News

Simple ways to improve store layout

A good store layout is a powerful tool in retail, with several aspects to consider.

One area that can often use improvement is the sales counter. Doug Fleener,

Governmental Affairs: March 28, 2014

Youth e-cigarette ban moves forward in House

Despite concerns by the Department of Community Health, the House Regulatory Reform Committee on March 18 reported out HB 4997 and SB 667

Retail sales and forecasts improve, but still cool

LANSING – Sales and short-term forecasts for Michigan retail businesses improved during February, but they still have a lot of frozen ground to make up after the extreme winter, according to the latest Michigan Retail Index,

The new shopper brain

By Kit Yarrow

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the JGA Retail Focus Online e-newsletter. Reprinted with permission from Kit Yarrow.

When Julie left her once-favorite clothing store empty-handed,

Governmental Affairs: March 14, 2014

Committee okays legislation to exempt some from UI taxes

The Senate Reforms, Restructuring, and Reinventing Committee reported out legislation (HB 4958) that would exempt employers from paying unemployment insurance taxes on H2B workers and J1 workers who are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

Governmental Affairs: February 28, 2014

Gov. Snyder calls for state action on Main Street Fairness

We have great news to report: Governor Snyder publicly stated his support for the legislature to take up Main Street Fairness legislation.

Governor adds momentum to Main St. Fairness

LANSING – Michigan’s retail industry applauded Governor Rick Snyder today for his support of Main Street Fairness legislation and said it accelerates momentum for passage of the Internet sales tax collection measure currently in the Michigan Legislature.

Retailers’ 2014 forecasts turn chilly

LANSING – Michigan retail businesses project only a 1.4 percent increase in their own sales this year, following a poor holiday shopping season and a worse January, according to the Michigan Retail Index,

More lessons from latest data breaches

I mentioned in a previous blog that all of us can learn from the massive retail data breaches that were announced during the holidays, and we should be using the knowledge as a tool to strengthen protection of our own data.