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Graphic illustration with various icons such as a salad, a table and a coffee cup and color blocks with the text - Let's Go Shop SmallⓇ
Shop Small by American Express

The Beginning

American Express cares deeply about
communities and believes small
businesses are at the core of every
neighborhood. That's why — in
the midst of the recession in 2010 — we
created Small Business Saturday® on the
Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage
people to Shop Small and bring more
holiday shopping to small businesses.
Graphic illustration of United States map with various icons including a wine glass and a hot dog Graphic illustration of United States map with various icons including a wine glass and a hot dog

NationWide Momentum

The first Small Business Saturday is a success. One year later, as
the Shop Small Movement gains momentum, local officials
across the nation take notice and move to
promote the day.
In 2011, the Senate unanimously
passes a resolution in support of
the day, and officials in all 50
states participate. It even gets a
shout-out from the president of
the United States.

Local Support

In an effort to support their local
communities, organizations across the
country sign up to serve as
Neighborhood Champions. These
supporters bring their community
together with events and activities on
Small Business Saturday and
throughout the year.
They're not alone. In 2011, business associations, nonprofit trade
groups, municipalities, and public officials start to unite, forming a
Small Business Saturday Coalition to encourage everyone to
Shop Small.
Graphic illustration with various shopping icon, map pins and color blocks with the text, Let's Go Shop Small®
 woman wearing a mask browsing a clothing rack inside a retail store

Make an Impact in Your Community

You might not realize it, but every time
you pick up a cup of coffee from your
favorite neighborhood cafe or buy a gift
from a local artist's online store, you're
shopping small and making a difference.
Barista serving a hot cup of coffee
Two women wearing masks interacting with flowers outside Two women wearing masks interacting with flowers outside

Small Adds Up – All Year Long

We’re committed to helping small businesses stay in business. In 2020 alone, American Express spent approximately $200 million on initiatives to support small businesses around the globe. And when you Shop Small®, the dollars you spend at a local business in your community can add up, too.
Our delivery of more than $200M supported
a Card Member Offer and the associated
marketing campaign to encourage American
Express Card Members in select countries
around the globe to Shop Small in their local
communities and online.
A man and woman wearing masks behind a counter at a cafe

The Movement

Small Business Saturday continues to be an annual holiday shopping tradition — just one part of the larger
Shop Small Movement that supports small businesses every day and everywhere.
Because shopping at a family-owned framing spot or buying a handmade
ring from your favorite online small business helps to promote more
vibrant communities.
That's why American Express is proud to back Small Business Saturday and the Shop Small Movement.