Make Money by Shopping in Town

South Pasadenians will get an early holiday gift from American Express on Small Business Saturday, a national event planned for Nov. 26.

Here's how it works: Any customer who purchases an item, meal or service for $25 or more will get a $25 refund directly from AmEx on their card. The program involves no extra work or fees from merchants, but simply requires cardholders to register their cards prior to shopping.

The refund only applies to certain small businesses—but South Pasadena has dozens of independently-owned businesses that fit the bill. Check for a poster in the window of your favorite local business.

Small Business Saturday was launched last year with great success as a way for small businesses to compete with chains and big boxes who are making a tradition out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

“Both customers and small businesses get a gift from AmEx here,” explains CEO Scott Feldmann. “And who doesn’t want an extra twenty-five bucks in this day and age, especially when all you have to do is support a local merchant?”

This targeted promotion from AmEx puts the spotlight on our local businesses and encourages support during what is, for many, a make or break season in terms of sales. American Express claims that last year small businesses saw a 28 percent increase in volume on their credit card transactions over the same day one year earlier.

As a cardholder, simply go online to an American Express secure website before Nov. 26 to register your card. Once you make the purchase, AmEx will credit you a refund.

Before you shop, you must register your American Express card online here.

Facebook users can also register by visiting here.