Consumer purchase habits are undergoing a radical transformation, driven by the growing demand for more flexible, digital and personalized experiences. This is what emerges from the report The State of Shopping 2025, drawn up by Scalapay in collaboration with Casaleggio Associati, which highlights how the model Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is acquiring an increasingly central role in the choices of Millennials and Gen Z.
What is the Buy Now Pay Later
In its traditional version, this represents a form of financing a short -term of limited amount, which allows consumers to divide the cost of a purchase in several installments without interest. In this model, the platform that offers the service anticipates the entire amount to the supplier, retaining a commission, while the consumer reimburses the total in monthly installments, with the obligation to pay the first at the time of purchase and the next in established deadlines. According to the report, by 2030 it is expected that the alternative payments methods (APMS), including the BNPL and digital portfolios, will represent 82% of global transactions in e-commerce, marking the final overtaking on credit and debt cards.
However, problems related to the risk of over -indebtedness and the need to protect consumers emerge. The e-vers are well aware that adding the BNPL option could determine an additional risk to transactions: to offer dilated or installment payments exposes companies to the risk of delays in payments or even insolvenze by customers, especially when they come from unknown territories or entities.
Consumers are more cautious
2024 marked a turning point in consumer behavior, which have become more selective and prudent. THE’economic uncertainty He prompted more aware choices, increasing interest in authentic brands, low-cost alternatives and second-hand products. The purchase experience has become more fluid, but also more demanding: authenticity and transparency are now essential to retain customers.
According to analysis, 65% of consumers chose cheap brands, while 57% sought online discounts. At the same time, 79% of users express concern for the risk of digital scams, fueled by technologies such as Ai and Deepfake, thus favoring a rediscovery of physical retail as a place of trust.
More and more desire to travel
The travel sector continues to play a central role, with evident transversal affinities among the markets examined. Research focuses on flights and hotels, but interest in alternative destinations, the so -called “destination Dupes”, is growing, that is, less crowded but equally fascinating places. Albania, for example, surpasses Croatia in southern Europe, while in the north destinations emerge like Norfolk, which takes the place of Cornwall.
The extreme heat pushes towards the trend of coolcation, with an increase in reservations in fresh destinations such as Scandinavia and Arctic (+26% in Finland and Norway). However, the real emerging phenomenon is nostalgic tourism: concerts, pop icons and cinematographic sets are increasingly influencing travelers’ choices, with 29% of travelers between 25 and 35 years of age who plans transfers for sporting or cultural events.
