Governmental Affairs: October 30, 2015
House passes second road funding plan
The Michigan House approved yet another road funding plan last week, this time relying on $600 million in new revenue through a gas tax increase and registration fee increases and $600 million in general fund budget cuts.
Payment card liability shift leads to Three Card Monty
The widespread distribution of EMV/Chip payment cards and the October 1 shift of liability away from those with the latest technology have sure produced a lot of chatter.
Although much of the discussion has made for better understanding of the payments industry and security issues,
Retailers forecast stronger holiday shopping
LANSING – In its most positive forecast since 2012, Michigan’s retail industry sees a stronger holiday shopping season ahead.
Two of every three Michigan retailers expect to increase sales over last year’s holiday season,
Retailers strengthen sales forecasts for 4th Quarter
LANSING – Michigan retailers’ sales forecasts have strengthened for the final three months of the year, following a rebound in sales during September, according to the latest Michigan Retail Index,
Questions to ask in a customer survey
A good customer survey includes three types of questions:
- Demographic data, such as gender, age group, geographical location and income level.This tells you what kinds of people shop at your store and what concerns various groups have.
Governmental Affairs: October 16, 2015
Microbead legislation receives hearing
Legislators argued over definitions of “biodegradeable” during testimony on legislation to ban nonbiodegreadable plastic microbeads in personal care products and pharmaceuticals. The legislation, HB 4345, which MRA supports,
Governmental Affairs: October 2, 2015
Assessor overreach legislation introduced
Legislation that would require local property tax assessors to only use the cost-less depreciation approach to value retail property over 25,000 square feet and prohibit the use of deed restrictions on any commercial property was introduced this week.
Rewarding local customers
Many stores offer “customer loyalty” cards that mirror airline frequent flyer miles. The more money they spend in the store, the closer they work toward some item or amount of in-store credit.
Governmental Affairs: September 18, 2015
Legislators return for fall session
After a summer of political turmoil ending in the expulsion of one lawmaker and the resignation of another because of a sex scandal and cover-up,
