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Stay Updated on Retail-Related News

Read the latest on legislation and issues impacting Michigan's retailers and small businesses.
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Changes to Youth Employment Laws

What Michigan Retailers Need to Know On Oct. 1, 2026, Michigan will implement significant...
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Milkins Jewelers Marks 120 Years of Family Tradition

By: Shandra Martinez The jewelry store has evolved while preserving family legacy and...
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Interview with a Regulator: Earned Sick Time and Minimum Wage

By: Sean Egan Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity Wage and Hour Division ...
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From the CEO: A Season of Change

Sometimes there is nothing better than that first glimpse of spring. It’s a season that inspires...
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Regulatory Rundown: April/May 2025

Law Changes Coming in April and May 2025 ESTA Sample Handbook Language Available After the...
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Meet MRA’s Newest Team Member

Hi, I’m Drew Beardslee, the new Vice President of Government Affairs for Michigan Retailers...
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Earned Sick Time Act Update: What Retailers Need to Know

By: Drew Beardslee – VP, Government Affairs
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Michigan Retailers’ January 2025 Sales Perform Above Years Past

Three-month sales prediction strong through April
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Michigan Retailers announces Drew Beardslee as VP, Government Affairs

Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is excited to announce that Drew Beardslee has joined our team...
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Maximize your MRA Membership: Ask Us First!

Members of the Michigan Retailers Association have access to a powerful resource — “Ask Us First.”...
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How to Incorporate a Cause Into Your Brand & Marketing

Many of today’s most well-known and successful brands incorporate a cause or element of charity...
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Tall Leprechaun, Big Tradition

Maloney Carpet One’s St. Patrick’s Day Sale blends tradition, community connection and innovative...
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MRA Attends Retail’s Big Show with Lawmakers

MRA’s Bill Hallan and Amy Drumm joined Michigan State Senator Joe Bellino (R) and State...
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Embracing Sustainability as a Competitive Edge

For small business owners in Michigan, adopting a sustainable approach is not only...
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2025 Legislative Priorities

Fixing the Earned Sick Time Act Lawmakers were unable or unwilling to reach an agreement on...
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From the CEO: The Spirit of a Michigan Retailer

Recently, our new VP of Communications, Victoria Veda, had several members of the MRA team...
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Regulatory Rundown: February/March 2025

Law Changes Coming in February and March 2025 Earned Sick Time Act As the clock ticks down to...
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Legally Speaking: Budget Season and Organized Retail Crime

In 2022, Michigan Retailers Association and many of our members were a critical voice in support of...
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What Retail Marketers Can Learn From the TikTok Ban

While the TikTok ban on January 18 and 19 only lasted about 12 hours, it forced many businesses to...
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Michigan Retailers’ Sales Rise in December, Holiday Season Outperforms Year

Retailers boast strong optimism heading into 2025
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Michigan Retailers Association Seeking Scholarship Candidates for 2025-2026 School Year

Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) launched its annual scholarship competition on Jan. 1, 2025....
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Now Hiring: Vice President, Government Affairs

Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is hiring for Vice President, Government Affairs.
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Michigan Retailers See Positive Sales Activity in November, Down Slightly from October

Holiday shopping drives a second consecutive month of positive sales activity
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Membership 2025: Ways to Get Engaged with Michigan Retailers Association

Member engagement is the heartbeat of our organization. It’s members like you who make us who...
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Mental Health in the Retail Space

Five Tips to Raise Mental Health Awareness in Retail Retail can be a demanding environment for...

From the Archives: Michigan Retailer Turns Fifty

Every now and then, we stumble upon gems from our archives. Michigan Retailer Vol. 1, No. 1, 1975
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Supporting Retailers in the Michigan Legislature

Speaker-elect Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, is state representative for the 42nd House...
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Treat Yourself This Season With Local Luxuries

The holiday season is the perfect time to treat yourself while lifting up Michigan’s small...
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Annual Scholarship Competition Begins Jan. 1

Michigan Retailers Association to Award 14 Scholarships for 2025-26 Academic Year Michigan...
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Regulatory Rundown: December 2024/January 2025

Law Changes Coming Dec. 31/Jan. 1 Federal overtime rule invalidated: no change to wage...

How Locked Up Merchandise Affects Buyer Behavior

Retailers face a challenging dilemma when combating retail crime: locking up merchandise may...
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Congratulations to our Friends of Retail!

Elected on Nov. 5, 2024, Michigan Retailers Association congratulates our Friends of Retail!
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Corporate Transparency Act and Your Obligations

Update: Corporate Transparency Act Injunction Lifted by United States Supreme Court Published: Jan....
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Lame Duck 2024: The Rise of Zombie Policies

As you read this, I’ll probably be camped out in the Michigan Capitol building on the black and...
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Gun Violence During the Holiday Shopping Season: The Impact On Retail

Erin Acheson, VP of Marketing for ZeroEyes
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Annual Marketing Planning Tips for Retailers

Having a strong marketing strategy foundation is important for every business. As you’re planning...
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Retailers Buckle Up for Lame Duck

With the election behind us, one might think we could finally all take a collective deep breath and...
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Michigan Retailers Association Launches “Michigan Monday” awareness campaign for Cyber Monday

Raising awareness for Michigan-based e-commerce, MRA is encouraging consumers to shop on...
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Michigan Retailers' October Sales Rise Over Stagnant September

Retailers mark first positive activity index since June 2023 Michigan Retailers Association...
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MRA Launches Holiday Shopping Challenges

The “Shop 3 Challenge” and “Michigan Monday” bring awareness and support to Michigan-based retail...
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Michigan Retailers See Fall in September Sales

3-month optimism highest since summer 2023
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Two Board Members Advocate in Washington, D.C.

Pictured with MRA’s Senior VP, Gov. Affairs Amy Drumm, Congressman John James (MI-10), and...
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Open Enrollment is Happening Now

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Enrollment Period this year from Nov. 1...
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Dispelling the Myth of "Corporate Price Gouging"

James Carville, Bill Clinton’s political advisor famously said in 1992, “it’s the economy,...

Join MRA's 2025-26 Retail Ambassador Program

Calling all next-generation leaders! Become a visible member of the retail community and ensure the...

From the Archives: 1979 Annual Meeting Called Most Successful

Every now and then, we stumble upon gems from our archives. Michigan Retailer September/October 1979
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Anderson’s Market celebrates 30 years of innovation and community

By Shandra Martinez In picturesque Glen Arbor, a small town famous for its proximity to Sleeping...
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MRA, RIC Boards Announce New Leadership

At the Annual Meeting held in late August, the Michigan Retailers Association, Michigan...
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Regulatory Rundown: October/November 2024

Fight Retail Crime Day – Oct. 24, 2024 This day of action unites the retail industry in...
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Seeking Implementation Changes On Paid Leave

Editor’s Note: This article should be read consecutively with Tom Clement’s Mothering Justice v...
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Mothering Justice v Attorney General: Minimum Wage and Paid Leave

Editor’s Note: This article should be read consecutively with Amy Drumm’s Seeking Implementation...
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Retail-Specific Election Guidance: Friends of Retail

MRA’s 2024 General Election Friends of Retail The Michigan Primary Election saw over 2 million...
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Elections Have Consequences

On Nov. 5, 2024, Americans will participate in the most important aspect of our democracy – the...
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Holiday Shopping Season Kicks-Off with Annual Buy Nearby Weekend, Oct. 4-6

Shop local, visit participating retailers, and Keep Your Money in Michigan© Businesses and...
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Michigan Retailers’ August Sales Dip Following July’s High

100-point Index marker sees a 2.6-point decline in August, but towers over 2023 numbers by more...
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Michigan Retailers Association announces Victoria Veda as VP, Communications

Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is pleased to announce Victoria Veda as its new Vice...
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A Letter from the President and CEO

Dear Valued Members,
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Michigan Retailers’ July Sales See Rise Over June

100-point Index marker reaches highest point since February 2024

Numerator: Private Label Trends

Over the past year, private label products have constituted nearly 23% of unit sales across ten...

Michigan Retail Index 6-Month Snapshot

The 100-point Index provides a snapshot of the state’s overall retail industry. Index values...
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C&O Sportswear: How a Garage Business Morphed into a Mount Pleasant Icon

When C&O Sportswear began in 1976, it was Tim Macgregor and a childhood friend selling T-shirts out...
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Rogers City Home Furnishings: A Steady Presence For 50 Years

By: Jim Karshner The freshly painted mural on the north side of his Rogers City furniture store is...
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Election Outcomes Will Impact Your Business

It’s election season. Yes, again. Most people are sick of campaign ads and campaign promises,...
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Consumers Habits Shift as they Maintain a Positive Outlook on Grocery Shopping

FMI’s newest edition of our annual survey, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2024: Finding Value,...
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SCOTUS Extends Relief to Merchants and Consumers, For Now

On July 1, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) properly ruled against the Federal Reserve...
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Regulatory Rundown: August/September 2024

Federal Department of Labor Overtime Rule threshold increased July 1 On July 1, 2024, the salary...
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Organized Retail Crime Up Close

I’ve talked a lot about organized retail crime over the years, but a couple of weeks ago it hit...
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Economic Study Highlights Impact of Shopping Local

Michiganders’ local purchases make a difference
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Michigan Retailers Association statement on Michigan Supreme Court decision in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General

The opinion issued today is disappointing and will have an immense negative impact on all...
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Michigan Retailers’ June Sales Down from May

Michigan Retailers Association today reports that June 2024 sales dropped from May, landing at 43.3...
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PCI Compliance Migration

It is our priority to ensure that you are kept up to date with changes that might impact your...
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Michigan Retailers’ Sales Rise Over April

Index number still below positive threshold
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Alert: Receiving Unsolicited Calls, Emails, or Letters

MRA member shares their personal experience.
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MRA designates 81 candidates as Friends of Retail

LANSING, MI – Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is proud to announce that 81 legislative...
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Whether Biking Or Boating, These Retailers Built Businesses On Customer Service

Mackinac Island Bicycle Shop and Mac’s Marina are all about being full service.
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Two small bait shops grow into outdoor sports destinations

Hesperia Sport Shop and Frank’s Great Outdoors have a lot in common
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Now Hiring: Vice President, Communications

JOB DESCRIPTION Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is the largest state retail association in the...
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MRA's Capitol Day 2024

Retailers from all corners of the state came to Lansing on April 24 to participate in MRA’s Capitol...
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Keep Pure Michigan’s Intent “Pure”

Promoting Michigan tourism is worth $50M
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Thirteen Students Receive 2024-25 Michigan Retailers Foundation Scholarships

Michigan Retailers Association is awarding 13 college students with scholarships totaling $45,500...
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MI Lottery: Retail Partners Go Above and Beyond

Since joining the Michigan Lottery team in March, I’ve been busy immersing myself in the day-to-day...
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Regulatory Rundown: June/July 2024 Michigan Retailer

EGLE proposes new hazardous waste rules for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) The...
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From the CEO: Collaborate, Advocate, and Engage

In April, the collective voices of Michigan’s retail industry reverberated through the halls of the...
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Legally Speaking: Credit Card Theft Impacts Most Vulnerable

I was grateful but dismayed to recently receive an article from former MRA employee, current MRA...
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Register for $5.54 Billion Settlement on Interchange Fees by Aug. 30, 2024

The Visa/Mastercard Class Action Settlement claim filing deadline of May 31, 2024, has been...
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Michigan Retailers Report Decrease in April Sales

Michigan Retailers Association today reports that April 2024 sales dropped slightly, landing at...
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Michigan Retailers Report Stagnate Q1 Sales Numbers

Michigan Retailers Association today reports that March 2024 sales again performed moderately,...
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Swift Hardware Celebrates 155 Years Serving The Copper Country

Swift Hardware in Houghton has been an essential part of the Upper Peninsula for 155 years. From...
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Shining the Spotlight: Munising

Whether you are coming from the east or the west, driving into Munising offers beautiful sights....

Explore MRA's Suite of Savings

Are you getting the most out of your MRA membership? Take a journey through this flowchart and...
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100-Foot Replica Mine Helps Make U.P. Jewelry Store One of The ‘Coolest’ in the U.S.

Tourists visiting Marquette make time to visit Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers, even if they aren’t...

From the Archives: Mascot spreads Buy Nearby word

Michigan Retailer October 2015 Vol. 40, No. 5 In an effort to spread the importance of Keeping...
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Shining the Spotlight: Sault Ste. Marie

By Andrea Bitely Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is a small town with a big presence for the U.S....

Annual Report Milestones

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View our 2024 Annual Legislative Report

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