Australians are being encouraged to support local small businesses this August as American Express launches its annual Shop Small campaign, rewarding participating businesses and shoppers.
Now in its 12th year in Australia, Shop Small celebrates the important contribution that small businesses make to the economy and encourages consumers to support them. For the first time this year, Shop Small will be held in August, instead of November, in response to feedback from the small business sector that the winter months are when many operators need the most support.
A special Shop Small Long Weekend will be held from Thursday 1 August until Sunday 4 August, during which American Express card members who shop at Amex-accepting small businesses will earn five bonus points for every $1 spent, up to 1,000 points.
For businesses participating in Shop Small, they have the chance to win one of 10 cash prizes worth $10,000 each, with all eligible businesses automatically entered into the prize pool each time an American Express card member spends with them during the month.
The launch of Shop Small comes as American Express and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) release the findings of their latest Small Retail Index, which shows that almost half (46%) of small retail operators work more than 50 hours per week, and one in five (22%) admit to working in excess of 60 hours per week. This is around 1.5 times the national 38 hour weekly average for full time workers.
American Express vice president of global merchant services for Australia, Robert Tedesco said, “Small business owners are often the great connectors of Australian communities. Without them, we wouldn’t have our favourite coffee shops, restaurants, gyms, grocers and retailers that help create our local village vibes.
“They’re not just the backbone of our communities, but our economy too, providing about 42% of private sector employment and generating one-third ($500 billion) of Australia’s GDP. American Express is proud to continue backing these small business operators through initiatives like Shop Small so that small businesses can not only survive, but thrive, into the future as the heart of our local communities.”
ARA CEO, Paul Zahra added, “Small retailers are currently facing immense pressures – from increased costs of doing business, to the consumer spending slowdown due to cost of living pressures.
“Our latest ARA and American Express Small Retail Index found that one-third (33%) often take on more work than they plan to, with another 30% saying they have never been more stressed. With the winter period often being one of the slowest periods in national retail trade, initiatives like the American Express Shop Small program help make a difference by encouraging new and existing customers through the doors of our retailers.”
Between 2013 and 2023, American Express provided $24 million to card members through Shop Small offers and more than two billion points.
“With Amex card members spending 2.7 times more on average with small businesses than non-card members, and with more small businesses accepting American Express than ever before, we’re rallying our card members to lend their support by making shopping at small businesses a priority,” Tedesco added.