Since we put the Michigan Retail Index survey online at the beginning of this year, members find it easier to provide comments. We will publish a selection of members’ comments each month.

No names are included because survey participation is anonymous.

A coffee retailer writes: “Due to the economy, people are not eating out as much, which affects our sales. Restaurant owners are afraid to spend any more money so they are not investing in any new coffee equipment. In addition, the taxes in this state make it very difficult to make money, and we are strongly considering relocating our production side of the business to another state.”

A specialty retailer writes: “Higher energy costs killed Christmas and, from what our customers are telling us, will simply hurt early 2008 sales.”

A precious metals retailer writes: “Sales volume for the 4th quarter 2007 set an all-time record for any quarter for this company over the past 27 years.”

An apparel retailer writes: “Very scary out there. People don’t need anything and are reluctant to stick their hands in their pockets to buy. The recession is upon us. Anyone who says differently is dreaming.”

A specialty retailer writes: “Our customers are paranoid because of all the doom and gloom from the media; therefore sales are down and thus more bad press. And now if oil and gas prices continue to rise, what else could be in store for the upcoming months in Michigan! We need good PR in Michigan and tourism dollars. We have a beautiful state to invite our neighbors to see. Gas prices in other states are less. We need to keep our prices competitive and stable to get those neighbors here.”

A jeweler writes: “Internet sales must be taxed at the same rate as brick and mortar stores.”

A gift retailer writes: “We had 10.5 months of increased monthly sales, and then sales started declining mid-November and never picked up again. It’s the first time we’ve had a 20-percent decline in one month in a very long time.”

A furniture retailer writes: “Our December was down 42 percent—with more promotion than last year. We were down 8.5 percent for the year.”