In an impressive move signaling growth and inclusivity, American Express has recently broadened its UK merchant network, adding thousands of new locations where the American Express Card is now welcome. This expansion is a significant boon for cardholders, opening up a plethora of new shopping venues across the nation.
In a notable development within the retail domain, American Express has inked acceptance agreements with the renowned discount retailer Savers, which boasts approximately 500 stores across the UK. In a similar stride, a vast number of convenience stores, including those under the Heron Foods, McColl’s, and Morrisons Daily brands, have joined the American Express family.
These recent partnerships are part of a broader trend, as American Express continues to be embraced by a growing roster of businesses. This includes every major supermarket chain and notable names like B&M and Timpson earlier this year. Reflecting on this momentum, the total tally of UK locations accepting American Express has surged by nearly a third (30%) over the past year.
Dan Edelman, Vice President and General Manager of UK Merchant Services at American Express, remarked on the expansion: “This year, we’ve bolstered our commitment to ensuring our Cardmembers can use their Amex Card across a wider array of shopping destinations. The increasing acceptance of American Express payments across the UK not only benefits our merchants by bringing in our loyal and high-spending Cardmembers but also enhances the shopping experience for our cardholders.”
American Express is not just expanding its network; it is also deeply committed to supporting small businesses through its celebrated Shop Small campaign. This initiative aims to drive patronage to small merchants, encouraging consumers to support local economies.
In the previous year, the Shop Small Offer successfully incorporated hundreds of thousands of local independent stores, rewarding American Express Cardmembers with a £5 statement credit for spending £15 or more (up to three times) at participating small businesses. Importantly, this offer is entirely funded by American Express, representing a substantial support gesture to merchants without any associated costs.
As American Express continues to welcome more UK merchants and bolster the ‘Shop Small’ campaign, it’s clear that the company is dedicated not only to enriching the cardholder experience but also to supporting the backbone of the local economy – the small businesses.