Since the Michigan Retail Index survey moved online at the beginning of this year, members find it easier to provide comments. We will publish a selection of members’ comments from time to time.

No names are included because survey participation is anonymous.

• A tax on services (labor) will really hurt people in the specialty business. Fight it!

• I’m tired of the party posturing in Lansing. I’m tired of the divide between the two parties. I am embarrassed at the attitude that you can have something for nothing…. TAX OUR SERVICES! Never have I had a customer not buy a blouse because they did not want to pay the sales tax.

• We’re getting out of Spring/Summer goods earlier than in past years. Customers are reacting well to sales.

• Gas prices and uncertainty with Michigan’s economic state … is affecting every aspect of this state’s retail sales. Spend advertising dollars and promote Michigan. Don’t lay off more people—cut in other ways, such as fewer entertainment dollars, mileage, save on energy costs—small changes add up to large dollars.

• I have resorted to e-Baying off discontinued merchandise at a loss just to get some cash flow.

• The Internet is working for me very well. I’m gaining customers in Michigan and around the country.