AMERICAN EXPRESS GOES RETAIL
By Adnews Staff
American Express of Markham, Ont. is moving its credit cards into the national retail sector. The company's cards are now being accepted at Canada Safeway grocery stores in Western Canada and at IGA grocery outlets in Atlantic Canada. Until now, American Express cards had a reputation that they were just used for business and entertainment purposes, as well as at a few small, independent retailers. Other retail outlets now accepting American Express credit cards include IKEA, Lumberland and the Quebec Liquor Board. Retailers involved are promoting the use of the credit cards at their outlets. American Express may launch a retail campaign in the future. It will be created by the company's U.S. agency, while media buying will be done by Ogilvy & Mather of Toronto. American Express has launched five new credit cards in Canada over the past two years, including its Air Miles credit card, with which customers can earn travel miles when they use the card.