Sezzle Expands Merchant Network with Gymshark, Debenhams Group, and Follett Higher Education
Event summary
- Sezzle added Gymshark, Debenhams Group, and Follett Higher Education to its merchant network, effective September 1, 2026.
- Debenhams Group includes brands like boohoo, MAN, PrettyLittleThing, and Karen Millen.
- Follett Higher Education serves over 7.5 million students across 1,000+ college retail stores.
- Back-to-college spending is projected to hit a record $103.5 billion this season.
- 63% of college students have skipped buying textbooks due to cost, per Education Data Initiative.
The big picture
Sezzle's expansion into fitness apparel, fashion, and campus retail aligns with the growing demand for flexible payment options among budget-conscious consumers. The move comes as back-to-college spending hits record highs, with students and families increasingly relying on installment plans to manage educational expenses. This strategic push positions Sezzle to capture a larger share of the BNPL market during peak shopping seasons.
What we're watching
- Merchant Adoption
- Whether Sezzle can sustain this pace of high-profile merchant additions, particularly in competitive retail sectors.
- Consumer Behavior
- How the shift toward buy now, pay later options will impact traditional credit card usage among Gen Z consumers.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- The potential for increased regulatory oversight of BNPL services as they become more mainstream in retail transactions.
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