News

Veteran, Women, Indigenous and Black Owned Business Certifications

In an increasingly diverse and competitive business landscape, certification as a veteran, woman, Indigenous, or Black-owned business can connect a merchant with new and unique opportunities. 

Certification often opens the doors to networking opportunities and mentorship programs specifically designed for businesses who have sought out these certifications.

Michigan Retailers Awards Mackinaw City Downtown Grant

Buy Nearby 10-year logo

Downtown Mackinaw City was today named the winner of the second annual Buy Nearby Grant, a $7,500 grant sponsored by Great Lakes, Michigan Jobs. 

A competitive grant, Mackinaw City developed a program to match customers’ dollars with grant dollars and give Mackinaw City the chance to promote a “Buy One Get One”

Celebrate 10 Years of MRA’s Annual Buy Nearby Weekend, Oct. 6-8

Shop local, enter coloring contest, visit and support participating retailers

Across the state, Michigan businesses will join the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) this weekend in celebration of Buy Nearby Weekend.

Michigan Retailers See Lowest Sales Since May 2020

Retail Index logo

Retailers report strong first half of August, stagnant latter half

Michigan Retailers Association today reports that August 2023 sales dropped for the second consecutive month, well below satisfactory levels –

Grow Michigan’s Economy by Shopping? It’s Possible.

Buy Nearby 2023 infographic

By shifting only 10% of their spending to local Michigan retailers, consumers have the power to drive a $1.3 billion surge in our state’s economy. Recent research by the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and Public Sector Consultants (PSC) reveals this potential win for Michigan in the annual Buy Nearby economic study.

Michigan Retailers Report Lowest Sales Numbers Since December 2022

Retail Index logo

38% of retailers report decrease in sales, 3-month outlook expectations remain high

Michigan Retailers Association today reports that July 2023 sales dropped below expectations – landing at 45.3 on the 100-point Retail Index,

Hiring: Business Development Representative

hiring poster

Michigan Retailers Association seeks an ambitious, outgoing and confident individual to serve as a Business Development Representative in the Traverse City area. Our Business Development Representatives promote the benefits of membership with Michigan Retailers Association (“MRA”) and sell our key services – primarily credit card processing.

From the Archives: Back-to-School Spending in 2005

Back to school spending breakdown from 2005

Every now and then we stumble upon gems from our archives.

Michigan Retailer
July 2005
Vol. 30, No.6

In the summer of 2005, kids were singing about bananas while Gwen Stefani’s hit song,