News

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:

  1. 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,

Fall forecasts stay strong despite August sales dip

LANSING – Michigan retailers’ sales forecasts remain strong for fall despite a drop in August sales, according to the latest Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

William J. Hallan promoted to Executive Vice President

LANSING – The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) Board of Directors has promoted William J. Hallan to executive vice president, chief operating officer and general counsel.

Hallan joined the organization in 2011 as vice president and general counsel.

Shoppers Urged to Buy Nearby, Support Upper Peninsula Retailers

Marquette Businesses Join Buy Nearby Guy Ahead of Labor Day Weekend Festivities

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Upper Peninsula business owners from Marquette today joined Tom Scott of the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) to remind residents that where they spend their shopping dollars over the Labor Day weekend and throughout the year matters a great deal to Michigan’s local communities and state and local economies.