fashion look for festival goers.

4 in 10

Finnish festival-goers consider wearing funny or original clothing during music festivals.

The must-have accessories.

Festival-goers are on the lookout for accessories and outfits making their experience better and keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Let’s check out what are the most popular festival accessories, and how consumers are dressing up for fun!

Original sunglasses

are the top fashion accessory that music festival attendees want to wear most.

Chunky shoes

are most popular among Danish festival goers.

Catwalk calling.

Fashion weeks are powerful vehicles for brands to install new season trends and capitalize on the “see now, wear now”. Many people are ready to watch Fashion shows, as well as the content produced by designers and brands to stay up to date with the latest trends. We’ve taken the opportunity to investigate people’ interest and engagement in Fashion weeks.

High interest in Fashion weeks.

Fashion weeks are events to celebrate the art of Fashion. We’ve decided to ask generations for their thoughts on Fashion Weeks, and how they are engaging with them.

7 in 10

Americans who are interested in fashion trends, are aware of Fashion Weeks, and actively seeking out pictures and broadcasts.

1 in 2

Finns interested in fashion trends are aware of Fashion weeks, but do not actively seek out pictures or broadcasts.

NYFW.

The most prominent Fashion weeks take place in the fashion capitals of the world. New York, Paris or Seoul – what are the most popular fashion weeks according to consumers interested in Fashion? New York Fashion week seems to be the big favorite.

New York

remains the most popular Fashion week for consumers interested in Fashion.

UK and Finnish

consumers interested in Fashion prefer the London Fashion Week among others.

Paris Fashion week

is most researched by Norwegian consumers interested in fashion.

The power of social media.

Social media has made it easier than ever to follow and watch Fashion shows, with smartphones and streaming of Fashion shows on digital platforms becoming the new normal. Shoppers find inspiration in social media channels from brands, and follow various types of accounts: celebrities, fashion brands, designers or influencers.  We’ve investigated which of channels they most engage with during the Fashion shows.

Types of items purchased inspired by catwalks.

Brands and fashion looks are gaining momentum during the Fashion shows. From catwalks all the way down to the street styles – what are the clothing categories that gain the most traction and being most sought after by consumers?

Shoes, dresses and jewelry

are the types of items most bought on average after getting inspired by catwalks from Fashion weeks.

Bags

are the type of items most bought by Swedes and Finns following Fashion weeks.

Is the virtual catwalk the future?

The first Metaverse Fashion Week went live this year with various brands shifting towards virtual fashion presentations. Is this transition from physical to virtual popular among audiences? Are consumers open to live virtual and new immersive experiences rather than traditional shows? Turns out virtual runways can be just as compelling as physical runways.

8 in 10

of those interested in Fashion think all Fashion Weeks should turn virtual / digital

UK consumers

interested in Fashion are the most inclined in Fashion Weeks turning digital, while Finns are to a lower extent than the average.

Fashion moving into the Metaverse.

“Metaverse” – the Internet’s favorite buzzword. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the Metaverse and its concept – which could be defined as a virtual / digital environment where people play, work, socialise and shop. However, for brands and the fashion industry, the Metaverse represents plenty of potential and new opportunities to engage with Gen Zers and tech-savvy shoppers. Scroll on for more insights on the Metaverse mindset.

A Metaverse mindset.

The relationship between a fashion brand and its consumers is revolutionary and the Metaverse environment offers new form of consumers’ engagement. Now more than ever, brands have the opportunity to build proximity with their shoppers and a vast majority of consumers are already well aware of this new virtual space.

3 in 5

consumers have already heard of the Metaverse.

Brits

are the most aware of the Metaverse – 7 in 10 have already heard of it and knows about it

The fashion of tomorrow.

The Metaverse fashion can be playful and a way to escape the confines of daily life. It is also opening up endless possibilities for designers, fashion brands, and consumers. A staggering majority are embracing the Metaverse and the fashion of tomorrow.

3 in 5

US and UK consumers aware of the Metaverse find it exciting that fashion brands use avatars as their ambassadors.

18%

of Swedish consumers find the concept of avatars as ambassadors absurd or alarming – the highest percentage among other countries

Moving into the digital realm.

The interest and engagement towards the Metaverse is real. While more and more brands use augmented and virtual reality technology to engage with their customers, a vast majority of consumers currently have a desire to interact with brands and shop via the Metaverse.

3 in 4

consumers already aware of the Metaverse would be interested in purchasing virtual fashion items in Metaverse environments

Americans

who are already aware of the concept of Metaverse, are the most interested in purchasing fashion items virtually in those 3D environments.

Trying clothes virtually.

A growing number of consumers are open to trying clothes virtually and experiment with new kinds of store experiences and services.

7 in 10

consumers who be interested in trying clothes virtually through virtual rooms or using AR

US consumers

show the most interest in the use of VR/AR, whilst Finns express the least interest on average compared to other countries.

Gender-fluid fashion.

The future is fluid. In the past decade, fashion brands have produced more and more gender-fluid collections in order to meet consumer demand. Gender-fluid fashion can be defined by the notion that clothing does not belong to one gender, and that clothing can be unisex, or not listed by the traditional “menswear”/ or “womenswear” binary. Gender-fluid fashion is now more than ever reshaping fashion rules, with consumers showing genuine interest in gender neutral clothing.

The rise of gender-fluid clothing.

The gender-fluid movement is looking to accept different gender expressions, and allowing fashion to be more creative, free and open-minded when it comes to gender and sexuality. More consumers are seeking gender-neutral apparel, and retailers are looking to meet that demand.

3 in 10

 have already purchased a fashion item outside their gender identity.

1 in 2

Gen Zers on average have already purchased a fashion item outside their gender identity – the generation most open to the idea of gender-fluid fashion.

Breaking the binary.

Clothing is no longer split along gender lines – the new wave of gender-fluid fashion is bound up with significant shifts in society’s expectations around gender roles, and sexuality. Results show that today’s shoppers tend to choose an item because they like it, without necessarily checking who it was targeted to and choose to wear items from the other gender’s section.

Nearly 1 in 2

female fashion shoppers shop in the men’s department, including 20% equally as much in the men & ladies’ department.

A quarter of

of Australian and UK female shoppers purchase equally as much from the men’s department and ladies’ department.

A trend here to stay.

A staggering majority is looking to purchase more gender-fluid garments in the future, heavily influenced by younger, Gen Z consumers.

7 in 10

are looking to purchase more gender-fluid clothing items in the future.

Spanish

fashion shoppers lead the pack, in particular with 9 in 10 Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X stating so.

Comfort as key consideration.

When choosing their garments, comfort is one of the first reasons for choosing items outside one’s gender identity. Proving a social statement and aligning with one’s gender expression are also main considerations.

Comfort + Design

are the top 2 considerations when choosing items outside one’s gender identity.

A quarter of

UK Millennials want to make a social statement by purchasing/wearing clothing from the other gender.

It’s all about personality.

Consumers are open to push boundaries, and use fashion for self-expression. Between functionality, sense of belonging to a social group or expressing one’s personality – the power of fashion is unending. But personality stands out as the most sought after means of expression from fashion shoppers across the world.

Personality

is the dominant means of expression fashion consumers wish to convey through their clothing.

Functionality

is most sought after by Finnish Fashion shoppers (7 in 10 state seeking it, right after personality)

Black, grey and white.

What are the most popular colour spectrum when it comes to dressing up? And how do countries compare to each other regarding the colour of their wardrobe?

Neutrals

 are the most popular choice of color clothing.

40%

of male fashion shoppers tend to wear primary colours which is 12pts more than female counterparts.

And that’s that.

Thirsty for more knowledge?

Make sure to check out the other reports available at Klarna Insights.

A deep dive into Travel & Outdoor Activities.

The hot days of summer are finally here, and many of us have their leisure activities planned -from traveling, doing outdoor exercises or enjoying the seaside.

In this report, we’ve taken the opportunity to investigate what are the current plans of respondents across the world, and find out differences and similarities in terms of their travel intentions, outdoor exercise interests and motivations, and swimwear fashion. International travel vs domestic travel? Bikini or one piece? We asked them to find out.

Happy exploring!

Methodology.

Klarna research occurred in cooperation with Dynata, in May/August 2022 across 10 countries (US, UK, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France). The survey includes a minimum of 1,000 respondents in each country. In total, 10,152 consumers ages 18 to 75 participated.

10 countries

10,152 consumers

Travel plans.

On average, the appetite for travel remains very high across all generations – the great majority intends to travel in the coming months. Although long distance destinations are still in the radar, traveling in one’s home country has become the norm.

Travel is back.

Travel will be at an all time high this summer with a great majority of consumers eager to get away. More than 3 out of 5 consider traveling over the season.

  • On average, 3 in 5 are planning to travel in the coming months, with Italians and Spanish planning to travel the most.

  • The appetite for travel remains the same across generations- although Gen Zers plan to travel a bit more than others.

  • Three quarters of Norwegian Gen Xers have planned traveling – and are ahead of other generations.

The top travel destinations.

Demand for domestic travel remains strong. 41% of consumers around the world are planning to travel in their home country – showing that the pandemic situation has proved to impact on the travel habits and attitudes of people. Short distances are as popular as long-distance travels abroad.

Vacation in a nearby country

is the top travel destination preference on average.

Australian & American

travellers enjoy traveling in their home country the most.

Main reasons for traveling.

The motivations behind traveling are multiple. Discovering a new culture, food or escaping the everyday routine? Let’s see how people are embracing their traveling spirit.

Recharge/Relax, and escaping the everyday routine

are the main reasons for travel.

Escaping the everyday routine

 is the top reason for Swedish people only.

Planned trips or spontaneous journeys?

When it comes to traveling, there are two types of people: those who love to plan their trips, and those who prefer to seize the day. Planners try to make the most out of their vacation and do not leave much space to last minute opportunities. Spontaneous travelers on the contrary get inspired by the present moment, and leave more space to go with the wind. Let’s find out who are planners and who are more improvers.

7 in 10

 travelers have already planned, organized or done research before arriving at their destination.

Spanish travelers

lead the pack for researching and planning prior to their trips.

Packing suitcases.

One of the most challenging parts of traveling is figuring out what to pack for a trip, and even coming up with a travel packing checklist, for those of us who are most organized. British travelers lead the way when it comes to packing the earliest while Finnish travelers seem to be procrastinating a bit more in their packing.

  • 1 in 3 travelers pack their suitcases a day before.

  • When it comes to packing early, British travelers seem to be the more organized, whereas Finnish travelers seem to be the most spontaneous among the pack.

  • Almost 1 in 2 male travelers pack from the day before to right before leaving, as opposed to only 1 in 3 female travelers.

Main activities when travelling.

From planning outfits, to booking restaurants or browsing places to visit – what are the main preoccupations of travellers ahead of their travels?

4 in 10

travelers state they plan their activities ahead of their travels.

Finns

do the most research and plan the most when it comes to reading blogs/books, Wikipedia pages and browsing Google maps.

Swedish and Danes

like to plan their outfits the most.

Outdoor aspirations.

How outdoorsy people across the world are, and how do generations compare to one another for outdoor activities? Let’s find out what are the most common outdoor activities, and what are the main motivations behind doing them.

Outdoor recreation matters.

As consumers are looking for a respite from home life, more and more people are looking to invest their time outside and practicing outdoor activities. 

3 in 5

consumers are planning to do outdoor activities in the coming months.

Finns

are ranking first in terms of outdoor activities planning in the coming months, with nearly 90% planning to do some.

Outdoor activities in trend.

Outdoor adventures have been booming since the last two years, with certain activities and sports that have become more in demand. From biking, to camping, fishing, hunting and hiking – the choice of outdoor activities is unending. Let’s check out what are the most popular outdoor activities over the coming months.

Hiking, Cycling and Fishing

remain the top most planned outdoor activities this summer.

Cycling

is the most popular in Finland.

Hiking

is the most popular in Norway and Denmark

Rise of outdoor activities compared to last year.

On average, many people have changed their habits as a result of the pandemic, with more now dedicating more time to outdoor activities. The trend is reflective across demographics and in particular among Gen Zers and Millennials.

43%

of people plan to do more outdoor activities compared to last year.

Americans

come top of the rank, followed by Finns and Brits.

American Gen Xers

plan to do more outdoor activities the most compared to other Gen Xers from other countries.

Prioritising mental and physical wellbeing.

The events of the past two years highlighted the importance of taking care of ourselves. Consumers have incorporated more physical fitness in their lifestyle, and many people are looking to integrate outdoor practices into their vacations. When exploring the top benefits of outdoor recreation across countries and generations, personal wellbeing appears to be the first motivation behind active outdoor activities.

  • The top three most important considerations across the markets surveyed in outdoor activities are personal wellbeing, fitness and proximity to nature.

  • 3 in 5 Americans plan to do more outdoor activities for fun, whereas Norwegians want to be closer to nature.

  • On average, younger generations plan more outdoor activities for fun and fitness. Older counterparts favor personal wellbeing and proximity to nature.

Swimwear trends.

Summer is already here for the majority of us – whether you are going abroad or having a staycation, we’ve taken the opportunity to explore the current swimwear trends that get us in a holiday frame of mind. What are the main motivations of our shoppers when purchasing a swimsuit? Let’s find out.

Fit and price as main factors.

Fit, price and style remain the top most important considerations in consumers’ purchasing decision when purchasing swimwear apparel. 

  • Color lies within the top 3 considerations for Swedish, Norwegian and Danish swimwear shoppers.

  • On average, female shoppers prefer style to a much higher extent than male shoppers. Male shoppers emphasise on material to a much higher extent than female shoppers.

Types of swimwear according to gender.

Every year, the first rays of sun incite us to look for the perfect swimwear as the holidays start. Despite the variety of choice, styles and patterns, one piece and swim shorts are respectively the most preferred swimwear for female and male respondents.

Sustainable swimwear.

Factors such as price, brand and quality still matter in shoppers’ purchasing decisions. However, today’s fashion shoppers seek out products that align with their values, with the environmental and social issues as top concerns leading more shoppers to seek out responsible products.

17%

consumers state that it is essential that the swimwear they purchase is made without child labour.

A swimwear made without using harmful chemicals

is most important for Danish shoppers.

Skinny dipping – yay or nay?

Do people have the same attitude when it comes to skinny dipping? Here’s what people across the globe think:

Over 1 in 2

respondents are against trying skinny dipping in the coming months

1 in 4

state they will definitely go skinny dipping.

3 in 10

UK Gen Zers will go skinny dipping – making them the most open to the idea compared to other countries.

And that’s that.

Thirsty for more knowledge?

Make sure to check out the other reports available at Klarna Insights.