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We’ve spoken at length about the need to support local businesses right now, and we stand by that.

Our small homegrown economy needs all the help it can get.

At the same time, this is an exercise in give-and-take, and many businesses, small and large, know that we’re all a little cash-strapped at the moment.

That’s why more and more of our top brands have decided to add an interest-free, buy now, pay later (BNPL) option at checkout that gives you the option of paying off your purchase over a few months, so that you can budget, while you enjoy your goodies.

Over the course of the lockdown, PayJustNow, South Africa’s top BNPL service, has added scores of new retailers to their already extensive list of merchants.

If you make use of their services, you pay off your purchase in three easy, interest-free instalments, with each payment spread out a month apart.

Here’s a taste of what caught our eye when we were checking them out.

For the environmentally-conscious:

POYSE Cosmetics is a proudly South African online beauty store that strives to provide its customers with the best beauty products and tools from all over the world.

If you’re into cruelty-free beauty (as we all should be), you can shop their range of authentic products including vegan and clean options.

They’ve done the research for you so that you don’t have to spend hours in the makeup aisle trying to suss out the ingredients on the back of an eye shadow palette.

If you’re in the mood for something shiny:

I’m always in the mood for something shiny, especially when it’s as simple and pretty as the ear cuff in the image above.

Moxie Jewellery cuts out the middleman, thereby making luxury jewellery more affordable and accessible.

They use ethically sourced diamonds and solid gold to create their pieces, which means that you get all the quality you’d expect from a big luxury brand without having to break the bank.

When you need a little quiet time:

Don’t let the adorable face in the picture above fool you, because the parents probably haven’t slept in months.

That’s where the Lulla Doll from Lulla Doll South Africa comes in.

The Lulla Doll is a sleep companion that helps babies fall asleep easier and stay asleep for longer. Lulla’s sounds of breathing and a heartbeat play continuously for 12 hours and the material can absorb a parent’s scent so that you’re close by, at least in spirit.

While baby sleeps, you can catch up on a few hours of hard-earned rest.

When your nest needs and upgrade:

We’re spending more time at home than ever before, and you deserve a home that you’re happy to hunker down in.

Vendange, one of South Africa’s premier homeware, gifting and décor stores, offers an extensive range of products to give your space the edge it needs, including cheese and baguette boards, wine and champagne accessories, basket ware, glassware, leather bags, food accessories, beachwear, and general décor and gifting.

Now that the ban on alcohol sales is behind us, you’re probably stocking up on your favourite wine, so consider the above when figuring out how to display it.

(Don’t stack up the cardboard boxes in the living room – you’re better than that.)

If your budget is a little stretched at the moment, but you still want to treat yourself to some retail therapy, here’s how to get started.

Shop at any of PayJustNow’s merchants (including Veldskoen, Freedom of Movement, and many other local favourites), select PayJustNow as your preferred payment option when you check out, and you’re up and running.

Zero hidden fees, and zero interest:

With a payment option this simple, you can see why so many retailers are getting on board.

Now go forth and treat yourself.