NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Express today announced several events and offerings to support the seventh annual Small Business Saturday, which takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 26. Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday encourages Americans to shop at local independent businesses across the country, from neighborhood retail stores and restaurants to service businesses like drycleaners and nail salons. To show their love for small merchants, American Express is also giving Card Members the opportunity to earn 2x rewards when they enroll an eligible American Express Card and Shop Small on Small Business Saturday and through December 31.
Every year, consumers who Shop Small make a significant impact on their local economies. According to the 2015 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, approximately 95 million Americans shopped on Small Business Saturday last year, spending an estimated $16.2 billion at independent retailers and restaurants, up 14 percent from 20141.
“It's exciting to see how Small Business Saturday has evolved over the years. When all of us rally to support the small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique, the impact is truly inspiring,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, executive vice president, Global Advertising and Brand Management at American Express. “This year, we want all kinds of small businesses to get involved -- from fitness studios, to cafés, to retail stores and restaurants -- so we’ve created even more ways for Americans to participate on Small Business Saturday, whether you're a night owl or morning person.”
How to Shop, Dance, Ride & Dine
American Express is teaming up with a new list of organizations to make this year’s Small Business Saturday memorable for everyone. Events and offerings include:
- Dance + Yoga Sesh with Daybreaker: Daybreaker, the early morning dance movement spreading around the world, is teaming up with American Express on Small Business Saturday to create an unforgettable kick-off experience to celebrate the small businesses that empower and enrich the communities they serve. The parties will take place in New York City, San Francisco and Chicago, where attendees can wake up to an invigorating workout and dance party with music, DJs, performers and yoga/fitness, as well as food and beverages from local businesses.
- Free Rides to Shop Small in NYC with UberPOOL: To help shoppers get together and Shop Small on Small Business Saturday, American Express and Uber are offering a free UberPOOL ride (up to $20) to American Express Card Members in all five boroughs when the promo code SMALLBIZSAT is entered into the Uber app. And through the end of the year, first time UberPOOL riders in NYC can enter the promo code SHOPSMALL2016 to get their first UberPOOL ride free (up to $20). Visit the Shop Small map for ideas on where to go and ride together to Shop Small.
- Dine Small with The Infatuation: The Infatuation, an influential online platform focused on helping people find the best restaurants in their area, will host an event at an independent restaurant in four cities: New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and San Diego. Restaurants will create exclusive Small Business Saturday menu items to celebrate the day and encourage consumers to continue visiting local restaurants long after the weekend. Restaurant-goers will be encouraged to share their experiences on social media.
- Local Celebrations with Neighborhood Champions: More than 4,000 small business owners, individuals and community organizations have already pledged to be this year’s Neighborhood Champions, committing to host events and activities to rally their communities on Small Business Saturday. Shoppers can support their local Neighborhood Champions and independent businesses by attending these events together with other Shop Small enthusiasts. More information about these activities can be found at www.shopsmall.com.
American Express Card Members Receive Offer to Shop Small and Earn Big
New this year, American Express is giving Card Members the opportunity to earn 2x rewards when they enroll an eligible American Express Card at http://www.amex.co/shopsmalloffer and shop at qualifying small merchants both in-store and online now through December 31. With the addition of 1.6 million merchant locations that have started accepting American Express Cards over the past two years, Card Members now have even more places than ever before to Shop Small2. When Card Members use an eligible Card to shop at qualifying small merchants they can earn 2X rewards – from Membership Rewards® points to miles with Delta® to Cash Back and more. This offer is the latest way American Express is supporting the expanding network of small merchants who accept American Express Cards by giving Card Members yet another reason to Shop Small throughout the holiday season.
Show Your Love for Small Businesses on Social Media
Last year, millions of consumers showed their love for independent businesses on Small Business Saturday. This year is no different. American Express is asking consumers to join in on making the day bigger than ever for small businesses by sharing their experiences on social media. Anyone can join the conversation and spread the Shop Small message to their family, friends and online followers by using the hashtags #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat and #DineSmall.
About Small Business Saturday
November 26th is the seventh annual Small Business Saturday. Dedicated to supporting local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods around the country, Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: getting more customers. Learn more at and connect with us on ShopSmall.com, instagram.com/shopsmall, facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday, twitter.com/shopsmall.
About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, Plenti rewards program, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, corporate card, business travel and corporate responsibility.
1 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey by National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express. (November 30, 2015, November 30, 2014). Based on consumer self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales.
2 Based on internal comparison of American Express small merchant locations in December 2013 to American Express small merchant locations in December 2015.
