Connect with us

Technology

Klarna announces Rep Her initiative addressing gender-based disparities in women’s sports merchandise accessibility

Published

11 months ago

on

In partnership with Sports Innovation Lab, key findings from a groundbreaking, data-led report identify a $4 billion untapped U.S. women’s sports merchandise market for retailers, with 79% of women’s sports fans indicating they would buy more merchandise if more options were available to them; To further address the cause, Klarna and women-owned media and commerce company TOGETHXR have released limited edition merchandise with proceeds benefiting the Women’s Sports Foundation

NEW YORK, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Klarna, the AI-powered global payments network and shopping assistant, today announced, Rep Her, a multifaceted, research-backed initiative to raise awareness around gender-based gaps in women’s sports merchandise availability. In partnership with fan intelligence company Sports Innovation Lab, Klarna has released a first-of-its-kind report titled Rep Her: Revealing the Unmet Demand for Women’s Sports Merchandise. The Rep Her report values the rapidly growing women’s sports merchandise market at an estimated $4 billion annually, proving the sector’s drastically unmet consumer demand, and measures gender-based imbalances between men’s and women’s sports fan communities. To further address consumer appetite, Klarna has teamed up with female Olympian-founded, trailblazing media and commerce company TOGETHXR and 2x World Cup Champion, NWSL Champion, ESPN Analyst and TOGETHXR consultant Ali Krieger to launch limited edition merchandise and has also launched a new innovative shopping experience within its app and website.

Key findings from Klarna and Sports Innovation Lab’s report include that fans are:

Hungry for Options: 79% of surveyed respondents reported they would purchase more women’s sports merchandise if there were more options available to them, while 28% reported they could not find a style they likedDemanding Inventory: More than 60% of fans who searched for and intended to buy women’s sports merchandise did not make a purchase because it was not in stockSeeking Out Retailers: 32% of women’s sports fans cannot find a retailer that carries merchandise related to their favorite teams and athletesSearching for More Styles: Buyers of women’s sports merchandise are 60% more likely to have trouble finding a style than buyers of men’s sports merchandiseExpressing Fandom Through Merch: 67% of women’s sports fans have purchased sports merchandise despite only 49% having ever purchased a ticket to a live sporting eventLimited Compared to Men’s Sports: For every nine pieces of men’s sports merchandise available, women’s sports has one (The 30-team NBA has 9x more merchandise options than the 12-team WNBA, and the 29-team MLS has 6x more merchandise options than the 14-team NWSL)Vast Supporters: Most women’s sports fans identify as fans of multiple sports and leagues – top leagues include the WNBA (60%), NWSL (51%), NCAA Women’s Basketball (49%), NCAA Women’s Volleyball (39%) and the USWNT (37%)

“Consumer appetite for league, team, and athlete merchandise is vastly exceeding supply,” said Angela Ruggiero, Co-Founder of Sports Innovation Lab. “There is a golden opportunity for retailers to capitalize on a surging market that is telling us if you create something authentic to the community, they will buy it.” 

Klarna, TOGETHXR and Krieger have tapped designers Sophia Chang and Mellany Sanchez to create t-shirts and tote bags featuring the phrase “A movement, not a moment,” celebrating their passion for women’s sports and allowing fans to Rep Her with pride. This merchandise not only symbolizes the growing influence of women’s sports, but also empowers fans to showcase their dedication. Available for purchase on both Klarna.com and TOGETHXR.com, a percentage of all proceeds from the collection will go to Billie Jean King’s Women’s Sports Foundation, emphasizing that the interest in women’s sports is a formidable force that’s here to stay.

Additionally, to help women’s sports fans find merchandise to represent their favorite teams with ease, Klarna has curated an innovative women’s sports destination on Klarna.com and in its app, offering a seamless way to discover, shop and purchase women’s sports merchandise utilizing its interest-free pay in 4 payment option.

“As a brand that breaks the status quo and is a big supporter of women’s sports through our three-year partnership with Angel City Football Club, we saw there was a lack of merchandise available for women’s sports fans yet demand for it so we want to do our part to find a solve and contribute to fueling women’s sports fandom to continue to help propel the industry forward,” said Klarna’s Head of B2C Marketing in North America and the United Kingdom, Megan Gokey. “We are energized by the growing attention surrounding women’s sports and are proud to launch this initiative with Sports Innovation Lab and TOGETHXR to raise awareness around the merchandise gap, ultimately helping to make merchandise more accessible to millions of fans and create a space for women’s sports fans to shop smarter and ‘fan’ harder.”

“As a female athlete myself, it’s incredibly important to see efforts like these that highlight and address gender disparities in sports, like the gap in women’s sports merchandise. This initiative is a pivotal step in recognizing the value of women’s sports and ensuring that fans have the merchandise they want,” shared TOGETHXR consultant Ali Krieger. “Klarna has pushed the boundaries when it comes to creating a smart way to shop and pay, and this initiative directly speaks to the brand’s impactful efforts to push the women’s sports movement forward.”

This report is the fourth annual installment in Sports Innovation Lab’s internationally acclaimed The Fan Project series, which has become the global sports industry’s north star guidance on the commercialization of women’s sports since launching in 2021.

To view the full Rep Her report, please visit HERE. Additionally, Sports Innovation Lab is hosting a live webinar on July 11 to provide a report read-through and data deep dive, which can be accessed by registering HERE.

About Klarna

Since 2005 Klarna has been on a mission to accelerate commerce with consumer needs at the heart of it. With over 150 million global active users and 2 million transactions per day, Klarna’s fair, sustainable and AI-powered payment and shopping solutions are revolutionizing the way people shop and pay online and in-store, empowering consumers to shop smarter with greater confidence and convenience. More than 500,000 global retailers integrate Klarna’s innovative technology and marketing solutions to drive growth and loyalty, including H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macy’s, Ikea, Expedia Group, Nike and Airbnb. For more information, visit Klarna.com.

About TOGETHXR

TOGETHXR is a media and commerce company founded by Jessica Robertson alongside four of the world’s top professional athletes, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel, and Sue Bird. With a focus on rich storytelling rooted in lifestyle and youth culture, TOGETHXR is an unapologetic platform where representation and gender equality are both expected and required. TOGETHXR highlights a diverse and inclusive community of game-changers, culture shapers, thought-leaders, and barrier breakers – finding and telling the stories of women who are doing the same. As one of the most compelling platforms for women in sport and culture, TOGETHXR’s in-house production studio has created a slate of scripted and unscripted premium content, including Surf Girls: Kaikaina, More Than A Name, FENOM, Summer of Gold, and more, which are in discussions to be adapted for film, TV, and digital media. In 2023, TOGETHXR was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and won Media Company of the Year in the DigiDay Media Awards.

About Sports Innovation Lab

Sports Innovation Lab is a data company that enables brands and sports properties to build more effective sponsorships, improve targeted advertising, and enhance fan experiences. Known for its pioneering research on fan behavior and the commercialization of the women’s sports market, Sports Innovation Lab’s flagship Sports Data Cloud offering built on proprietary observational, transactional, and deterministic fan data is evolving how organizations use data to understand their customers and acquire more of them – starting with sports & entertainment. Learn how global brands including the NFL, Nike, NHL, Ally Financial, WNBA, and NASCAR use Sports Innovation Lab’s data, audiences, and strategic advisory to drive revenue by visiting sportsilab.com or following on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Media contacts:
Klarna – Kimberly Gibbs
kimberly.gibbs@klarna.com
(614) 967-5032

Sports Innovation Lab – Anthony Baldini
anthony@athletestrategies.com
(408) 506-5975

TOGETHXR – Togethxr@laruepr.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

The following files are available for download:

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/klarna-announces-rep-her-initiative-addressing-gender-based-disparities-in-womens-sports-merchandise-accessibility-302183224.html

SOURCE Klarna Bank AB (publ)

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

VIDIZMO Set to Drive Europe’s AI Adoption at GITEX EUROPE 2025 with Responsible AI-powered Solutions

Published

26 minutes ago

on

May 16, 2025

By

VIDIZMO to discuss how its responsible and ethical AI-driven solutions for enterprises and government agencies help them make context-aware decisions and get relevant insights from digital content.

BERLIN, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VIDIZMO, a Gartner and IDC-recognized provider of AI-powered solutions, is participating in the GITEX EUROPE 2025, happening from May 21 to 23, 2025 at Messe Berlin, Germany.

At the largest tech event in Europe, VIDIZMO will highlight its advanced abilities in the areas of computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), generative AI (Gen AI), large language models (LLMs) and retrieval augmented generation (RAG), intelligent document processing (IDP), and predictive analytics.

Moreover, VIDIZMO will showcase its portfolio of AI-related services, including AI strategy and consultation, custom AI model development, data services (data collection, processing and annotation), machine learning operations (MLOps), and AI integration and deployment.

Originally part of VIDIZMO product offerings, VIDIZMO AI services have grown in scope to serve the complex data and automation requirements of businesses and government agencies worldwide.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, from German manufacturing and French healthcare to Dutch fintech, and government as a whole, and Europe is at the forefront of ethical AI regulation. This year’s GITEX EUROPE will spotlight critical priorities, such as AI governance and the continent’s digital transformation. As the European Union (EU) implements landmark regulations, such as the AI Act and NIS2 Directive, the event will explore how businesses and government organizations can benefit from advanced cross-sector AI applications to align their existing processes while maintaining compliance, security, and ethical standards.

However, Europe is facing challenges when it comes to AI adoption. Fragmented deployment strategies and growing data security threats cause the adoption to remain uneven.

With flexible deployment options to complement cloud sovereignty combined with advanced data protection capabilities, such as data encryption, granular access controls, and more, VIDIZMO AI solutions help organizations in the healthcare, energy, manufacturing, retail, public safety, justice, law enforcement, and government sectors ensure advanced AI integration into their workflows, data protection, and flexibility.

This AI integration helps businesses and government agencies implement automated workflows for video, audio, and data analysis, conversational AI, data querying and intelligence, object detection, optical character recognition (OCR), redaction, and more. This results in the maximization of limited resources, reduces administrative costs, and saves time.

“Europe is heading towards an unprecedented digital transformation driven largely by AI adoption. The adoption of AI can be catalyzed through responsible AI solutions that can be deployed anywhere to meet with the continent’s regulatory requirements,” said Nadeem Khan, CEO of VIDIZMO. “At GITEX EUROPE 2025, VIDIZMO will showcase how its GDPR-compliant, ethical AI solutions can drive AI adoption across different industries and shape Europe as one of the AI leaders.”

VIDIZMO at GITEX EUROPE 2025

At Stand No. H5.2-A39, VIDIZMO will demonstrate how its AI-powered solutions trusted by Fortune 500 companies and government organizations address European priorities of ethical AI, digital sovereignty, and GDPR compliance. VIDIZMO offers secure and responsible AI solutions with flexible deployment options, including private cloud, on-premises, hybrid, and SaaS, to comply with EU data sovereignty requirements.

VIDIZMO has helped European organizations implement AI for managing large volumes of digital content, using the following solutions:

VIDIZMO AI Platform: Scalable AI platform for retrieving and acting upon relevant insights from your digital content library comprising videos, audio, documents, and images.VIDIZMO EnterpriseTube: Video content management solution that offers secure handling and AI-driven analysis of video content in a GDPR-compliant platform.VIDIZMO Digital Evidence Management System: Digital evidence management solution for securely managing, analyzing, and sharing video, audio, document, and image-based evidence with partner agencies, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.VIDIZMO Redactor: Redaction solution for complying with GDPR and DSAR requirements by hiding sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) and other details from videos, audio, documents, and images.

Visit our GITEX EUROPE 2025 landing page to book a meeting with us.

Stand Details

Stand Location: Stand# H5.2-A39, Messe Berlin – South EntranceShow Hours: 09:30 to 17:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST)

About GITEX EUROPE 2025

GITEX EUROPE 2025 brings together visionaries, innovators, and leaders to explore opportunities, drive partnerships, and build a future-ready digital ecosystem with AI playing a significant role.

The three-day event mirroring the pulse of Europe’s digital transformation is the largest tech event in the content. With key themes of AI ethics and governance, GDPR compliance, and sovereign cloud, the event will explore ways to catalyze AI adoption in Europe.

About VIDIZMO

VIDIZMO specializes in delivering video, audio, data, and AI-powered solutions to transform how organizations operate. From advanced AI/ML capabilities like computer vision, NLP, and speech recognition to providing AI-powered enterprise video content management, automated redaction, and intelligent digital evidence management solutions, we’ve consistently empowered leading Fortune 500 companies and government entities to innovate and scale. Recognized by Gartner, IDC, and Frost & Sullivan, VIDIZMO is backed by partnerships with Microsoft and AWS, ensuring cutting-edge technology and innovation for customers worldwide.

To learn more about VIDIZMO and its comprehensive range of solutions and services, visit www.vidizmo.ai.

Media Contact
Rafey Iqbal Rahman
Product Marketing Lead
rafey.iqbal@vidizmo.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vidizmo-set-to-drive-europes-ai-adoption-at-gitex-europe-2025-with-responsible-ai-powered-solutions-302457904.html

SOURCE VIDIZMO LLC

Continue Reading

Technology

Hisense Shines at Cannes as Named Partner of CHINA NIGHT

Published

26 minutes ago

on

May 16, 2025

By

QINGDAO, China, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, proudly served as the named partner of CHINA NIGHT at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. On May 15, Hisense transformed the iconic Plage des Palmes into a dazzling showcase of smart living, premium entertainment, and refined design—bringing next-generation technologies to the heart of the global film scene.

As film industry elites walked the red carpet, a 100-inch U7 Series TV captured every moment in ultra-fine detail. Engineered with Mini-LED Pro backlighting and the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, it delivered precise local dimming, exceptional brightness, and cinematic contrast—offering a vivid visual experience worthy of Cannes. Nearby, two 65-inch models brought curated film trailers to life with AI-driven contrast enhancement and ultra-vivid color reproduction.

Later, at the wine reception, guests enjoyed perfectly chilled vintages from the ASKO Wine Climate Cabinet. With three independent temperature zones, wooden shelves for up to 190 bottles, UV-filtered glass, soft LED shelf lighting, and an RGB-lit serving area, it delivered both function and style. Integrated Vivino support allowed guests to browse and select wines directly from the cabinet’s interface. Meanwhile, the C2 Ultra TriChroma Laser Mini Projector delivered 4K visuals at 3,000 ANSI lumens, turning the lounge into an intimate cinema under the stars.

On May 14, as part of the CHINA NIGHT program, Hisense presented its PX3-PRO TriChroma Laser Projector at the China Film Forum, offering guests an up-close look at its minimalist design and advanced projection technology.

By integrating its flagship products into CHINA NIGHT’s most memorable moments, Hisense elevated the guest experience and underscored its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and refined design to discerning audiences worldwide.

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2024). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

SOURCE Hisense

Continue Reading

Technology

Houston County Jail Launches OverWatch™ by 4Sight Labs to Safeguard Lives and Modernize Operations

Published

26 minutes ago

on

May 16, 2025

By

DOTHAN, Ala., May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Houston County has officially deployed 4Sight Labs’ OverWatch™ technology in its detention facility, marking a significant step forward in advancing inmate safety and operational transparency. Under the leadership of Sheriff Donald Valenza and Captain David Asbill, Jail Commander, the county received 15 OverWatch™ sensors and 4 gateway devices, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the Houston County Jail facility.

OverWatch™ is a wearable system developed by 4Sight Labs to monitor vital signs and movement in real-time. With proactive alerts and continuous oversight, the system is designed to reduce in-custody deaths and improve response times to health or behavioral emergencies.

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone inside this facility,” said Captain Asbill. “OverWatch gives us another tool to meet that responsibility — it allows our staff to respond faster and more effectively when someone is in medical distress or showing warning signs. It’s a smart step forward for our operations and for the people we serve.”

The integration of OverWatch™ aligns with a broader national movement toward data-driven corrections management and inmate wellness. The sensors, worn by inmates, transmit data to strategically placed gateway devices, enabling 24/7 monitoring and immediate alerting when readings deviate from safe thresholds.

This deployment reflects Houston County’s commitment to public safety innovation and makes it one of a growing number of forward-thinking jurisdictions leveraging OverWatch™ to transform correctional care.

For more information about OverWatch and its impact on correctional facilities, visit 4sightlabs.com.

Media Contact:
Dylan Martinez
4Sight Labs
dylan@4sightlabs.com

About 4Sight Labs
4Sight Labs is a public safety technology company improving detainee safety and welfare through innovative biometric monitoring solutions. Our flagship product, the OverWatch™ sensor, provides automated monitoring for individuals in custody, enabling early intervention and reducing liability for law enforcement and corrections agencies. Our mission is to transform detainee safety for law enforcement and correctional agencies. Learn more at www.4sightlabs.com.

About Houston County Sheriff’s Office
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Donald Valenza, who has been elected twice by the citizens of Houston County, AL since being appointed sheriff by the Governor of Alabama in 2014. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office is tasked with covering 587 square miles with approximately 109,000 residents. The Houston County Jail staff protects our citizens by securing an inmate population of approximately 440 inmates per day. Our Deputies are proud to meet that challenge daily.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/houston-county-jail-launches-overwatch-by-4sight-labs-to-safeguard-lives-and-modernize-operations-302457912.html

SOURCE 4Sight Labs

Continue Reading

Trending