For Immediate Release
December 23, 2002

LANSING — A third of Michigan retailers experienced delays in receiving holiday merchandise because of the labor problems at West Coast docks, according to the monthly Michigan Retail Index survey of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) members.

When asked in November if the dock situation had resulted in delayed shipments to their stores, 32.7 percent of retailers said "yes" and 67.3 percent said "no." The Index survey is a joint project of MRA and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

"Considering the massive amounts of merchandise that come into this country through West Coast ports, it’s not surprising that even small- and medium-size retailers in Michigan suffered delays in receiving shipments," said Larry Meyer, MRA chairman and CEO.

"However, our members have told us that the slow economy kept down the number of early holiday shoppers. By the time shoppers came out in full force, most of the delayed merchandise had arrived."

Although Michigan’s retail industry continued in the doldrums during November, retailers’ outlook brightened for the December-February period, according to the Index. Forty-four percent said they expect increased sales over the same period a year ago, and another 27 percent expect no change. The results create a seasonally adjusted outlook index of 69.3, up from 62.9 in October.

In November, only 31 percent reported improved sales, while 60 percent experienced decreased sales and another 9 percent reported flat sales. The results create a seasonally adjusted performance index of 36.1, down from 39.1 in October.

The Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation’s largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers. MRA’s more than 5,800 retail business members operate more than 13,000 stores across the state.

Note: William Strauss, Senior Economist and Economic Advisor with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, can be reached at 312.322.8151.