News

MRA awards prize in Buy Nearby Weekend photo contest

Sault Ste. Marie native wins $500 gift card on Buy Nearby Weekend

Terri Joe Linacre’s downtown trip to the Sault Ste. Marie over Buy Nearby Weekend won her a $500 gift card from the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) for buying nearby.

Retailers report roller-coaster sales during back-to-school shopping

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan retailers reported a small month-over-month drop in August sales after a successful July.

The August Retail Index survey came in at 48.1, a decrease from July’s 60.0.

Michigan Retailers announces 2020 Friends of Retail

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Retailers Association today announced the designation of 68 legislative candidates for the Nov. 3 general election who are considered a “Friend of Retail” and have earned the association members’ support.

Futures for Frontliners: Free community college tuition for essential workers

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced Futures for Frontliners, a program that offers free tuition to Michiganders who worked in essential industries during the April 1-June 30 period but do not have a college degree.

Retailers report back-to-back monthly increases in sales

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan retailers saw another month of increased sales as stores’ doors remain open, but with certain restrictions in place, such as half capacity seating limits and face mask orders.

Legally Speaking column: Overcoming financial obstacles during COVID-19

Thomas Clement MRA General Counsel

By TOM CLEMENT

The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc over all aspects of everyday life over the past several months. In all likelihood, we will not put COVID safely behind us for quite some time.

After months at home, shoppers’ interest surges in outdoor recreation gear

By SHANDRA MARTINEZ
Photos STEVE JESSMORE

The pandemic has fueled people’s desire to get outside, whether kayaking, biking, hiking or just taking walks. That trend is proving a saving grace for some retailers who sell outdoor products.