Australians are being encouraged to back local small businesses next month as American Express launches its annual Shop Small campaign.
Now in its 12th year in Australia, Shop Small is a national movement that 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, following 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 between 1 and 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 1000 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 release the findings of their latest Small Retail Index, which shows that almost half (46%) of surveyed small retail operators work more than 50 hours per week, and a fifth (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.
“Small business owners are often the great connectors of Australian communities,” says American Express Vice President of Global Merchant Services Australia Robert Tedesco.
“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.”