Michigan Retailers Encourages Support for Small Businesses through the “Shop 3 Challenge” Contest and “Michigan Monday” e-Commerce List

MRA shines a light on local retailers with a $500 giveaway for shoppers, and an impressive list of Michigan-based e-commerce brands.

Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) has announced two holiday season promotions supporting locally-owned businesses across Michigan.

Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest, Nov. 28-30

After being well-received in October during Buy Nearby Weekend, MRA has brought back the Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest for the Thanksgiving Weekend. Consumers can enter to win a $500 gift card by completing the “Holiday Season Edition” of the punch card contest. 

The contest encourages shoppers to visit locally-owned businesses while they complete their holiday shopping, but requires no purchase to enter. 

“MRA invites Michiganders across the state to take our ‘Shop 3 Challenge’ during the Thanksgiving Weekend, by visiting at least three locally-owned retailers and small businesses in your community,” said MRA VP, Communications Vic Veda. “Visit a participating business to get your punch card and collect a stamp or signature for three visits. Enter to win a $500 gift card, in time to wrap up your last-minute holiday shopping.”

Shoppers can download a punch card to print at home, or pick one up at a participating retailer across Michigan. Completed punch cards must be submitted by December 5 for entry. For more details and to enter, visit retailers.com/shop3challenge2025.

Michigan Monday e-Commerce List,
Dec. 1

MRA has published a list of more than 35 Michigan-based e-commerce websites in anticipation of Cyber Monday shopping across the state. Returning for its second year to shine a light on locally-owned e-commerce brands, MRA’s Michigan Monday list encourages consumers to “Keep Your Money in Michigan” this holiday season by seeking out Michigan-based websites to shop on Cyber Monday.

“You can still support local Michigan businesses while you shop online,” shared Vic Veda, MRA’s VP of Communications. “Every purchase makes a difference! When you buy from a locally owned business, you directly support your community. Even when you’re shopping online, you can shop with businesses in your community or a neighboring city in Michigan through their e-commerce websites.” 

The list of MRA members with Michigan-based e-commerce websites is available on MRA’s website, and features exclusive deals and promo codes for brands in all corners of Michigan. The list includes retailers of home goods, jewelry, clothing, candy, art, personal care products, shoes, flowers, automotive care items, gifts, and more. 

Visit retailers.com/michigan-monday-2025 to view the list.

Economic Impact of Shopping Locally

Michigan Retailers Association’s annual Buy Nearby Economic Study found that Michiganders spent an estimated $38.3 billion in remote sales in 2024. If consumers redirected just 10% of their out-of-state e-commerce purchases to local businesses and local e-commerce, we could simultaneously enhance labor income by over $557 million and create nearly 12,000 new jobs. The full report is available at Retailers.com.