American Express’ Shop Small initiative is back for another year encouraging Aussies to support their local community and shop small and local.
To motivate shoppers, eligible American Express card members who shop at participating small businesses during August will get five bonus points for every $1 spent, up to a total of 1,000 bonus points.
“Shop Small celebrates the incredible small businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities and recognises the tireless work they perform to deliver essential services and support the human connections that keep our high streets thriving,” says Robert Tedesco, vice president and general manager of global merchant and network services for American Express Australia and New Zealand.
“Whether it’s your local barista taking the time to have a conversation, the pharmacist who delivers medicine to your door when you’re sick or that small business that provides financial support for your children’s sports club, small businesses help keep our communities running. In our 13th year of Shop Small, American Express is incredibly proud to continue backing small business and rewarding our card members who support them.”
Small businesses make up more than 97 per cent of all businesses in Australia and employ more than five million Australians.
Margret Meagher, founder of Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail in Port Macquarie, says the initiative is a timely recognition of the creativity and resilience of small business owners in regional Australia.
“Hello Koalas celebrates creativity and community while raising awareness about koala conservation and our local environment,” she explains.
“What started as a passion project has grown into something that draws people into Port Macquarie and encourages them to explore beyond the usual spots. Each of our more than 90 hand-painted sculptures tells a story and our gallery and gift shop give visitors a deeper connection to the region. It means a lot to be part of this campaign to showcase the best of our coastal towns beyond the big cities.”
After studying architecture and running stalls at farmers markets, Beau Baddock has for the past 12 years owned the much-loved The Agrestic Grocer in Orange.
“What started as a little café has grown into something really special,” he enthuses.
“It’s a place where locals and travellers alike come to connect over good food, live music and a shared love of the region we’re in. We stock jams, chutneys, oils, wine, beer and all sorts of regional goods so people can support local without thinking twice.
“It’s more than just a place to shop—it’s about championing the local legends who put so much energy into growing, making and creating good produce and experiences. Support from initiatives like Shop Small mean the world to small businesses like ours and it helps us keep doing what we love, in the community we love.”
Additionally, American Express has launched a new social media campaign featuring popular travel and lifestyle creator Tyson Mayr to spotlight the vibrancy of local businesses along Australia’s scenic East Coast, continuing its backing of small business and regional tourism.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of so many Australian towns, helping build vibrant communities and creating amazing unique experiences,” adds Tedesco.
“With more than 2.5 million small businesses across the country, supporting them means backing local jobs, tourism and the communities they help sustain. We’re proud to be shining a light on some of these incredible businesses and the passionate people behind them.”
