News

March sales up after rough February

LANSING – Michigan took a leap in the right direction, with a large increase in retail sales in March, according to the latest Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Detroit branch.

Gov’t Affairs News: use tax responsibility and restocking of popular beer/wine

Despite the snow and ice, it’s spring in Michigan

This update covers the tail end of the March session prior to the legislature’s two-week spring break and legislators’ first week back in regular session.

Musings: After 22 years, a new look

By JAMES P. HALLAN,
MRA President and Chief Executive Officer

Spring means new beginnings and that applies to The Retailer as well. By now,

Michigan Retail Association Executive Amy Drumm nationally recognized for public affairs efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today recognizes the extraordinary leadership in public affairs, industry relations and community relations of Amy Drumm, vice president of government affairs for the Michigan Retailers Association.

New member benefit: Discounted payroll processing with ConnectPay

The Michigan Retailers Association and ConnectPay are announcing a partnership that adds a valuable benefit available to MRA members.

ConnectPay, which processes payroll and payroll taxes for thousands of small businesses across the nation,

February floods: Retailers deal with insurance issues, loss of records and inventory

By John Schneider

Jeff Johnson was in Marquette on Feb. 21, watching his grandson compete in a ski race, when he got word that disaster was about to strike his business back home in Lansing.

Retail pop-up stores help entrepreneurs test ideas

By Rick Haglund

Downtown Muskegon was slowly revitalizing, years after the failed Muskegon Mall was demolished. But a crucial commercial element was missing.

“Retail wasn’t coming downtown as fast as we’d like,” City Clerk Ann Meisch said.

How does a bill become a law?

bill to law chart

How do we develop new legislation? Let’s describe the process – and the important role MRA members play.

STEP 1: IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES

The process to change or make a new law really starts with you.

Potholes play into February sales numbers

Michigan followed the national trend, with a tiny dip in retail sales in February, according to the latest Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Detroit branch.