Stay Updated on Retail Policy News

Get the latest updates on legislation impacting Michigan retailers.
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Marshall’s Fudge marks a century of sweetness

Patrick & Lori Forhoff
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Regulatory Rundown: December 2023/January 2024 Michigan Retailer

Regulations Affecting Your Business Michigan’s minimum wage increases to $10.33 on Jan. 1, 2024
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Michigan Retailers’ October Sales Fall Over September

Retailers’ 3-month outlook optimism grows as owners look toward 2024.
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From the Archives: MRA's "Yule Save Here" Campaign

Michigan Retailer, Nov./Dec. 1991 Vol. 16, No. 6
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Fight Retail Crime Day is Oct. 26

Organized Retail Crime continues to rise and impact your stores. The National Retail Federation has...
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Michigan Retailers’ September Sales Rise Over Flat August

Retailers report rollercoaster sales ahead of holidays; Sales down over September 2022 Michigan...

Ann Arbor's Monahan's Seafood Under New Ownership

After 44 years, Mike Monahan, owner of Monahan’s Seafood in Kerrytown, is passing the business on...
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Meauwataka General Store: the little store, atop a hill, in the forest

A leisurely drive through the forest led to ownership of a rural general store.
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Unemployment and your business

By Julia Dale, Director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency
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Regulatory Rundown: October/November 2023 Michigan Retailer

Regulations Affecting Your Business Unemployment Taxable Wage Base unchanged for 2024 Employers...

From the Archives: Honoring Michigan Centennial Retailers

Every now and then we stumble upon gems from our archives.
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Michigan Retailers Awards Mackinaw City Downtown Grant

Downtown Mackinaw City was today named the winner of the second annual Buy Nearby Grant, a $7,500...
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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,...
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Michigan Retailers See Lowest Sales Since May 2020

Retailers report strong first half of August, stagnant latter half
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Grow Michigan’s Economy by Shopping? It’s Possible.

By shifting only 10% of their spending to local Michigan retailers, consumers have the power to...
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Michigan Retailers Report Lowest Sales Since Dec. 2022

38% of retailers report decrease in sales, 3-month outlook expectations remain high
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Hiring: Business Development Representative

Michigan Retailers Association seeks an ambitious, outgoing and confident individual to serve as a...

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

Every now and then we stumble upon gems from our archives. Michigan Retailer July 2005 Vol. 30,...

MRA Member News: Brink’s Ice Cream Express Unveils Mural

All aboard the Brink’s Ice Cream Express! Brink’s Ice Cream Express, located in the heart of...

MRA Member News: Orin Jewelers Celebrates 90 Years

Orin Jewelers in Northville celebrates their 90th Anniversary in 2023! The store held a special...

Everything You Need for Buy Nearby Weekend

Buy Nearby Weekend, the annual celebration of retailers across Michigan will take place on Oct....
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MRA Recognizes Buy Nearby Champion

During the early 2010’s, retail was feeling the brunt of the Great Recession. Sales were down and...
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Ensuring Customers Get Safe Products

By: Tim Slawinski, MDARD Food and Dairy Division Director
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Regulatory Rundown: August/September 2023 Michigan Retailer

Regulations Affecting Your Business Gov. Whitmer signs PREP Act into law Gov. Whitmer signed SB 219...
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Retail Tribute: Mr. Traverse City

W. Bruce Rogers, 81 of Traverse City passed away on June 14, 2023.
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Michigan Retailers: June 2023 Sales Rise Slightly Over May

Retailers experiencing roller coaster summer in sales numbers
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Michigan Retailers: May 2023 Sales Plunge Over April

3-month prediction drops following two months of positivity

From the Archives: Laying of the cornerstone

Every now and then we stumble upon gems from our archives. May 28, 1913 The cornerstone is laid at...

Adding Fuel to the Workforce

June is Youth Employment Month in Michigan. Give young adults the opportunity to gain work...

Prepare Your Business For a Severe Weather Outbreak

Summer in Michigan brings us a higher heat index and an increased chance of severe storms. Here’s...

Division Spotlight: Michigan Jewelers Association

Becky Beauchine Kulka, MRA board and division member Photo by Trumpie Photography, 2019 The...
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Experts Shine Light on How Summer Tourism Will Benefit Downtowns

Q & A with Travel Michigan’s David Lorenz and MDA’s Dana Walker BY: SHANDRA MARTINEZ As...
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Welcome to Taylor, Michigan

BY: Andrea Bitely, MRA Vice President of Marketing and Communications
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DIFS Supports Michigan Retailers

By: Anita Fox, Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services The...
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Regulatory Rundown: June/July 2023 Michigan Retailer

Regulations Affecting Your Business Retailers seeing nationwide fake cash card scam Nationwide...
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From the CEO: AI May Change the World

If you’re looking for the next thing to change the world, look no further than artificial...
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Twelve students receive 2023-24 Michigan Retailers Foundation scholarships

Michigan Retailers Association is awarding 12 college students with scholarships totaling $42,000...
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Michigan Retailers: Sales Up, Future Sale Predictions Strong

Outlook rises for second consecutive month; 70% predict sales increase Michigan Retailers...

Visa announces surcharge changes

What is a credit card surcharge?
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Notice: Change in Taxability of Delivery and Installation Charges

The General Sales Tax Act, MCL 205.51 et seq., and the Use Tax Act, MCL 205.91 et seq., were...
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Michigan Retailers Predict Strong Start to Summer Sales

67 percent of Michigan retailers anticipate strong next quarter

Best practices to avoid chargebacks and minimize losses

What is a chargeback? A chargeback, also referred to as a payment dispute, occurs when a cardholder...
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Michigan Retailers Celebrate a Decade of Buy Nearby Campaign

MRA campaign teaches consumers the economic benefits of shopping locally; if Michigan consumers...
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The Benefits of Youth Employment

By: Randall Harrison, State Assistant Administrator, Labor Division, Michigan Department of Labor...
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Under the Dome: Everything’s Different, Everything’s the Same

The next two years are going to be different. But they always are. New legislative leadership...
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Regulatory Rundown: April/May 2023 Michigan Retailer

Regulations Affecting Your Business State set to repeal Right-to-Work law By the time you read...
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Legally Speaking: Don't Miss Out On the Employee Retention Tax Credit

As we welcome Spring with open arms, we also approach the end of another tax season. While most...
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Creative Counsel: Putting MRA's Marketing to Work for Your Business

As a member of Michigan Retailers Association, we’re here to help you grow your business. What...
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From the CEO: A Decade of Buying Nearby

A circuit breaker failed at MRA world headquarters, causing my office temperature to plummet to...
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Michigan Retailers’ Sales Increase for Second Consecutive Month

50 percent of Michigan retailers reported an increase in sales in Feb.
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Common credit card decline codes

What is a credit card decline?
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Michigan Retail Seasonally Adjusted Sales Rise Robustly

33 percent report increase, 61 percent anticipate continued growth

From the Archives: Early 2000s comic strip, "Retail"

Every now and then, we stumble upon gems from our archives. Back in the early 2000s, the Michigan...
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Michigan Retailers Association Announces 2022 Legislators of the Year

Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) today announced it is recognizing six legislators for their...
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Gaylord to host two gift shows at the same time

Two Michigan gift shows will host in-person events in Gaylord on April 3-5.

Division Spotlight: Michigan Tire and Vehicle Services Association

Originally joining Michigan Retailers Association as the “Michigan Tire Dealers and Retreaders...
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Credit Card Processing Tips From Retailers Processing Network

As a small business owner, it’s important to stay on top of payment industry regulations and trends...

Connect with 2023 Legislative Contacts

Download, print, and keep this sheet to connect with key contacts at the Capitol in 2023-24.
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Post-Holiday Decluttering Tips

With holiday decorations no longer brightening your store, it can feel like there is less sparkle.
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Michigan Retailers Foundation Donors

MRA’s annual scholarship competition has launched for the 2023-24 academic year. The Foundation...
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Preparing for Tax Time: Michigan Retailers

By: Glenn White, Deputy Treasurer, Revenue Services, Michigan Dept. of Treasury

Michigan Grocers Fund: a member-owned workers' compensation

The Michigan Grocers Fund was established in 2014 with the sole purpose of keeping members’...
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Staging Photos for Social Media

By: Andrea Bitely, Vice President, Communications and Marketing
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Regulatory Rundown: Feb./March 2023 Michigan Retailer

Congress expands protections for pregnant and nursing employees The 2023 omnibus appropriations...
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Implementing Practical Return Policies

By: Thomas Clement, Vice President, Operations and General Counsel
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Standing the Test of Time

By: William J. Hallan, President & CEO of Michigan Retailers Association
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Michigan Retail Holiday Sales Down Modestly, Overall 2022 Sales Flat

On a 100 point scale, Michigan retailers hit only 41.2 – below the 50 point midline
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Michigan Retailers to Award $42k in College, Trade School Scholarships for 2023-24 Academic Year

Michigan Retailers Foundation, a division of Michigan Retailers Association, has kicked off its...
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Michigan’s November Retail Index Hovers At Midpoint, Retailers Uncertain About 2023 Sales Levels

With 50 the breaking point of positive and negative sales, 52% of retailers report a positive...

Submit Your 2023 Scholarship Application Starting January 1!

The annual Michigan Retailers Scholarship competition begins on Jan. 1, 2023. Those eligible to...
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Michigan Retail Sales Up for Thanksgiving Weekend, Consumers Encouraged to Buy Nearby

The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) today reported that credit card sales were up 3.88 percent...

January and February Dates to Celebrate

Use these special dates as a reason to celebrate the start of 2023.

Spice Up the Season

Create a cozy atmosphere and take the chill off your winter blues We’re all aware of what January...
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Resolutions For Return Fraud in the New Year

By: John Mayleben
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From the CEO: Use Your Voice for the Good of Retail

Lately, in an effort to clean up my email inbox, I’ve been on an unsubscribe mission. Perhaps it...
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Fluid Economy, Inflation Impact Michigan Retailers

Michigan Retailers Association Survey Reports Sizable Decrease in October over September Sales
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CMS Announces Open Enrollment Period to Jan. 15, 2023

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Enrollment Period this year from November 1...
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Michigan Retailers See Significant Increase in September Sales over August

September Retail Index rating also higher year-over-year

MRA announces Buy Nearby Weekend Photo Contest Winner

Bill Bednarick’s trip to the Meauwataka General Store in Cadillac during Buy Nearby Weekend (Oct....

When injury strikes, act quickly

When a worker is injured on the job, the sooner a claim is reported, the better. Wage loss benefits...

MRA’s Annual Buy Nearby Weekend is Oct. 7-9

Shop local, enter photo contest, visit participating retailers for dealsWhitmer recognizes Buy...
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New Faces Join Boards of Directors

This past August was the annual meeting for MRA, MRS, and RIC, with each entity holding Board of...
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PCI Compliance FAQs

Is your business PCI Compliant? If not, you might be at a higher risk for security breaches and/or...
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Payment Processing: Customer Service Tips

Contact Customer Service at 800.563.5981, option 2, with any questions.
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Cybersecurity: Five Things Every Small Business Owner Should Know

By: Dave Kelly, CTO – SensCy
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Michigan Retailers See Sales Drop in August over July

Retailers report comparative back-to-school sales versus last year, but lower overall sales
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Social Engineering: How Hackers Target Your Employees

By: Dave Kelly, CTO SensCy
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Protect yourself from a chargeback

Protect your business and avoid payment disputes. For a step-by-step guide, use the Reason Code...
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MRA reports Michigan retailers see increase in July sales over June

Inflation concerns, hiring challenges still reported

MRA statement on back-to-school sales tax holiday

The following is attributable to Michigan Retailers Association President and CEO William J. Hallan:

Remembering: Retailers Foundation statistics

Michigan Retailer March 2000 Vol. 25, Issue 2 Take a look back at Foundation statistics from 2000.
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MRA Releases New Study on How to Improve Michigan’s Retail Economy

2022 Buy Nearby analysis estimates significant economic benefits to Michigan if consumers switch to...

Buy Nearby Weekend Checklist

Buy Nearby Weekend, MRA’s annual event designed to promote shopping local, is Oct. 7-9, 2022!
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How the Pandemic Prepared One College for the Future

By: Shandra Martinez
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Your Employees Can Be Your Best Defense Against a Cyberattack

BY: Dave Kelly, CTO, SensCy

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