Amex launches Shop Small as business outlook improves and shoppers return

The majority of Australian small business owners (80 per cent) are optimistic their business will survive the COVID-19 pandemic; according to new research by American Express.

Amex’s Small Business Recovery research examines the impact of COVID-19 on Australian small businesses and the measures that can best support them in rebuilding.

The release of the research coincides with the return of the brand’s Shop Small initiative, a national movement founded by American Express to celebrate the contributions small businesses make to their communities and the economy, and to encourage shoppers to support them. 

The initiative usually runs later in the year, however, Corrina Davison, Managing Director, American Express Australia, said the brand has brought forward the campaign to help small businesses through the recovery phase.

“State restrictions are easing and it’s encouraging to see the progress we’re making as a country. While people are starting to head out again, small businesses still face the challenge of getting customers to return at the levels they need. We’re bringing back Shop Small early this year to encourage shoppers to support the nation’s resilient small business operators and accelerate their recovery. 

 This year marks the eighth time the brand has run the campaign and according to Davison will deliver the biggest cashback benefits to small business.

“American Express will fund the largest cashback offer in the history of the movement in Australia to do what we can to help small businesses recover after what has been, for many, the most challenging year they have ever faced. 

“As the nation takes important steps on the road to recovery and more businesses reopen, we’re encouraging all Australians to recognise the critical role they play in helping the businesses at the heart of our local communities by Shopping Small.” 

To date, American Espress has given back $19.5 million to Amex card holders for spending at local small businesses across Australia between 2013 and 2019, and card members have contributed over $4 billion in sales to Australian small businesses during Shop Small.

While small businesses remain optimistic that they will be able to see a way out of the coronavirus crisis, American Express’s Small Business Recovery research has found shopper still remain concerned about  with safety with 80 per cent suggesting businesses need to implement safety measures such as sanitisers and distance markers for them to feel safe.  

Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, said there’s no doubt there has never been a tougher time to be in business.

“While it’s encouraging to see so many small businesses confident they can survive this crisis, they will face enormous challenges over the coming months as they work to get back on their feet. What small businesses need right now is our support. The best way to do that is by visiting your local small businesses or shopping online for local products and services. Every dollar spent not only goes to that small business, but to the community as well.”   

American Express reports only a third (33 per cent) of shoppers said they felt at ease to return to bricks-and-mortar stores, and 22 per cent will only do so once COVID-19 cases get down to zero in their state. Another 15 per cent said only when no cases exist nation-wide.