Buy Nearby Weekend 2026 Preview

This year marks the 13th Buy Nearby Weekend celebration, encouraging shoppers to “Keep Your Money in Michigan” by supporting small businesses and buying nearby.

The Buy Nearby Economic Impact Study, conducted each year with Public Sector Consultants, shows the importance of supporting local retailers and outlines the impact of shifting 10% of our online and out-of-state purchases back to a Michigan-based business. Last year's study highlighted new statistics that highlight tangible impacts of making small changes in shopping habits.

Why Buy Nearby?

Michigan is home to over 90,000 retail establishments, employing over half a million workers. Shifting 10% of our online shopping back to a Michigan-based business would help:

Generate nearly 12,000 new jobs
Boost labor income by $557 million
Increase our state’s economic activity by over $1.1 billion

Buy Nearby Weekend 2026 Highlights:

FREE “Party Packs” for MI-based retailers
Participating Member Map and Directory
Buy Nearby Guy’s Weekend Road Trip
Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest
- A $500 prize for one lucky shopper, plus THREE winning retailers!

How to Get Involved:

Claim your FREE Buy Nearby Weekend Party Pack!

MRA member businesses and Michigan-based retailers are eligible for a FREE Party Pack with posters, infographics, punchcards, merch, and more to help celebrate the weekend. Claim your packet at retailers.com/buynearbyweekend2026

Pack Request Deadline: August 31, 2026

Share the Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest

Participate in the Shop 3 Challenge Punch Card Contest and share punch cards with your shoppers for a chance to win great prizes! To enter, shoppers must visit 3 locally-owned retailers during Buy Nearby Weekend and get a stamp/initial from each before submitting their entry online.

One lucky shopper’s punch card will be drawn for a $500 gift card!

Plus - each of the three retailers listed on the punch card will win a prize, too!
Member businesses will receive a $100 gift card, and non-member businesses will receive a 1-year MRA membership.

No purchase necessary for entry. Contact MRA for more details.

Promote Buy Nearby Weekend Online

Help spread the word! Create posts and share the Buy Nearby Weekend events and festivities on your social media, websites, and newsletters.

Give your customers a great excuse to come shop during the first weekend in October! Visit BuyNearbyMI.com/media-kit for downloadable graphics and more. This media kit will be updated periodically leading up to the event, so check back for new materials often.