The municipal council factions of the ChristenUnie, CDA, Partij voor de Dieren, and PvdA have expressed their concerns about the ‘buy now pay later’ option in the physical shopping streets of Groningen, as vulnerable groups, especially young adults and people already in debt, might rake up more debts with the option.
Before, the option to pay later was only available online, but recently, payment company Adyen and the pay later app Klarna said they would be introducing the option in physical shops as well.
GIC reported that the four parties are asking if the council knows which physical shops in Groningen are planning to implement the new payment option and if measures are being taken to protect shoppers from this easy but often expensive way of shopping using loans.
“Buying items without paying straight away could lead to big issues, such as debt,” Peter Rebergen, faction head for the ChristenUnie said. “Young people are particularly susceptible to all kinds of influences and temptations.”
The parties also want to talk with shopowners and business associations to prevent vulnerable groups from having more money-related issues.