Australians are being encouraged to back local small businesses this August as American Express launches its annual Shop Small campaign, rewarding both shoppers and businesses that participate.

Now in its 12^th 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 from Thursday 1 August until Sunday 4 August, during which American Express Card Members who shop at Amex-accepting small businesses will earn 5 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 Index¹, which shows that almost half (46 per cent) of small retail operators work more than 50 hours per week, and a fifth (22 per cent) 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.

Robert Tedesco, American Express Vice President of Global Merchant Services Australia, said the data backs up what many Australians already see in their communities – that small business owners are some of the most resilient and hardworking people in the country.

“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 per cent of private sector employment and generating one third ($500 billion) of Australia's GDP,” he said.

“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.”

Paul Zahra, ARA Chief Executive Officer, said Australia’s small retailers need support more than ever before.

“Small retailers are currently facing immense pressures – from increased costs of doing business, to the consumer spending slowdown due to cost of living pressures,” he said.  

“Our latest ARA & American Express Small Retail Index found that a third (33 per cent) often take on more work than they plan to, with another 30 per cent 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 has provided $24 million to Card Members through Shop Small offers and more than two billion points.

Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery and cellar door on the banks of the Murray River in the far South-West of New South Wales, is a proud participant of Shop Small and was one of 10 prize winners from last year’s campaign. Anthony Murphy, Trentham Estate Managing Director and Winemaker, said the $10,000 prize enabled them to increase staff training, which is invaluable in a regional area.

“We have a small, dynamic team with many talents. Investing in their development improves our knowledge, service and quality and provides a direct benefit to our customers. As a small, family-owned business we do face challenges, but also have plenty of opportunities to adapt and change to suit our products and trends, as well as consumer needs. Support like the American Express Shop Small prize keeps businesses like ours growing and allows us to continue to be able to provide great quality products, brands and venues that our local community can be proud of,” he said.

Concludes Tedesco, “With Amex Card Members spending 2.7 times more on average with small businesses than Non-Card Members², 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.”

View the American Express Map to discover Shop Small businesses near you https://www.americanexpress.com/au/shop-small/ and follow the campaign using #ShopSmall.