Holiday shoppers embrace 'buy now, pay later' options

(The Center Square) – Early projections suggest Americans will spend more than $1 trillion over the holiday season, a crucial time for businesses, but not everyone is paying right away. The National Retail Federation's annual holiday forecast projects retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% above 2024. Total spending is estimated at between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. Adobe for Business says "buy now, pay later" options are important for some consumers. Adobe forecasts $20.2 billion will be spent through this way from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. That's projected at 11% growth over 2024. Klarna, a Swedish company that allows customers to pick interest-free payment plans and customizable payment options, said the season was off to a good start. The flexible payments provider announced record Black Friday sales growth in the U.S. on Monday. The company said volume was up 45% year-over-year for Nov. 1 through Nov. 28. "Growth has been seen across all catego