AMEX Shop Small campaign to give small businesses a boost

With almost daily headlines about the future of UK high streets, it's clear that many small businesses are facing challenges when it comes to navigating their way through the current economic climate. In this tough economic environment, according to the American Express Small Business Barometer survey, 83 per cent of UK small businesses identify attracting new customers as their biggest challenge.
 
However, it's clear that across the country there is strong support from consumers for local independent stores and small businesses.  The recent American Express Shop Small Survey found that 85% of shoppers in England think it's important to support small businesses. A further 70% said they would shop small more often if they could, and 68% of those surveyed said they feel a strong sense of loyalty towards small businesses and independent stores.
 
Despite recognition of the vital role these small businesses play in the community, there are still a number of incentives consumers have identified which would encourage them to shop small more than they currently do, with special offers and incentives being the highest ranking motivator (25%).
 
To highlight and celebrate the importance and contribution of small businesses within local communities, American Express is running the Shop Small campaign this July. American Express Cardmembers can take advantage of a special offer, receiving £5 back when they spend £10 or more in up to 10 participating businesses this July at participating businesses throughout the UK.
 
Brighton based homes and interiors boutique, Papillon, said they noticed a real uplift in customer numbers when Shop Small piloted last year and are looking forward to welcoming more customers this July.   Stephen Anderson, Co-owner said, "We're very supportive of the Shop Small campaign. It's a really good initiative to support independent businesses and that helps everybody, and of course we always welcome the opportunity to attract new customers, or indeed existing customers to visit us more often!"
 
Mark Roper, Head of Merchant Services UK at American Express recognises that small businesses face many challenges including attracting customers. "Whether you're a florist in Bristol or a restaurant in central London, it's a tough environment. Our Shop Small campaign aims to provide a boost for our small merchant customers by encouraging and incentivising our Cardmembers to visit them this July."
 
Martin Blackwell, Chief Executive, Association of Town & City Management, agrees that a campaign like Shop Small is most welcome. "We work with all those interested in promoting the vitality and viability of town and city centres. Small businesses are integral to local communities, as a means of attracting visitors, providing essential resources to residents, and delivering real benefit to the local economy. Shop Small is all about giving these businesses a boost, which can only be seen as a good thing".
 
Other key research findings include

The average consumer visits an independent store 5 times a month, and the average national monthly spend is £40

Butchers are the most frequently visited independent business/small store by UK consumers (35%)

44% of consumers say they shop small to support their local community

43% of consumers say they usually walk to their local independent stores

When asked what role consumers think their local independent stores play within the local community, the highest ranking answer was "They help to make my area more appealing to residents and visitors" (31%). The second highest ranking answer was "They act as a local 'hub', bringing residents to one place, encouraging community spirit" (23.2%)