News

Strong December lifts Michigan holiday season

LANSING – Most Michigan retailers reported better holiday sales, thanks to a strong December, according to the Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Technology alters skills of young workers

One of the side effects of recent advances in communication technology is the diminished ability of Gen Y (21-34 years old) and Gen Z (12-20 years) to effectively communicate face to face with the Baby Boom generation.

Retailers applaud Gov. Snyder’s signing of Main Street Fairness legislation

LANSING – Michigan’s retail industry applauded Gov. Snyder’s signing today of the Main Street Fairness bills and said the new law marks a giant step forward in leveling the retail playing field for Michigan businesses competing against out-of-state online merchants.

Defining a good profit margin

Although a retail store’s typical initial markup on merchandise could be 40 percent or more, actual profitability takes into account all expenses, such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance and advertising.

MRA promotes credit card processing expert

LANSING – Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) announced the promotion of Darcy Gates CPP, one of MRA’s expert staff members in the increasingly complex merchant processing arena, to Manager of Sales Support.

Lynch Sales Company receives Centennial honors

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) presented a special plaque and certificate to Lynch Sales Company in Grand Rapids in honor of the company’s 100th anniversary.

MRA President and CEO James P.

Michigan retail sales, forecasts slip in November

LANSING – Despite improved conditions for the start of holiday shopping, Michigan retailers ended November with lackluster sales, according to the Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

MRA names Southeast Michigan representative

LANSING – Miranda Piersol, an Oakland County resident with solid experience in sales and retail, has joined Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) as business development representative in Southeast Michigan.

She becomes the key local contact for members and prospective members in the counties of Oakland,

What happens to a store when the owner dies?

Ray Gronevelt and Mike McDonald, both financial planners with AAA Michigan, provided the following answer to this important question.

Every retail business should have a plan that ensures the business is secure in the event an owner or a partner dies unexpectedly or becomes permanently disabled and can no longer participate in the business.