Vend, the preferred retail point-of-sale software of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), has partnered with global payments provider Klarna.

The collaboration will offer independent retailers’ customers more flexible payment options. Therefore, levelling the playing field for small businesses to compete with enterprise retail and offer Klarna’s smooth and easy payments in-store across the UK.

The rollout will later follow in the United States in 2020.

While workshops, local events and initiatives attract loyal customers, innovative use of retail technology is key to support the success and profitability of small businesses.

The use of new, innovative tech frees up time for staff. Allowing them instead to focus on winning formulas that ensure local high streets can thrive.

Vend’s collaboration with Klarna puts an enterprise tool in the hands of small business retailers.

Small businesses can create a flexible checkout experience that is easy to set up. Connecting to any smartphone, customers will be able to pay with Klarna by scanning a QR code or using a payment link provided by SMS or email, before filling out their details and selecting a payment option.

Klarna then makes a real-time decision in just seconds. Meanwhile, Vend’s ePOS system will automatically reconcile Klarna sales at the end of the day.

Vend chose to partner with Klarna due to its considerable global reach and impressive roster of brands and retailers.

The collaboration with Vend will ensure boutique retailers receive payments upfront, while customers can pay later in three equal instalments.

Commenting is Higor Torchia, MD, EMEA at Vend. “Consumers love to buy at independent retail shops. The ability to pay flexibly with Klarna gives shoppers more opportunity to do this and retailers the ability to attract more customers.

“Vend’s cloud-based software allows independent retailers to manage their inventory on-the-go; running reporting analytics for users that gives insight on customer loyalty and what’s selling well.

“Getting Klarna set up on Vend is very simple and can be done in two simple steps. It will ensure retailers can keep track of what’s been sold should customers wish to buy in the moment, but pay when more convenient.”

Klarna and Vend launched their partnership at this year’s Top Drawer event on 12-14 January.

Also commenting is Luke Griffiths, UK general manager at Klarna. “One of the most exciting things about working in this space is the opportunity to partner with other fintech and payment services that are also seeking to revolutionise the shopping experience.

“Our partnership with Vend shows our commitment to supporting small businesses. Combining our flexible payments with Vend’s ePOS system offers a superior shopping experience for customers and retailers alike.

“As we grow as a business and redefine the way people pay, we’re excited to continue these partnerships; bringing flexible payments to more shoppers and retailers globally.”