Swiss ‘Black Week’ Spending Dips as ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Concerns Escalate
Zurich, Switzerland – While the United States saw record Thanksgiving weekend spending, Swiss consumers pulled back their wallets during ‘Black Week’ (November 24th-30th), spending roughly 3% less than in 2024, according to data from “Monitoring Consumption Switzerland” analyzed by AWP news agency. This slowdown coincides with growing warnings from consumer protection advocates about the increasing risks associated with ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) services like Klarna and Cembra.
The Cooling of the Swiss Shopping Frenzy
The peak of the discount season, traditionally fueled by Black Friday and Cyber Monday, appears to be leveling off in Switzerland. Sales increases on Black Friday itself were only 69% higher than a typical day in 2025, down from 74% last year and a staggering 120% in 2020. This suggests a shift in consumer behavior, potentially influenced by economic uncertainty and a growing awareness of financial prudence.
The data reveals significant regional variations in spending, hinting at differing economic conditions and consumer confidence levels across the country. While specific regional breakdowns weren’t detailed in the initial report, the trend points to a more nuanced picture than a simple nationwide decline.
‘Buy Now, Pay Later’: Convenience or Debt Trap?
As the allure of discounts fades, the temptation to spread out payments through BNPL schemes is rising. Sara Stalder, Managing Director of the Foundation for Consumer Protection, warns that these services, while initially appealing, can quickly become a “big debt trap.”
“It’s very tempting to pay in small amounts,” Stalder explained in an interview with SRF News. “People who don’t have a big budget can still buy things at first glance. But be careful.”
Retailers are eager to offer BNPL options, as it effectively outsources debt collection to third-party providers. This reduces their administrative burden and risk, but potentially at the expense of consumer financial well-being.
When is Installment Payment Okay? And What are the Risks?
Stalder clarifies that installment payments aren’t inherently bad. “If you really have to pay a large amount all at once and can’t – for something important like an education or perhaps a trip you want to treat yourself to – then paying in installments is something that really makes sense. But small purchases should be paid for all at once.”
However, the dangers are significant. Consumers often end up with multiple contracts with different payment providers, losing track of their obligations and facing unexpected fees. “The biggest danger is that you suddenly have a contract with a payment provider and no longer with the retailer from whom you bought something. This becomes very confusing,” Stalder cautions. “You have to pay installments, and additional fees may be added to these.”
Protecting Yourself While Shopping Online: Expert Advice
To navigate the increasingly complex world of online shopping, Stalder offers crucial advice: never pay in advance. “In online trading, paying by invoice is a good option. With credit cards you can also stop the amount.” She also emphasizes the risk of fake online shops and the importance of verifying a retailer’s legitimacy before making a purchase.
“You have to be aware that you can also end up in a fake shop where you just get rid of money and get nothing in return. That’s why it’s good to pay on account. But then pay the entire amount at once.”
Maintaining meticulous records of BNPL contracts – provider details and installment amounts – is also essential to avoid unexpected bills and accruing interest or fees.
As Swiss consumers navigate the evolving landscape of retail and finance, a cautious and informed approach to spending – particularly when utilizing ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ options – is paramount. The slight dip in ‘Black Week’ spending may signal a growing awareness of these risks, but continued vigilance and responsible financial habits are crucial for avoiding the pitfalls of debt.
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