Michigan Retailers Association to give away over $1,000 in prizes for the 2025 Buy Nearby Weekend Celebration, October 3-5

Shoppers and retailers will join hands to celebrate Buy Nearby Weekend, honoring Michigan’s small businesses and retail industry, from Oct. 3-5, 2025, for a chance to win impressive prizes.

Buy Nearby Weekend is Michigan Retailers Association (MRA)’s annual celebration of Michigan’s retailers, taking place on the first full weekend of October every year. Shoppers are encouraged to keep more retail dollars in Michigan’s economy by “buying nearby” to “Keep Your Money in Michigan.” 

This year’s Buy Nearby Weekend celebration includes a road trip across Michigan with the Buy Nearby Guy, a blue Michigan-shaped mascot. The weekend also features two contests – one for shoppers and one for retailers.


Buy Nearby Guy Road Trip

This year’s Buy Nearby Weekend road trip takes the Buy Nearby Guy from Lansing to Elk Rapids, with a pit stop in Grand Rapids. Consumers can visit the Buy Nearby Guy in sponsoring destinations on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.

  • 9:30-10 a.m. at Mieras Family Shoes, 841 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids
  • 1-3 p.m. at numerous retailers in Downtown Elk Rapids

Additional pit stops may occur, so shoppers are encouraged to keep an eye out for Michigan’s favorite big blue mascot all day long on October 4. 


Consumer Contest: Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest

New in 2025, consumers can enter to win a $500 gift card by completing a punch card challenge.

“Shoppers are invited to take the ‘Shop 3 Challenge’ on Buy Nearby Weekend, by visiting at least three locally-owned retailers and 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.”

Shoppers can pick up a punch card at participating retailers across the state of Michigan, or print their own at home from the Buy Nearby website at buynearbymi.com/bnw25. Visit the website for additional information and contest rules, and for a map of participating MRA member businesses.  


Retailer Contest: Buy Nearby Weekend Display Contest

Retailers and small businesses can show off their Michigan pride by entering the Buy Nearby Weekend Display Contest. Promote the importance of shopping locally with your customers, host Buy Nearby Weekend-themed events, and utilize the Buy Nearby Media Kit provided by MRA to create a Michigan-themed or Buy Nearby Weekend display in their store or on your website. Michigan-based retailers can submit a photo of their display to enter to win a $500 gift card or a 1-year MRA membership.

More information on the Buy Nearby Weekend Display contest can be found at retailers.com/buy-nearby-weekend-2025-display-contest.

Michigan’s retail industry employs over 510,000 workers at over 90,000 retail establishments across the state. Additional information is available at buynearbymi.com.