Michigan Retailers Face Sales Decline Ahead of Holidays

News Summary

The Michigan Retailers Association reports a steady decline in retail sales over the past three months, raising concerns for retailers statewide. While recent figures show challenges, the association remains hopeful for an uptick during the upcoming holiday season. With a key date for holiday shopping set for October 1st, initiatives like ‘Buy Nearby Weekend’ aim to support local businesses. Additionally, the MRA has unveiled a new logo as part of its rebranding efforts, reflecting changes in the retail landscape impacted by evolving shopping habits.

Lansing – The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) has reported a steady decline in sales over the past three months, signaling potential challenges for retailers across the state. Despite these discouraging trends, there remains hope that the upcoming holiday season may bring a turnaround in retail performance.

The MRA highlighted the fluctuating sales figures through its Retail Index, which indicates the health of the retail environment in Michigan. MRA Vice President of Communications Vic Veda characterized 2025 as a “volatile year” for the index, which has seen scores stabilize in the mid-40s in recent months following significant fluctuations observed in the spring. Specifically, the Retail Index recorded scores of 48.7 in June, 49.8 in July, and 44.9 in August, with the latter month typically recognized as a slow period for retail activity.

A score above 50 on the Retail Index suggests a positive sales trend, indicating that retailers are hoping for an upward shift in September as they prepare for the holiday shopping season. The MRA is optimistic that increased consumer spending in the coming months will help offset the recent downturn.

Current retail trends illustrate an evolving landscape where many traditional stores are closing their doors, yet new retail outlets are emerging, focusing on improving the overall shopping experience. As the holiday season approaches, the MRA emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses in light of the ongoing impact of previous volatility affecting retailers.

October 1st has been identified as a key date for consumers to begin their holiday shopping. This early start allows shoppers to spread expenses over multiple pay periods, contributing to healthier financial planning during the often busy holiday period. This year, Thanksgiving will fall on November 27th, leading to a compressed shopping season that mirrors trends seen in recent years.

To further bolster local retail, the MRA will host the “Buy Nearby Weekend” from October 3rd to 5th. This initiative encourages residents to shop at local retailers and supports the local economy. As part of their commitment to assist businesses, the MRA has provided resources for the participating stores on their official website.

As part of a broader rebranding effort, the MRA has also unveiled a new logo, marking a significant change after over 30 years. This rebranding reflects the shifting dynamics in the retail landscape, particularly with the increasing influence of e-commerce on traditional shopping habits.

Representing approximately 5,000 member businesses and their 15,000 stores and websites, the Michigan Retailers Association plays a critical role in advocating for and supporting retail operations across the state. As retailers navigate these challenging times, the focus remains on building resilience and fostering a spirit of community support as the holiday season approaches.

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