American Express

American Express is expanding its AI commerce strategy through OpenAI integrations, restaurant discovery and agentic payments. Its third-quarter earnings call reveals ambitions that could reshape how Canadian retailers attract customers, manage payment relationships and measure the value of emerging shopping channels.

This initiative complements American Express's Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, which has provided over $8 million to 180 restaurants across all 50 U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands since its creation in 2021.

According to new research from American Express Canada, younger employees are approaching business travel differently than their Gen X and Boomer counterparts. 

In partnership with the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation, the 2025 program will offer 20 grants of $20,000 each to selected restaurants in Toronto and Montreal. 

American Express has launched a grant program supporting 20 Canadian restaurants, providing financial assistance to bolster the nation's foodservice industry.

Amex reveals Canadians favour experiences over material gifts this holiday season, and other holiday trends impacting retailers.

Retailers need to be prepared for consumer expectations and offer incentives to enhance loyalty, according to an expert at American Express.