Retailers from every corner of Michigan gathered in Lansing on April 23 for MRA’s 2025 Capitol Day and Legislative Reception.
The day began with impactful conversations between MRA members, legislators, and offices. In total, more than 40 meetings were held between retailers, board members, and legislative staff to discuss the most pressing issues facing Michigan’s retail sector and explore collaborative strategies to strengthen the industry.
Among the key topics discussed were areas of both support and concern: efforts to fight retail crime, address emerging fraud tactics, and push back against burdensome regulation.
Support: Continued Funding for the Organized Retail Crime Taskforce
The FORCE (Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement) team is a first-of-its-kind task force, created in 2023 to crack down on criminal organizations that target retailers by stealing products to repackage and sell for profit. The FORCE team has been a successful collaboration between businesses and law enforcement, charging more than 80 defendants in 42 cases contributing over $20 million in losses to Michigan retailers. As the original one-time funding is winding down, retailers support additional funding to continue the program into 2026 and beyond.
Support: Combating Gift Card Fraud
Since the Organized Retail Crime Act was established, new forms of fraud have emerged, presenting new challenges for retailers of all sizes. Organized crime rings are targeting gift cards and loyalty programs in wide-reaching scams that affect consumers, retailers, gift card processors, and Michigan’s economy. Michigan needs to ensure law enforcement has the authority to prosecute gift card fraud.
Oppose: Bottle Bill Expansion
Michigan retailers continue to oppose efforts to expand Michigan’s bottle deposit law. Expanding the bottle deposit law would increase costs for Michigan retailers and consumers at a time when prices are already high. With the potential in 2026 for bottle bill expansion either legislatively or through a ballot initiative, Michigan retailers reminded lawmakers that recycling must be convenient for consumers without being overly burdensome to businesses.
Following a full day of advocacy, participants regrouped at Dykema for continued dialogue over appetizers and refreshments. The evening reception welcomed retail ambassadors, legislators, retailers, event sponsors, and members of the Michigan Retailers Association and Retailers Insurance Company Boards of Directors.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the event sponsors and offer a special thank you to Busch’s Fresh Food Market for generously donating their time and crafting a delicious catered menu.
Finally, a big thank you to all the lawmakers who took time out of their schedules to engage with our members and support the voice of retail across Michigan.
