American Express Teams Up With Stores For Small Business Saturday

REDLANDS (CBSLA.com) — Small business owners in Redlands and across America are hoping for a big turnout during Small Business Saturday.

"Redlands is completely built on the small businesses," said Mike Eubanks, who owns a small kid's shoe store. "We'll be open for Small Business Saturday and we're expecting a lot of people to come on down."

American Express came up with the idea three years ago to encourage people to buy from independent retailers during the holiday weekend.

The credit card company will reward shoppers who spend at least $25 using their American Express card at small businesses by refunding $25 back into their account.

Deborah Foland, who owns Devi's clothing store on Main Street, said low prices and excellent customer service are the keys to competing with larger retailers.

"Nobody treats the customer the way we do," said Foland, who opened the store 25 years ago.

Shop owners pointed out that the money spent in Redlands stays in the community.

"You see me at the grocery store, and at your kid's plays, and I sponsor the teams…in Redlands, that's where the money should stay," Eubanks said.