Michigan Retailers’ Optimism Fades Following Second Consecutive Month of Declining Sales
Retailers Report Lowest 3-Month Outlook Since 2023
Michigan Retailers Association reports that March 2025’s Retail Index landed at 44.7, indicating a decline in sales. While this score marks a slight increase over February’s 41.5 on the 100-point scale,
Creative Counsel: Welcome a Change in Your Strategy
In March, I had the pleasure of attending Crain’s Power Breakfast, themed “Women Who Mean Business.” We heard from great panelists and speakers who shared their stories and tips for succeeding in business.
Legally Speaking: Spring Cleaning of a Different Variety
Every year many of us go through the usual spring cleaning routine including tasks like sweeping out the garage, rotating your wardrobe, and prepping outdoor furniture, among others. Michigan Retailers Association engages in a different sort of annual spring cleaning: making sure that we’re fully prepared to maintain business continuity in the event of a disaster,
May is National Small Business Month
This is your opportunity to celebrate small businesses, all month long. Whether you’re pouring into your own small business, or supporting the small businesses around you, May is a great month to get intentional about how you use the power of your dollar and time.
How Retailers Can Use Social Districts to Their Advantage
By Rachel Schrauben
Photos By Alison Jakubcin for the Alpena DDA
In 2020, social districts were introduced to support struggling restaurants and bars amid capacity restrictions due to the pandemic.
What is Legislative Advocacy? (and why does it matter?)
A conversation between MRA’s VP of Government Affairs, Andrew Beardslee, and MRA’s VP of Communications, Vic Veda:
Legislative advocacy is at the heart of what we do.
Changes to Youth Employment Laws
What Michigan Retailers Need to Know
On Oct. 1, 2026, Michigan will implement significant changes to its youth employment laws, affecting both minors seeking employment and the businesses that hire them.
Milkins Jewelers Marks 120 Years of Family Tradition
By: Shandra Martinez
The jewelry store has evolved while preserving family legacy and craftsmanship.
Milkins Jewelers began with a dream and a $50 investment.
Interview with a Regulator: Earned Sick Time and Minimum Wage
By: Sean Egan
Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Wage and Hour Division
Michigan’s Wage and Hour Division has regulatory responsibility for the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws.
From the CEO: A Season of Change
Sometimes there is nothing better than that first glimpse of spring. It’s a season that inspires growth and change – an opportunity for a fresh start, a new initiative, or an evolution of a brand.
