News

VIP expands its very important mission in the community

VIP Volunteer cuts wood

When the tough gets going and encounters a pandemic, the tough change course. How VIP mapped a new course for the future.

By JENNIFER ROOK
Photos VIP

There has been much focus on how small business owners have adjusted,

A mother keeps her promise by helping thousands

Judy Burns, Friends Together

By SHANDRA MARTINEZ
Photos THE ALPENA NEWS

For 26 years, Friends Together has been there for people who are battling cancer, whether that means providing transportation to medical appointments or finding a place where they can talk about their experiences.

Legally Speaking: Filling the employee void and the youth employment standards act

By TOM CLEMENT, MRA VP, Operations and General Counsel

The two most pressing issues in today’s retail market are a consistent lack of employees and a sluggish supply chain.

Creative ways to involve your business in your community

Involve your community

By JENNIFER ROOK

Whether you’ve been involved in your community for years or wishing your business would “do more,” here’s a list of ideas to help you refresh and fuel your give back efforts.

Predicting that 2022 brings hope

Jennifer Rook

Ah, predictions! Marketers like me love predictions. That and looking at trends. Trends and predictions are interchangeable. Reading predictions, especially presented by marketing think tanks is my industry’s equivalent to attending New York’s Fashion Week.

December/January Michigan Retailer online

Dec/Jan Michigan Retailer cover

The December 2021/January 2022 issue of the Michigan Retailer is now online. You’ll find member highlights on:

  • Winter slips, trips, and falls safety tips
  • Alpena’s Friends Together nonprofit: a mother keeps her promise by helping others
  • Vocational Independence Program (VIP): how the pandemic shifted the focus of the Flint non-profit
  • Creative ways to involve your business in your local community
  • A highlight on English Gardens,

From the CEO: A vaccine mandate is no gift

MRA President and CEO William J.Hallan

By BILL HALLAN, President and CEO

The theme of the Michigan Retailer publication this month is giving. We focus on how retailers are impacting their communities to make positive change.

MRA reports October retail sales skyrocket over slow September

current

Optimism grows for sales increases through January 2022

Michigan Retailers Association today reports a sizable increase in the October sales performance compared to September numbers.

The October Retail Index survey came in at 70.7,