Michigan Retailers Association encourages consumers to shop local, support small businesses, and “Keep Your Money in Michigan®.”

Retailers and shoppers across the state will join the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) in celebration of Buy Nearby Weekend, Oct. 3-5, 2025.

Buy Nearby Weekend is MRA’s annual celebration of Michigan’s retailers, where shoppers are encouraged to keep more retail dollars on Michigan’s Main Streets. 2025 marks the twelfth Buy Nearby Weekend, taking place annually on the first weekend in October. 

“Michigan Retailers Association is inviting shoppers to kick off the holiday season by shining a light on local business. We’re challenging Michiganders to shift just one in 10 of their online purchases to a Michigan-based retailer as we kick off the holiday shopping season. With this change, our state’s economy would see a $1.1 billion boost and we would add more than 11,000 jobs across the state, enough to decrease the unemployment rate in Michigan by 5%,” said MRA VP, Communications Vic Veda. “Commit to this one small shift, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Each opportunity to support Michigan-based retail is an opportunity to make a difference in your community.” 

How Shoppers Can Get Involved During Buy Nearby Weekend

Consumers can participate in Buy Nearby Weekend, October 3-5, by supporting Michigan-owned retailers and making conscious, lasting efforts to shift their spending habits to support local. 

  • Visit BuyNearbyMI.com for a list of MRA members and featured destinations participating in Buy Nearby Weekend celebrations.
  • Stop into at least three Michigan-owned businesses and enter to win a $500 gift card in the “Shop 3 Challenge” contest.
  • Be on the lookout for the Buy Nearby Guy, who will be making appearances in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Elk Rapids, and more on Saturday, Oct. 4.
  • Share your local purchases during Buy Nearby Weekend on social media using the hashtag #buynearbymi.

Retailers and small businesses can get involved in celebrating Buy Nearby Weekend by entering the Buy Nearby Weekend Display Contest, promoting the importance of shopping locally with their customers, hosting Buy Nearby Weekend-themed events, and utilizing the Buy Nearby Media Kit provided by MRA.

Michigan’s retail industry employs over 510,000 workers at over 90,000 retail establishments across the state, the 2025 Public Sector Consultants studynoted. Additional information is available at buynearbymi.com.