Small businesses create special communities
'Beyond medicine, we've started hosting monthly tea parties at the pharmacy to help bring people together, because we know those human connections are crucial.'
The colder months can be quieter for small businesses, but one initiative helps them to continue their role as thriving neighbourhood hubs all year round.
Now in its 13th year, Shop Small is a national movement from American Express that celebrates the important contribution small businesses make to the Australian economy and its multi-faceted communities.
Thanks to the initiative, during the month of August, people all over Australia are encouraged to visit and spend with small businesses to give them a boost.
Parker says initiatives like Shop Small are vital for the survival of local businesses. 'It reminds people how powerful it is to shop local and stay connected,' she says.
Moss Vale Community Pharmacy is just one example of the smaller firms that are the gold thread running through Australian society. As data shows, small businesses make up more than 97 per cent of all enterprises in Australia and employ more than five million of us.
The Agrestic Grocer is another example of the huge value small businesses offer their local area.
With a background studying architecture and running stalls at farmers markets, Beau Baddock has owned The Agrestic Grocer in Orange in regional NSW for 12 years. Like Parker's chemist, Baddock's shop is much more than a place to grab life's essentials.
'What started as a little café has grown into something really special,' says Baddock.
'It's a place where locals and travellers come to connect over good food, live music and a shared love of our region.
'We stock jams, chutneys, oils, wine, beer and all sorts of regional goods so people can support local without thinking twice. We're passionate about championing the local legends who put so much energy into growing, making and creating good produce and experiences.'
Since launching Shop Small in Australia in 2013, American Express has delivered more than $24 million in value and awarded more than 2.1 billion Membership Rewards® points to card members through exclusive Shop Small offers[i]. It's testament to the long-term commitment Amex has to small businesses and the customers who support them.
'Shop Small celebrates the incredible small businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities,' says Robert Tedesco, vice president and general manager of global merchant and network services for American Express Australia and New Zealand.
'It recognises the tireless work they do to deliver essential services and support the human connections which keep our highstreets thriving.
'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. American Express is incredibly proud to continue backing small business and rewarding our card members who support them.'
This year, eligible American Express card members who shop at participating small businesses during August receive five bonus points for every $1 spent, up to a total of 1000 bonus points[ii].
Baddock says the support from initiatives like Shop Small mean the world to small businesses like his. 'It helps us keep doing what we love, in the community we love,' he says.
[i] Based on internal American Express data from 2013 to 2024.
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