SHOP SMALL CARD MEMBER OFFER TO REWARD ELIGIBLE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD MEMBERS FOR SPENDING WITH PARTICIPATING SMALL BUSINESSES
SYDNEY [Australia], April 1, 2021 – American Express is backing the recovery of small business by transforming Shop Small into a year-round movement, incentivising customers to spend where it is needed most. American Express Card Members who first save the Shop Small offer to their eligible Card, will get three extra points per dollar spent with participating small businesses until 31 March 2022, in-store or online, up to 40,000 extra points.1
Now in its ninth year, Shop Small celebrates the valuable contributions small businesses make to their communities. Traditionally held in the lead up to Christmas, this year’s shift to an always-on initiative, aims to assist small businesses that have been affected by the Covid crisis as they navigate the road to recovery.
According to the recent American Express SME Recovery Survey2, despite the challenges of the past 12 months, 53 per cent of small business operators are feeling optimistic about what the year ahead holds for their business. However, with the end of JobKeeper – which according to over half (54 per cent) of small businesses was a valuable support during the pandemic – ongoing customer support is vital.
Lisa Belcher, Vice President of Small and Medium Enterprises for American Express Australia, said, “The resilience that Australian small business operators have shown throughout the Covid crisis has been extraordinary. And it’s encouraging to see consumers, big business and government rallying to back the sector, but now is not the time for complacency. That’s why Shop Small is returning all-year round to remind shoppers that if they want to see these businesses survive, they have to take action and spend with them regularly.”
Between 2013 and 2020, American Express Card Members have contributed more than $6 billion to the Australian small business sector through Shop Small. 3
Newly appointed Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson said, “Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy and our communities. Their recovery won’t happen overnight and there are many factors that need to be addressed from the top-down – from access to capital and the reduction of red tape. But every Australian has the power to play a role in helping the sector, just by being conscious of where they’re spending their money and ensuring that wherever possible, they put small business first.”
Thousands of additional businesses are taking part in this year’s Shop Small, including the many micro-businesses that use Square payment terminals.
“We’ve witnessed first-hand the immense pressure that businesses have been under this year,” said Colin Birney, Head of Business Development for Square Australia. “But our sellers haven’t been defeated: it’s brought out their resilient and entrepreneurial best. We’ve seen barber shops creating merch brands to add a new revenue stream; fish and chip shops giving their customers online ordering options; people that were laid off starting businesses for the very first time.”
“We’re not out of the woods yet, and businesses still need help as we navigate the economic burden of the last twelve months. That’s why we’re delighted to be partnering with Amex to enable every single Square seller to be a part of the Shop Small initiative and benefit from the extra business that will come their way as a result of it,” Birney said.
American Express encourages all Australians to support the movement and ‘Shop Small’ when spending throughout this year.