Introduction
Fandom fashion
Interior expressionism
Host with the most

The Checkout

2023

The Checkout is Klarna’s global annual summary of the year through the lens of your purchases.

Smaller items that
bring greater joy.

Despite recent unprecedented events, Millennials and Gen Z have once again proven their resilience. They’ve decided they can have their cake, and eat it too—opting to spend money on smaller things that bring them greater joy, without draining their wallets. From record-breaking concerts to dopamine-induced interiors, this year’s Checkout is all about maximizing life.

Life maximized

  1. Fandom fashion
  2. Interior expressionism
  3. Host with the most

Fandom
fashion

+ 1601%

According to Klarna’s Shopping Index, in August, rhinestone cowboy hats saw a boost in sales of 1153% in the US. The item became a wardrobe staple, with a 1601% increase in global sales.

Concert glam to rival performers.

Entertainment standards soared to new heights in the past year. Huge crowds flocked to sold-out tours, sporting events, and blockbuster phenomena such as the Barbie movie. Spectators embraced the chance to become a part of the show through fashion, wearing metallic eye shadow, friendship bracelets, and all things pink.

Top trending items

Tennis skirtTennis skirts have been on a world tour and are winning with a 152% increase in global sales. Shout out to Germany, Sweden, US, and especially the UK, for seeing a sales increase of 248%.
Beaded jewelryBeaded jewelry is having a moment with a global increase in sales of 157%. While trending in Italy, France, Poland, Spain, and the UK, friendship bracelets also saw a 91% surge in sales in September in the US, and 108% in Sweden.
Pink nail polishIf you’re wondering what color to paint your nails, the answer is pink. Italy saw an uptick in pink polish of 332%, followed closely by France, Poland, Spain, UK, and the US. Globally, sales rose by 146%.
Liquid metallic eye shadowLiquid metallic eye shadow is the latest cosmetic trend with a sales increase in Germany of 79%. Globally, the trend saw an uptick of 82%.
Pink luggageYou’re not going to be losing your luggage if your suitcase is pink. The trend is taking over Spain with an increase in sales of 245%, with the US and UK not far behind. Globally, sales increased by 254% between January and August 2023.

Interior
expressionism

+614%

Wavy retro mirrors are back with a vengeance. Reflected in our Shopping Index, the UK saw an increase in sales of 168%, and Germany of 166%. Overall, sales increased globally for stylish mirrors by 614%.

Bold decor and
bursts of color.

It was hard to let go of the ‘greige’ color, which has been the hallmark of interior design for the past decade. But in 2023, the world collectively decided to spice up their interiors. Rich pops of color, wavy mirrors, checkered blankets, and geometric candles have turned living spaces into eye candy, marking a 180-degree pivot from our minimalist past.

Top trending items

Decorative pillowSales for decorative pillows increased by 413% globally, and 222% in the US. Pillows were trending strong across other markets too—like Sweden, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
Checkered blanketCheckered blankets were trending big in the US, with a sales increase of 96%. Consumers all over the world opted for the cozy yet stylish wrap, with purchases increasing by 202%.
Striped rugStriped rugs are everywhere, especially in France where purchases increased 142% in August, compared to January 2023. Poland and Sweden are jumping on this magic carpet trend too. Overall, we saw an uptick of 90% in sales across all markets.
Geometric candleGeometric shaped candles are all the rage, especially in the US and the UK. Compared to January 2023, sales increased globally by 274% in September 2023.

Host with
the most

+84%

Klarna’s Shopping Index shows that movie nights just got a lot more cinematic, with a 77% surge in mini projector purchases in the US. Globally, the trend saw a sales increase of 84% from January to September 2023.

Next-level
house parties.

People are taking the Danish cozy concept of ‘hygge’ to a whole new level. And they’re not doing it alone, choosing to host others at home, upping their game with charming dinner settings, and even investing in film projectors for communal movie nights. From every kind of ice bucket imaginable, to scented oil diffusers and sustainable glass straws, no detail was spared.

Top trending items

Bottle openerConsumers went for sleek, funky bottle openers to quench their thirst in the run up to summer. Sales increased globally by 89% in May.
Glass strawsGlobally sales for glass straws increased by 107% in August, with high popularity in the US, UK and Sweden.
Ice bucketIce buckets were all the rage in Germany, Sweden, and Spain, experiencing a global sales uptick of 175%. The US and UK, however, took it to another level—opting for electronic countertop ice makers, with purchases skyrocketing by 313% in September.
Essential oil diffuserIn the UK, sales for electronic essential oil diffusers increased by 132%, with Germany, France and Italy following close behind. This sensory aroma therapy trend saw a global sales increase of 93%.

About Klarna’s Shopping Index

Klarna’s Shopping Index is calculated based on the number of items sold relative to total items sold and reflects the true trends regardless of sales growth in the category. The information is from online purchases with Klarna in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland between January 2023 to September 2023.