American Express Small Business Saturday to Spark Growth & Shaquille O’Neal Shops Small on November 26, 2016
The Holiday Season and Small Business Saturday will lead to strong sales for small business owners. Hashtags #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat and #DineSmall for your Twitter and Instagram accounts promote small business.
2017 American Express (NYSE:AXP) Holiday Growth Pulse, a survey of 1,502 small and middle market businesses across a variety of industries. (59%) small business retailers think holiday sales will be stronger compared to last year, and 34% think they will be roughly the same as last year. Small business retailers (companies with fewer than 100 employees and annual revenues of $250,000 or greater) are not alone in their positive outlook – 81% of middle market retailers (companies with $10 million to $1 billion in annual revenues) also feel sales will be stronger than last year. The 2015 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, an estimated 95 million Americans shopped on Small Business Saturday in 2015, spending an near $16.2 billion at independent retailers and restaurants, up 14 percent from 2014.
“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.”
“Along with being celebrated for his Hall of Fame basketball career, Shaquille is an American Express Card Member, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who embodies many of the key characteristics of what our brand represents,” said Brad Minor, Vice President of Global Brand Partnerships and Experiential Marketing at American Express. “Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and we’re stoked to be working with him to help encourage consumers to support small businesses this holiday season through our Shop Small for 2X Rewards campaign, as well as partner with him on our larger NBA season sponsorship plans.”
“As a Card Member since 1992, American Express has been a part of my life from when I began my NBA career to today,” O’Neal said. “I am excited to partner with such an internationally respected brand that has supported small businesses for more than 25 years. As a businessman myself, I understand how important it is for our communities to Shop Small and have a personal stake in supporting American Express’ 2X Rewards campaign.”
Shaquille O’Neal earned the NBA Championship 4 times and was the NBA Finals MVP three times. Dr. Shaquille O'Neal has a PhD in Leadership and Education.
Earn 2x rewards when they enroll an eligible American Express Card and Shop Small on Small Business Saturday and through December 31.
- 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.
