Last updated on April 20th, 2023
American Express greatly expanded its Shop Small program this July. The initiative aims to help local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging Amex cardholders to shop locally with the lure of statement credits. Now, the issuer is continuing its pledge to help neighborhood shops by offering an “Open for Business” kit for merchants. Here’s what you need to know.
Free Open for Business Kit for Local Merchants
For a limited time, American Express is offering small businesses one free Open for Business kit – at no cost. The Amex Open for Business kit includes several products to help inform consumers they can shop locally – and safely. The kit contains the following items for small businesses:
- 16 oz. of hand sanitizer gel in a pump bottle
- “Back to Business” open/closed sign
- Social distancing floor decals
- “Shop Small” decals for credit card terminals/POS and doors
While all these products feature American Express and “Shop Small” branding, they are free of charge while supplies last.
Amex Shop Small
The American Express Shop Small program encourages cardholders to “show up for their community.” Amex members who register an eligible credit card, charge card, or prepaid debit card, and then use that card to make a single purchase of $10 or more at a local merchant, will earn a $5 statement credit. Since this credit can be earned up to ten times, the program offers a potential value of $50.
The push from Amex via its Shop Small campaign comes as the credit giant is experiencing slumping stock prices due to the coronavirus outbreak. Consumer spending has been hit badly due to the pandemic, with restaurants and other local companies hit the hardest.
The Shop Small program benefits from the now near-universal acceptance of American Express credit and charge cards in the United States. Approximately 99% of U.S. merchants now accept Amex, meaning no matter where you opt to shop, chances are they take American Express.
Related Article: American Express Launches New Shop Small Program
