World Market teams with FinTech firm Affirm to offer buy now pay later option in stores and online

World Market, a US retailer known for furniture and home decor, gifts, and candy and international food favourites, has partnered with BNPL specialist Affirm, with the latter’s biweekly or monthly payment plans now available at its nearly 250 locations nationwide and online at checkout.

“Helping our customers bring home unique finds they love while delivering the best shopping experience is World Market’s mission,” says Eric Hunter, CEO at World Market. “We are thrilled to have Affirm as a partner that will help us deliver on our mission by providing enhanced payment solutions that offer longer payment terms without hidden fees, giving our customers more choices in how they pay for their next furniture update, seasonal decor refresh or celebration essentials.”

In-store World Market customers can get started by scanning a QR code with their smartphone, while online shoppers can select Affirm at checkout. After a quick eligibility check, approved customers will see personalised payment plans, with rates as low as 0% APR, term lengths up to 36 months, and no late or hidden fees.

“Today's consumers want more control and flexibility in how they pay,” says Pat Suh, SVP of Revenue at Affirm. “That’s why brands like World Market choose Affirm - to offer a smarter, more transparent way to manage purchases, with no late or hidden fees. Now, whether shopping in-store or online, World Market's customers can pay over time with confidence.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Payments will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.