American Express Launches “Door to Shop Small” AR Campaign for Small Business Saturday
American Express Launches “Door to Shop Small” AR Campaign for Small Business Saturday
Global payment system American Express has announced the launch of a new augmented reality (AR) campaign called “Door to Shop Small” to celebrate its 14th annual Small Business Saturday event on November 25th. This innovative campaign will offer users a unique AR experience when they make a purchase of $50 or more at eligible retailers across the United States.
To participate, users must buy from US retailers listed on the Shop Small Map and online directory provided for their American Express cards. Upon making a qualifying purchase, users will receive a one-time $5 USD credit on their statement, along with access to the immersive AR experience.
The AR experience will be activated through physical blue door frame installations located at prominent shopping destinations such as Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Los Angeles’ Westfield Century City, and New York City’s Gansevoort Plaza in the Meatpacking District. By scanning QR codes on the doors, passersby can access digital AR content showcasing products from a curated selection of small businesses.
Some of the featured small businesses include Cadence, Courant, Paper Shoot Camera, Gray Malin, Terminal B, Made In, Silked, SKNMUSE, Little Words Project, and Cut + Clarity. Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer at American Express, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses and creating engaging experiences for shoppers.
In addition to the AR campaign, American Express also released findings from its 2023 American Express Shop Small Impact Study, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses. The study revealed that small business owners rely on community support due to economic conditions, and customers are eager to back the Shop Small movement.
American Express aims to contribute $100 billion USD in consumer spending to small businesses between 2021 and 2025, with Small Business Saturday already generating an average of $184 billion USD for small businesses each year. The company also offers resources and tools through its Shop Small Resource Hub to help small enterprises thrive.
The launch of the “Door to Shop Small” AR campaign comes at a time when card payment companies are increasingly investing in digital initiatives to support small businesses. Visa’s Creator Programme for NFT creators and OpenSea’s integration of credit card payments for NFT purchases are examples of this trend, showcasing the growing importance of digital technologies in the retail sector.
As Small Business Saturday approaches, American Express continues to champion local businesses and provide innovative solutions to drive sustainable shopping practices. The “Door to Shop Small” AR campaign is set to engage shoppers and support small businesses during the upcoming holiday shopping season.
