What: BNPL giant Klarna now allows people to shop by simply taking a picture.

Why it is important: Here comes a new feature that department stores will have to have in a few years to remain relevant.

Swedish payments company Klarna introduced an AI-driven shopping feature, powered by OpenAI, which enables users to shop by photographing desired products. These products can then be quickly purchased through Klarna's app. The AI feature can identify and compare prices, retailers, and reviews for over 10 million items. To address privacy concerns, it restricts images of faces or bodies. Unlike Google's Lens tool, Klarna's is specifically designed for shopping. The feature is accessible in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Once considered Europe's top startup, Klarna offers a "buy now, pay later" service. Despite a decline in valuation, the company achieved monthly profitability earlier than anticipated.

Klarna adds AI-driven photo features to entice shoppers