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LANSING, Mich. - Hundreds of retailers and local businesses across Michigan will link arms to celebrate Buy Nearby Weekend from Oct. 2-4, 2026, hosted by Michigan Retailers Association (MRA). The weekend connects shoppers with local small businesses and retailers across the state, raising awareness of the impacts of shopping at local businesses instead of online, while encouraging consumers to “Buy Nearby” and “Keep Your Money in Michigan!”
Buy Nearby Weekend is MRA’s annual celebration of Michigan’s retailers and local businesses, taking place on the first full weekend of October every year. The campaign promotes the “Buy Nearby” message, educating consumers on why it’s important to keep more of their shopping dollars in Michigan. Using statistics from the 2026 Buy Nearby Economic Impact Study, the weekend highlights what would happen if Michiganders shifted just 10% of their online shopping back to local businesses.
This year’s Buy Nearby Weekend celebration marks the 13th annual celebration and includes a road trip across Michigan with the Buy Nearby Guy, the iconic blue Michigan-shaped mascot. The weekend also brings back the Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest, giving shoppers a chance to win a $500 gift card.
Buy Nearby Guy Road Trip
The 2026 Buy Nearby Weekend Road Trip takes the Buy Nearby Guy from Lansing to Elk Rapids, with a few pit stops along the way. Michiganders can visit the Buy Nearby Guy mascot on Friday, October 2, in Downtown Port Huron and Downtown Marine City, and in Downtown Elk Rapids on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Additional pit stops may occur, so shoppers are encouraged to keep an eye out for Michigan’s favorite big blue mascot all weekend long. More road trip details, including pit stop times and the road trip route, will be shared on the Buy Nearby website at BuyNearbyMI.com/bnw26 and on Buy Nearby’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Consumer Contest: Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest
The Shop 3 Challenge returns this year, giving both shoppers and retailers a chance to win big. Shoppers can visit three Michigan-owned businesses (and more) during Buy Nearby Weekend for a chance to win a $500 gift card! The retailers listed on the winning card will receive prizes as well, either a $100 gift card or 1-year MRA membership.
“Michiganders are invited to take the ‘Shop 3 Challenge’ on Buy Nearby Weekend, by visiting at least three locally-owned retailers or small businesses,” said MRA VP, Communications Vic Veda. “Collect a stamp or signature on your punch card at each visit, and enter to win a $500 gift card - just in time for the holiday season! The contest is an invitation to explore stores in your local community and see what gifts you can buy nearby instead of online.”
Shoppers can pick up a punch card at participating retailers and partners across the state of Michigan, or print their own on the Buy Nearby website at buynearbymi.com/bnw26.
Visit the website for additional information and contest rules, and for a map of participating MRA member businesses. No purchase is required for contest entry.
Buy Nearby Media Kit
Retailers have access to the Buy Nearby Media Kit, which features social media banners, images, posters, and sample posts for your sites and store. These free downloadable materials help encourage your customers to Keep Their Money in Michigan.
If Michiganders redirected 10% of their estimated $33.4 billion in out-of-state e-commerce, Michigan would gain $1.8 billion in gross economic output. Imagine what this shift could do to your business! Additional information is available at buynearbymi.com.
The Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of Michigan’s retail industry, representing over 5,000 members and their 15,000 stores and websites. MRA has been a trusted business resource for more than 85 years and provides cost-saving membership services, including expert credit card processing, workers' compensation and group insurances, legislative advocacy, college scholarships, and discounts on shipping, to all types of businesses. Find more information at Retailers.com.
