CEO Bill Hallan: Believe it or not, 2020 had some positives
As we close out 2020 the phrase “good riddance” comes to mind. Undoubtedly, 2021 will be welcomed with open arms. Perhaps it’s COVID fatigue, but I simply couldn’t write a column about the ill effects of this pandemic.
Jan. 1 is kick-off date for applications for MRA scholarships
Michigan Retailers Foundation, a division of Michigan Retailers Association, kicks off its annual college and professional training scholarship competition on Jan. 1, 2021 for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The Foundation will award 26 scholarships this year,
MRA reports November sales down from October, retailers hopeful for a boost from last-minute holiday shopping
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan retailers reported a decrease in November sales over October, but remain optimistic as shoppers use the final days before Christmas to buy holiday gifts.
The November Retail Index survey came in at 46.3,
Shop safely. Shop local. #BuyNearbyMI
Supporting our hometown retailers is more important than ever during this holiday season. To encourage Michiganders to keep their spending dollars local, we created a public service announcement. Please share it with your friends and neighbors to spread the word and support our hometown retailers!
Michigrain Distillery’s pivot during the COVID shutdown saved the day
By MEEGAN HOLLAND
Photos STEVE JESSMORE
LANSING – It’s a story we’ve heard over and over again during the pandemic – businesses that have figured out how to pivot to make the most of a dire situation.
Music retailers find their rhythm in a pandemic through improvisation
By SHANDRA MARTINEZ
Photos STEVE JESSMORE
A lot of people have been making music during the pandemic. Manufacturers of keyboards and guitars are reporting record sales. So,
Legally Speaking: COVID-19 employee screening made simple
By TOM CLEMENT, MRA General Counsel
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, retail has shown that it is equally focused on customer and employee health and business success and has proven that both can be achieved simultaneously.
MEDC offers winter strategies to keep the customers coming
Three more months of wintry weather is a daunting prospect for many businesses and downtowns as they strategize on how to keep doors open during COVID-19 restrictions.
It’s hard enough to do business during good weather in a pandemic,
In her own words: Jennifer Reattoir of Sault Ste. Marie’s Mole Hole
In 1979, Jennifer Reattoir’s grandparents finished construction of a building in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Immediately after, her parents opened The Mole Hole, a store stocked with collectibles, unique gifts,
