MICHIGAN
R E TA I L E R
How Two Independent Grocers Serve Their Communities Independent grocers take innovative approaches to the ever-changing grocery business
P L U S
Shipping Rates on the Rise
FEB 2024/MAR 2024
VOL. 49 NO. 1
The official publication of Michigan Retailers Association
Cut Costs with Membership Benefits
Donations Aid Retail Retailer Lifeblood Michigan |1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM THE CEO
New Year, New Opportunities WILLIAM J. HALLAN President & CEO of Michigan Retailers Association
As we kick off 2024, I thought it might be helpful to provide a quick rundown of some of our services so you can take full advantage of your MRA membership in the new year. As always, our team of 33 employees is here to help you with any part of your business. May your 2024 be prosperous and we look forward to helping you achieve that success. The MRA Foundation will award 13 $3,500 college scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year. Our goal has always been to provide educational support to our members, their dependents, and employees, and we’re pleased to provide a total of $45,500 this year. The application deadline is April 1, visit our website to apply. Are you on our workers’ compensation program and also on another service such as credit card processing? If so, we have good news, you qualify for an extra 10% off your workers’ compensation premium. We call it our affiliated discount. Policyholders that obtain workers’ compensation insurance through Retailers Insurance Company get the best coverage available, with increased employers’ liability limits and free cyber coverage. We can even help you find an independent agent. Do you hate credit card fees? We do too. Consider reducing your costs by enrolling in our surcharge program. Merchants that switch to surcharging save an average of 75% on credit card fees. Do you need help with a regulatory issue, or perhaps a liquor license? Use our Ask Us First service and let us help. Simply email us at askusfirst@retailers.com and have our experts go to work for you! Keep an eye out for our year-end legislative report. We mail hardcopies to every member. The legislative team at MRA spends the entire year protecting your business from burdensome laws. Be sure to read up on our 2023 legislative accomplishments.
Bill Golden Chair Golden Shoes, Traverse City William J. Hallan President & CEO Michigan Retailers Association Bryan Neiman Vice Chair Neiman’s Family Market, St. Clair Peter R. Sobelton Treasurer Mondial Properties, Birmingham Bo Brines Past Chair Little Forks Outfitters, Midland Kim Edsenga Meijer, Inc., Grand Rapids Becky Beauchine Kulka Becky Beauchine Kulka Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Okemos Dan Marshall Marshall Music Company, Lansing Orin Mazzoni, Jr. Orin Jewelers, Northville Joseph McCurry Credit Card Group Raeann Rouse Bridge Street Baby, Rockford Thomas Ungrodt TDU Consulting, LLC, Ann Arbor Larry Meyer Board Member Emeritus
MICHIGAN RETAILERS SERVICES, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS William J. Hallan President & CEO Thomas P. Clement VP, Operations and General Counsel John Leppink Leppink’s Food Centers, Belding Kendra Patterson Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage, Mason Joe Swanson Target, Retired
MICHIGAN RETAILER William J. Hallan Publisher Andrea Bitely Editor Rachel Schrauben Copy Editor and Content Manager Josh Delany Design, Layout, and Photographer Shandra Martinez Contributor
D. Larry Sherman Board Member Emeritus
We’re thankful to count you as a member, and we’re here to help your business grow. Michigan Retailer (USPS 345-780, ISSN 08890439) is published six times annually: February, April, June, August, October, & December by Michigan Retailers Association. Average circulation: 4183.
WILLIAM J. HALLAN MRA President and Chief Executive Officer
603 South Washington Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48933 Periodical postage paid at Lansing, Michigan Postmaster: Send address changes to 603 South Washington Ave., Lansing MI 48933. This publication may be recycled with white office paper.
With every issue, we reach retail owners, managers, and executives who make spending decisions for 15,000 stores and websites across the state. To request a media kit, email Rachel Schrauben at rschrauben@retailers.com
“Only those with tenacity can march forward in March.” – Ernest Agyemang Yeboah, writer
CONTENTS FEATURES
5 Retailers Insurance Company Safety Tip Carbon monoxide poisoning prevention
7 2024 Brings Higher Shipping Costs Combat costs with MRA member benefit
8 Two Independent Grocers Serve Their Communities Taking innovative approaches to the ever-changing grocery business
16 Donations Help to Sustain Retail Lifeblood Impact the success of retail in your community
18 Save the Dates: Michigan Gift Shows Spring shows coming to Gaylord
19 MRA Welcomes New Employee
DEPARTMENTS From the CEO Help Your Business Grow in 2024 Under the Dome MRA Advocacy Recap Coming Soon
8
Legally Speaking Aggravation of a Pre-existing Condition and Workers’ Compensation Creative Counsel The Importance of Responding to the Retail Index
7
Regulatory Rundown Treasury: Credit Card Surcharges are Taxable MRA Member News Milestone Members New Members From the Archives
Emily Walters joins as Business Development Representative
23 Spring 2024 Calendar of Events
15
Save these dates for networking opportunities
RETAILERS.COM RETAILERSINSURANCE.COM BUYNEARBYMI.COM Visit us online to see what’s new in the industry and what services we provide members to strengthen your business.
ON THE COVER Two Michigan grocers serve their communities by adapting to their customers’ needs and growing with the industry.
5
Michigan Retailer | 3
UNDER THE DOME
L E G A L LY S P E A K I N G
MRA Advocacy Recap Coming Soon
Aggravation of a PreExisting Condition and Workers’ Compensation
AMY DRUMM MRA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
THOMAS CLEMENT MRA Vice President, Operations and General Counsel
Each year in February, MRA provides members with a copy of our Year-End Legislative Report. The 2023 report should be arriving in your mailbox soon. It can be a helpful tool for members to engage in the legislative and policy-making process, as well as to stay compliant with laws and rules that are constantly changing.
Pre-existing conditions are often a natural part of the human experience, especially as people age. In the employment context, the question often becomes whether workers’ compensation benefits must be paid where a prior condition is aggravated. As with many legal questions, the facts and circumstances drive the conclusion.
The report covers in detail the legislative and policy issues we worked on in the previous calendar year, includes a bill tracker, a list of new laws retailers need to know, and predicts what may be the hot policy topics in the new year. Here are a few helpful tips on how to use this report and stay engaged to get the most out of your MRA membership:
MCL 418.301(1) states in part that “[A] personal injury under this act is compensable if work causes, contributes to, or aggravates pathology in a manner so as to create a pathology that is medically distinguishable from any pathology that existed prior to the injury.” As applied through caselaw, sometimes inconsistently, when a work-related injury interacts with a pre-existing condition, the two conditions must be distinguished and only separate workrelated aggravation compensable. Where the two are not related, no distinguishment is required, and the injury is compensable provided the injury was caused by or contributed to by workrelated activity.[1] Kendrick v Leon Plastics, Inc, 2005 ACO #243 illustrates the latter scenario well. Claimant Kendrick’s work led to inflammation and cervical nerve pinching in his spine, which was already compromised by arthritis. However, neither the arthritis nor an aggravation of it led to the claimed disability and, therefore, no pathology distinguishment was required in order to secure benefits.[2] Had the arthritis or an aggravation of it been related to the injury, Kendrick would be required to prove a medical pathology distinguishable from the pre-existing condition by a preponderance of the evidence.
1. Use it to update your systems, policies, and procedures to stay compliant with current laws and regulations. 2. Share information with employees and neighboring stores. 3. Tell us what requirements and regulations keep you up at night (or are simply another headache you don’t need) so we can try to get them changed. 4. Weigh in by connecting with your elected officials to help them be more informed and prepared when it’s time for them to vote on legislation impacting retail stores like yours (visit their coffee hours or invite them to tour your store). 5. Stay in the know by reading our email updates and following the MRA bill tracker. 6. Consider making a contribution to MRA’s PAC or Advocacy Fund to help our efforts go further. Donation forms are available on our website. While the Year-End Legislative Report is our most in-depth annual dive of the policy process, it’s one of several ways we provide members with advocacy tools and information. MRA’s online bill tracker lists every bill we are watching and its current status, is linked from our website, and is included in our monthly government affairs update emails. Our end-of-the-month emails provide members highlights on state and federal government updates. The Michigan Retailer includes this government affairs column and the two-page regulatory spread with helpful reminders and updates. Additionally, on an as-needed basis, we send members action alerts and information about who we’ve selected as Friends of Retail ahead of an election. These tools collectively seek to keep you informed on what’s going on, what’s changed, and what’s coming next without requiring your daily attention.
4 | Michigan Retailer
Two important caveats. First, the rules outlined here do not apply in every circumstance. For example, mental disabilities and conditions of the aging process have their own set of rules and causation is subject to a higher standard. Second, the phrase “medically distinguishable” is extremely broad, leaving it open to interpretation by workers’ compensation magistrates and other judicial officers. Employers want to open up employment opportunities to all individuals, but it is equally important to know the physical demands of each job, make prospective employees aware of those demands, and make hiring decisions conducive to a safe working environment. [1] See Worker’s Compensation in Michigan: Law and Practice. Sixth Edition, February 2023 Update. Chapter 6, Section 6.4. [2] See also, Id.
CREATIVE COUNSEL
The Importance of Responding to the Retail Index ANDREA BITELY MRA Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Each and every month, MRA sends an email to our members to ask a simple question: How were your sales last month? While you might think this is just another email clogging up the precious space in your inbox, the information we’re looking for is incredibly important for us to measure the retail climate in Michigan. The sales numbers you and other members submit go directly into MRA’s marketing and communications efforts, frequently being the topic of news articles and radio interviews across the state of Michigan and nationally. The information we gather is also reviewed by the U.S. Federal Reserve in Detroit and Chicago. The numbers help inform our economy and connect how shopping locally changes nearby economies. We also include questions that connect with pending legislation and trending news stories - information that helps MRA better understand the challenges our members face. Part of the survey includes the option to tell us what you are seeing in your business everyday, whether you are having supply chain challenges or if you are seeing a record number of customers enter your store. After you fill out the survey, MRA shares the data with the media and legislators. The survey has been featured in print, on the radio, and on television, including in major outlets like The Detroit News, WJR, and WWMT. Not seeing the Retail Index questionnaire? Make sure you are subscribed to our emails! Not sure if you are subscribed? Head to bit.ly/subscribetoMRA to confirm or update. To learn more and fill out this month’s Retail Index, head to Retailers.com/news-events/michigan-retail-index.
RIC Safety Tip
The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but if gone undetected, it can lead to death. According to the CDC, more than 420 people die in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning each year. Additionally, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency room each year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. INSTALL DETECTORS It is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and business. These devices will sound an alarm if elevated levels of carbon monoxide are detected, providing an early warning system. Regularly check the batteries and ensure that the detectors are working properly. Proper ventilation is another key aspect of carbon monoxide safety. Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces are correctly vented to the outside. Blocked or damaged vents can lead to a buildup indoors. Additionally, avoid using generators or grills inside your building or garage as they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Never leave vehicles running inside closed garages. Even with the garage door open, exhaust fumes can still accumulate in enclosed spaces. Always pull vehicles out of garages before letting them warm up. Regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is vital for safety. Have a qualified professional inspect and service your appliances annually to ensure they’re operating efficiently and not emitting excessive amounts of carbon monoxide. Keep all vents and chimneys clear from any blockages or debris. KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS Headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and flulike symptoms can indicate exposure to carbon monoxide. If you experience these symptoms, or if your carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the building and call emergency services. For more safety tips, visit RetailersInsurance. com/about/news-and-information.
Michigan Retailer | 5
If your organization accepted Visa or MasterCard payments in the U.S. at any time from January 1, 2004, to January 25, 2019, you may be eligible to recover significant funds from this Settlement. Sign up here:
www.vmc.mcaginc. com/?code=MRA100
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 2024 Michigan Retailers Association
Capitol Day & Legislative Reception Catered by Michigan’s Food and Grocery Industry
Wednesday, April 24 Capitol View (Senate building) 9th floor offices of Dykema Law Firm 201 Townsend, Lansing MI 48933 If interested in participating and/or sponsoring the event, contact MRA’s Amy Drumm by March 29 at adrumm@retailers.com
Payment Card Settlement Disclaimer: The claims window is officially open and the deadline for filing a claim is May 31, 2024. Claim forms became available in December and delivery to registered entities is on-going. No-cost assistance is available from the Class Administrator and Class Counsel during the claims-filing period. No one is required to sign up with any third-party service in order to participate in any monetary relief. For additional information regarding the status of the litigation, interested persons may visit www.paymentcardsettlement.com, the Courtapproved website for this case.
2024 Brings Higher Shipping Costs FedEx and UPS Rates on the Rise
Get ready for a hit to your shipping budget in 2024 as FedEx and UPS plan to bump up their rates by an average of 5.9%. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: • While the average rate increase is 5.9%, your actual costs will likely be higher and will vary based on package specifics and the services you use. • Don’t forget about surcharges; most of these will also see a significant uptick in the new year. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO COMBAT RISING COSTS? Enroll with PartnerShip® - MRA’s trusted shipping benefits partner. You can leverage your MRA benefits to combat these rising costs with discounts of 40% on FedEx Express and 30% on FedEx Ground.
Enroll for FedEx Discounts
Learn More About FedEx and UPS Rate Changes
Learn More About PartnerShip Freight® Savings
Michigan Retailer | 7
How Two Independent Grocers
Serve Their Communities By: Shandra Martinez
Independent grocers Ric’s Food Market in Mount Pleasant and Park Street Market in Kalamazoo take innovative approaches to the everchanging grocery business. In many ways, Ric’s Food Center and Park Street Market couldn’t be more different. Ric’s is the oldest locally-owned grocery store in Mount Pleasant, a community in rural mid-Michigan. Park Street Market is a version of a successful Detroit model transplanted to Kalamazoo in 2010 to increase access to fresh produce for an underserved urban neighborhood. Independent grocers like Ric’s and Park Street play an integral role in their communities by providing access to healthy food options, especially in areas where food deserts exist. Collectively, U.S. independent grocers account for one-third of all grocery sales, more than $250 billion, and more than 1.1 million jobs, according to the National Grocers Association. Although Kalamazoo is a college town, home to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, students account for less than 10% of the Park Street Market’s traffic. The statistics are similar for Ric’s in Mount Pleasant, hometown of Central Michigan University. For the latter, the student customer base has shrunk 10%, down from 35% a decade ago. 8 | Michigan Retailer
“There’s a competitive advantage in serving the underserved because a lot of corporations don’t want to go into these communities,” said Kiar Gamsho, who oversees Kalamazoo’s Park Street Market. “There would be a lot more than me if they could see the opportunity to serve this important demographic.” Independent grocers face different challenges than larger big-box retailers, with order sizes not meeting the same quantity to meet supply and pricing advantages. Michigan’s independent grocers are eligible to take part in the Grocers Fund, a dividend-paying group self-insurance
fund organized in 2014 that reduces workers’ compensation costs. The service has been part of a Michigan Retailers Association membership since 2018, when MRA acquired the Michigan Grocers Association. Gamsho’s store takes advantage of this benefit. Non-grocer retailers are encouraged to take advantage of Retailer Insurance Company’s best-in-class workers’ compensation options. RECRUITED TO SERVE NEIGHBORHOOD Park Street Market is operated by Gamsho, a second-generation grocer. His dad, Sam, has been a Michigan grocer for 40 years, and his family’s The
Shina Group operates 14 urban grocery stores in the Detroit area. Those stores have built a reputation for delivering top service, cleanliness, and quality food while maintaining competitive prices. In 2010, the family was recruited to manage a full-service grocery in a location owned by Kalamazoo’s Northside Association for Community Development after the store was vacated by Felpausch Food Center in May 2009. “We have replicated our urban grocery model here in Kalamazoo,” said Gamsho, an accountant and a trained butcher. “Our mom-and-pop approach to running successful grocery stores defies the cookie-cutter.” The store, at 512 N. Park St., has sponsored nutrition classes for customers. Distinctive features include a catering service and the Kalamazoo Meat Depot, a custom butcher shop patronized by local restaurants. It also has a popular soul food restaurant, Kiki’s Crab & Fry, with a menu that includes meatloaf, catfish, and pot roast. “People love the food,” said Gamsho. “We do fresh greens, yams, and black eyed peas.” The store received the Vanguard Award from the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP in 2019 for bringing quality, affordable food to Kalamazoo’s inner city and playing an important role in a culturally rich community. Most of the store’s 75-person staff is African American, reflecting the demographic of the community it serves. Midtown Fresh is the second Kalamazoo location for Gamsho-Shina families. The store opened in 2017 after the family purchased a shuttered grocery store on Howard Street. Midtown Fresh occupies half of the 60,000 square-foot space, which has been transformed into a “lifestyle center” with a medical clinic, coffee shop, and an Ace Hardware. The grocery store has been curated to serve its customer base, with an aisle devoted to Hispanic products and another to Middle Eastern foods. Both Kalamazoo stores emphasize quality meats and perishables. Michigan Retailer | 9
Shane Smith, VP of Operations at Ric’s Food Center
GROCERY LEADER IN MIDMICHIGAN Shane Smith began his career with Ric’s 35 years ago as a service clerk before moving into the meat department. These days, he’ll step away from his desk at the retailer’s corporate office in Mount Pleasant to help out at the store, bagging groceries, or cutting meat when it gets busy. The store is known for its extensive craft beer selection.
Rockford, about 20 miles north of Grand Rapids. Of Ric’s 120 workers, 50 of them work at the Mount Pleasant location. The original Ric’s opened in 1976, making it the longest-serving grocery store in the county, according to Smith, who is looking forward to celebrating the grocer’s 50th anniversary in two years.
“Mount Pleasant is the county seat of Isabella County, with nearly half of the county’s 60,000 residents. This is where most of the county comes to shop,” Smith said. Ric’s also takes advantage of Grocers Fund, the self-insurance fund that was organized that is among the MRA resources. GIVING TO COMMUNITY
Ric’s also is known for its deli, which has several signature items, dips, salads and sandwiches, along with grab-and-go meals.
Philanthropy is important for both grocers. During the holidays, the Mount Pleasant store partners with community organizations for the annual “Filling a Mayflower” drive, gathering donations of non-perishable food and toiletry items to fill a moving truck. Another big event is the High Five Turkey drive, where customer donations are used to purchase turkeys and other supplies that are given to food pantries and churches.
“We carry as much seasonal Michigan produce as we can in the summertime,” Smith said. “We’ve got a really good reputation in town, and we carry some of the best meat products, from Amish chicken to choice beef.”
Gamsho says his company supports Kalamazoo by participating in National Night Out, Shop with a Senior, and other nonprofit efforts. The company has been honored for its work supporting its urban neighborhood.
Looking ahead to 2024, the grocer will increase its selection of grab-and-go meal solutions, salads, and dips. “We’re going to continue to carry quality meat products,” Smith said.
“Kalamazoo is a unique and creative kind of place, so we’ve taken a unique and creative approach to serving the people here,” he said.
“It’s one of those things that we’ve developed and just keep adding on to,” said Smith. “It’s exploded over the past 10 years.”
Ric’s also has locations in Ithaca, 30 minutes south of Mount Pleasant, and in 10 | Michigan Retailer
REGULATORY RUNDOWN
Credit Card Surcharges Are Taxable JESSE KIRCHNER Administrative Law Specialist, Bureau of Tax Policy Michigan Department of Treasury
The Michigan Department of Treasury works with retailers and MRA to provide guidance on tax matters. MRA recently was asked about the application of sales tax to a credit card “surcharge” — a charge added to a credit card purchase to cover the fee paid by the seller to a payment processor like Visa or Mastercard. In a credit card transaction without a surcharge, a retailer charging $50 gets $50 minus the payment processing fee. But if the retailer imposes a 2% surcharge, the $50 charge becomes $51 (2% of $50 = $1). (Regardless of the surcharge, a purchaser paying with cash would be charged only $50.) Retailers want to know whether a credit card surcharge is subject to sales tax. In Michigan, the answer is yes. Michigan’s General Sales Tax Act imposes on retailers a 6% tax on the sales price. See MCL 205.51(1)(c); MCL 205.52(1). The sales price is defined broadly to include the money value of all “consideration ... for which tangible personal property or services are sold.” MCL 205.51(1)(d). The statute expressly includes in the sales price “service cost[s] ... and any other expense of the seller.” MCL 205.51(1)(d)(ii). Under that definition of sales price, the surcharge is taxable if it is a “service cost” or “any other expense of the seller.” A payment processor provides a service to a retailer, which the retailer pays for. The retailer’s payment of the payment processor’s fee is, therefore, a “service cost” or an “expense of the seller.” It follows that a seller’s surcharge to cover the cost of the fee is part of the sales price and thus part of the tax base. For these reasons, where a transaction is subject to Michigan’s sales tax, a credit card surcharge also is subject to the tax. A retailer imposing a surcharge on a taxable sale should include the surcharge on the bill as a taxable item and subject it to the 6% sales tax. (In an exempt transaction, by contrast, the surcharge also is exempt.) The tax collected must be remitted to Treasury as part of a monthly, quarterly, or annual sales-tax return. The retailer should also ensure that its point-of-sale system accurately marks the surcharge’s taxability. Note from MRA: Retailers should know that, since 2013, payment processors’ terms allow a retailer to impose a surcharge on a purchase made with a credit card, but not on a purchase made with a debit or prepaid card. Whether a surcharge is allowed by a payment processor’s terms does not affect its taxability. 12 | Michigan Retailer
Regulatory
NEWS & TRENDS
NRF and Appriss Retail Report: $743 Billion in Merchandise Returned in 2023 The National Retail Federation (NRF) partnered with Appriss Retail to pair its customers’ returns data with NRF survey responses to get a snapshot of consumer returns trends. • $743 billion in merchandise was returned in 2023. • For every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer incurs $145 million in returns. • The total return rate as a percentage of sales is 14.5%. • Online sales see a higher return rate of 17.6% compared to 10.02% for pure brick-and-mortar returns. • The percentage of abuse and fraud impacting total returns is 13.7%. • Abuse and fraud accounted for $101 billion in losses. Among the types of return fraud retailers say they have experienced in the past year, nearly half (49%) cited returns of used, non-defective merchandise, also known as wardrobing, and 44% cited the return of shoplifted or stolen merchandise. Over one-third (37%) said they experienced returns of merchandise purchased on fraudulent or stolen tender and one-fifth (20%) said they have experienced return fraud from organized retail crime groups. Scan the QR code to see the full 2023 returns results:
Retail foodservice innovations and opportunities FMI’s consumer research The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2023 found that deli foodservice dollar sales grew to $49.9 billion in the 52 weeks ending Oct. 7, 2023, up 4.2% from the year-ago period. Shoppers reported wanting many features traditional restaurants or takeout services offer, including a variety of cuisines, online ordering capabilities (62%) and easy pick-up (59%)
Deadlines and or delivery (48%). For the in-store bakery, nearly half (49%) of shoppers prefer ordering specialty bakery items using technology and 47% would use technology to design and order specialty bakery items. The report noted openings to build on foodservice success such as: • Value Equation: Play up the comparative value on how much farther consumers’ dollars go at retail versus at restaurants. • Restaurant Playbook: Have a deli-prepared foods menu available online, enable advance ordering through apps, and offer drive-through or curbside pickup. • Meal Planning Support: Offer meal bundles, use in-store displays highlighting ingredients for specific meals, provide meal ideas through apps, and offer more heat-and-eat choices for the 40% of customers looking for meal planning assistance. • Signature Items: Focus on signature foodservice items to distinguish from the crowd. NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show (held in New York City Jan. 14-16) featured a Foodservice Innovation Zone highlighting advanced cooking equipment like ventless ovens and automated cooking robots; IoT and AI solutions for real-time monitoring and management of customer flow, temperature and food case monitoring, inventory, equipment maintenance, energy usage and waste; micro markets and fresh food vending machines; and drivethru technology, equipped with advanced ordering boards, POS systems and language translation services, to handle on-the-go orders, traffic flow, and order pickup at the drive-thru as well as curbside. Download the Power of Foodservice at Retail Report 2023:
Reminders Mar. - April 2024:
Mar. 2 – Electronic Reporting of MIOSHA Form 300A – Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (Establishments with 250 or more employees). March 30 – Renew food establishment licenses online at MDARD (Current licenses expire April 30). March 30 – Renew bottled water dispensing machine license at MDARD (Current licenses expire April 30). April 15 – Renew and print liquor licenses online at MLCC (Current licenses expire April 30). Monthly reminders: Sales & Use Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month. Withholding Tax – Monthly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the following month. Retailer’s Prepaid Wireless 911 Surcharge – Within 30 days of the close of each month. Receipt of a complete Form 5012 is required regardless of payment method. Quarterly reminders: Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Estimated Returns and Payments (Jan. 15, April 15, July 15, Oct. 15). Sales & Use Tax – Quarterly & EFT – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20). Withholding Tax – Quarterly – On or before the 20th day of the month following the quarter (Jan. 20, April 20, July 20, Oct. 20).
ICYMI - Firearm safety devices exempt from sales tax Feb. 13Dec. 31, 2024 Public Acts 14-15 of 2023, which take effect on Feb. 13, 2024, temporarily exempts firearm safety devices including gun locks, gun safes, ear and eye protection from the state’s six percent sales and use taxes through Dec. 31, 2024. These items must be marked as nontaxable starting Feb. 13 through the remainder of 2024. They will be taxable again starting Jan. 1, 2025. Michigan Retailer | 13
Michigan Retailers Association Our services at a glance
Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of Michigan’s retail industry and a trusted resource for more than 5,000 businesses that own and operate 15,000 stores and websites across the state.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SHIPPING DISCOUNTS FedEx Discounts Rely on FedEx for all of your shipping needs and save through the MRA benefits program. Members receive 40% off FedEx Express and 30% off FedEx Ground. If you currently ship with FedEx, you’ll be able to continue using it the same way you do today. After you enroll in the FedEx Advantage Program, the discounts will be added to your account and then automatically applied to your shipments.
The Michigan Retailers Foundation is committed to providing members and their families access to college scholarships. The annual scholarship application period begins on January 1 and ends April 1. To be eligible for the multiple $3,500 awards, student applicants or their parents/guardians must be employed at a MRA member business. High school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may apply. Financial need is not a consideration.
Freight Savings MRA members save on shipments with TForce Freight, YRC, XPO, Saia, and many others. These competitive rates Scholarships can be used at a four-year are made available through our endorsed university, community college, or trade school. shipping provider, PartnerShip®. With this free MRA member benefit, you’ll reduce your freight costs, easily rate shop between carriers, and get dedicated support from shipping experts. Whether you’re shipping a single pallet or a full truckload, PartnerShip will help you ship smarter. Have a business- or law-related question? Email askusfirst@retailers.com or call 800.366.3699. To learn more, contact Kate Fabi at kfabi@retailers.com or go Our team of knowledgeable staff will help find the answer for you. to PartnerShip.com/41MRA.
NEWS AND INFORMATION
Michigan Retail Index Survey
Stay Informed Let us help you focus on what’s really affecting your business. With our bi-monthly Michigan Retailer magazine, email updates, and social media channels, we’ll keep you updated and ahead of the trends. Advertise with us! Contact news@retailers.com.
Each month, in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Detroit branch, we survey our members on the previous month’s sales performance. This key economic indicator is an important gauge of the health of Michigan’s retail industry and the direction of the state’s overall economy.
South Washington Avenue Questions about our services? 603 Lansing, Michigan 48933
Go to Retailers.com or call 800.366.3699 and we’ll get you the answers!
Phone: 517.372.5656 or 800.366.3699 Fax: 517.372.1303
Retailers.com RetailersInsurance.com BuyNearbyMI.com
Thirteen
$3,500 Awards
Greetings fellow retailers, I write today about something of importance to all of us: promoting our local businesses. In these challenging economic times, where consumers have more options than ever, support for Michigan’s small and mid-sized businesses has never been more important. As a member of MRA, I encourage you to consider donating to one, or each, of our initiatives. • MRA Advocacy Fund - The Fund supports existing lawmakers and their non-campaign-related outreach, education, and events. • Buy Nearby program - Our shop-local campaign, in which all donations benefit retailers by ways of materials free of charge, public advertising campaigns, and educational studies and sources. • Michigan Retailers Foundation - The Foundation provides financial assistance to deserving students, many of which are employed in the retail industry. • Michigan Retailers PAC - The MRA Political Action Committee benefits the retail community by financially supporting retail-friendly candidates. By donating, we can make a significant impact on the success and sustainability of local shops, including your own. Our businesses are the heart and soul of our community, providing jobs and unique products, or services that we all need and love. Imagine the difference we can make by coming together and showing our support. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will go a long way in helping Michigan-based businesses live on. Not only will your contribution help fellow retailers, but it will also benefit future retail leaders. The Foundation’s scholarships aid the next generation of store owners and advocates, that will surely add to our thriving downtowns. Therefore, I encourage you to join me in contributing. Let’s band together as friends and neighbors in that we believe in each other’s dreams and want to see each of us succeed. Together, we can make a real difference in our own communities and strengthen the retail industry together. Thank you for considering these important causes. Your generosity will not go unnoticed. Warmest regards,
Bill Golden Chairman, Michigan Retailers Association Board of Directors President, Golden Shoes, Traverse City
Generous T h a n k yo u to o u r
2023 c on t r i b u to rs ! MRA ADVOCACY FUND Legends Detroit, Detroit Orin Jewelers, Inc., Northville
BUY NEARBY
Anthony G Michael, Flint Ball Park Hardware Inc., Grand Rapids Bell Tourist Ent Inc. dba Das Gift Haus, Sault Ste. Marie Bernard Jewelers, Dearborn Borr’s Bootery Inc., Holland Bridge Street Baby LLC, Rockford Canney’s Water Conditioning Inc., Kalamazoo Conklin Benham PC, Ann Arbor Connors Inc., St. Clair Shores Currie’s M-37 Furniture, Traverse City Danny’s Fine Foods, Monroe DeVries Jewelry Store Inc., Grand Rapids Farmington Shoe Repairs, Farmington Found, Ann Arbor Frontier Distributing Inc., Oxford Gemmen’s Inc., Hudsonville Harrison Lumber Co., Harrison Heydlauff’s Appliance, Chelsea Hi-Lite Super Market, Monroe Honor Hardware & Building Supply, Honor Hush Intimate Apparel LLC, Brighton Integrity Printing, Clare J & M Holdings Inc., Monroe Knutson Recreational Sales Inc., Brooklyn Linde Furniture, Cheboygan Linn & Owen Jewelers, Lansing Little Forks Outfitters Inc., Midland M Mazzoni Jewelers LLC, Farmington Mack-Alger Tire, St. Clair Shores Maloney Carpet Company, Lansing Marshall Music Company Inc., Lansing Mercuryhead Gallery, Grand Rapids Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage LLC, Mason Mieras Family Shoes Inc., Grand Rapids Nichols Ski & Sport Inc., Dearborn Nuechterlein’s Jewelry of Saginaw LLC, Saginaw Nystrom Harris PLLC, Troy Orchard Market, Spring Lake Packaging Corp of America, Edmore R & R Employment Group LLC, Albion Ravenna Lumber Co., Ravenna Roll Models Inc., Allen Park Sideways, Plymouth South Lyon Cycle & Sports Inc., South Lyon Susan’s Hallmark of Clarkston, Clarkston The Peacock Room, Detroit Tino’s Bar & Pizza Inc., Negaunee Warshawsky Insurance, West Bloomfield Winglemire Furniture Inc., Holly Woolybuggers, Gaylord
MICHIGAN RETAILERS FOUNDATION
Alma Heritage Dentistry, Alma Anthony G Michael, Flint Bell Tourist Ent Inc. dba Das Gift Haus, Sault Ste. Marie Borr’s Bootery Inc., Holland Bo Brines Burke & Hogan, Batavia, IL Canney’s Water Conditioning Inc., Kalamazoo Conklin Benham PC, Ann Arbor Currie’s M-37 Furniture, Traverse City DeVries Jewelry Store Inc., Grand Rapids Kim Edsenga Farmington Shoe Repairs, Farmington David Ford Found, Ann Arbor Andrew Gemmen Gemmen’s Inc., Hudsonville Bill Golden Green Magic Growers, Ann Arbor James P. Hallan Harrison Lumber Co., Harrison Heydlauff’s Appliance, Chelsea Hi-Lite Super Market, Monroe Honor Hardware & Building Supply, Honor Rachel Hurst Hush Intimate Apparel LLC, Brighton Jeff Joyce Becky Beauchine Kulka John Leppink Linde Furniture, Cheboygan Little Forks Outfitters Inc., Midland M Mazzoni Jewelers LLC, Farmington Maloney Carpet Company, Lansing Marshall Music Company Inc., Lansing Orin Mazzoni Joe McCurry Mercuryhead Gallery, Grand Rapids Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage LLC, Mason Mieras Family Shoes Inc., Grand Rapids Nuechterlein’s Jewelry of Saginaw LLC, Saginaw Nystrom Harris PLLC, Troy Packaging Corp of America, Edmore Rod Phillips R & R Employment Group LLC, Albion Ravenna Lumber Co., Ravenna Roll Models Inc., Allen Park Raeann Rouse Jean Sarasin Size Reduction Specialists/FBE Corp, East Lansing Susan’s Hallmark of Clarkston, Clarkston Joe Swanson Tino’s Bar & Pizza Inc., Negaunee Truck & Van Supplies, Zeeland Tom Ungrodt Village Market, Elk Rapids Winglemire Furniture Inc., Holly Wohlfeil Hardware & Tool Inc., Saginaw
MRA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Bo Brines Tom Clement Kurt Dettmer Amy Drumm Kim Edsenga David Ford Andrew Gemmen Bill Golden James P. Hallan William J. Hallan Rachel Hurst Amy Jolley Jeff Joyce Becky Beauchine Kulka John Leppink Dan Marshall Orin Mazzoni Joe McCurry Cheryl Medler Larry Meyer Ally Nemetz Rod Phillips Joseph Rahilly Raeann Rouse Burke Sage Jean Sarasin Larry Sherman
Chris Smith Peter Sobelton William Spreder Joseph Swanson Tom Tuggle Tom Ungrodt
CONTRIBUTE TO THESE GREAT CAUSES! MRA ADVOCACY FUND
Contributions to the fund can be made from business accounts and written off as a business expense. To contribute, mail a check made payable to “MRA.” In the notes line, indicate “MRA Advocacy Fund.” Mailing Address: Attn. Amy Drumm Michigan Retailers Association 603 S. Washington Ave. Lansing, MI 48933
BUY NEARBY
MICHIGAN RETAILERS FOUNDATION
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Michigan Retailer | 17
18 | Michigan Retailer
Emily Walters Joins MRA Sales Department
MEMBER NEWS
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch Named Employer of the Year West Michigan Works! recognized Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch as their 2023 Employer of the Year in mid-December. The MRA member, based in Ionia, helps introduce students to the agricultural industry and has an apprenticeship program through Montcalm Community College teaching necessary skills needed to repair equipment.
Grocers Fund Returns Over $709,000 to Members Members of the Michigan Grocers Fund continue to be rewarded for their workplace safety performance. For the 2024 policy year, the Fund was approved to distribute the $709,189 profit back to its members, bringing the total profits returned since 2014 to over $4 million.
MRA is happy to announce the hiring of Emily Walters as Business Development Representative, in our Northern Michigan Region. Walters, based in Traverse City, is a graduate of Central Michigan University. She previously was the lead property manager at Bayshore Vacation Rentals, overseeing a large portfolio in Northern Michigan. Walters will cover Michigan’s northern territory, including the following counties: Alcona, Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Baraga, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Iron, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Manistee, Marquette, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft, and Wexford. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time on the water, golfing, and enjoying the beauty of Northern Michigan! She is most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with the diverse array of retailers across Northern Michigan, collaborating and supporting their growth through our services.
Contact Information ewalters@retailers.com 517.326.0990
As a member-owned program, the Fund is committed to working with members to provide a safer workplace for their employees. Learn more at migrocersfund.org.
Polly’s Country Markets celebrates 90 Years Since 1934, Polly’s Country Market has dedicated themselves to better serve their communities. With seven locations across Jackson, Brooklyn, Chelsea, and Adrian, Polly’s specializes in high-quality products with low prices, and a friendly team of passionate employees. Polly’s Country Market became an MRA member in 2018 when the Michigan Grocers Association became a division of MRA.
Al & Pete’s Sport Shop Celebrates 50 Years Hasting’s own hunting and fishing supplies outlet is celebrating 50 years of business in 2024. Al & Pete’s Sport Shop specializes in archery and bow work, including changing strings, cables, and limbs. The store also sells fishing tackle and hunting supplies. The store has been a MRA member since 1978. Michigan Retailer | 19
MILESTONE MEMBERS
Thank you for your continued loyalty to Michigan Retailers Association!
25 YEARS
Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency, Flint Decors by Sandra Inc., Pentwater
10 YEARS Arthur G. Bowles Jr. DDS PC, Ann Arbor Coopersville Vision Center, Coopersville Dry Dock Beverages, Holland Herrington’s Waste Services Inc., Rockford New Hope Baptist Church, Grand Rapids Quisqueya Taxes, Grand Rapids Slick’s Motor Sports LLC, Dansville 20 | Michigan Retailer
HELLO
NEW MEMBERS All of us at MRA look forward to serving you! Rooks Landscaping Inc., Ada Discount Pest Control LLC, Algonac Bob Bissell Trucking LLC, Alma 26th Judicial Circuit Court, Alpena Barber Packaging Company, Bangor Gallagher Uniform, Battle Creek Northern Appraisal Company Inc., Bay City Crystal Falls MGFF LLC dba Crystal Falls Mini Golf, Benzonia Smokers Palace, Burton Framed By Mary LLC, Calumet Putnam’s Auto LLC, Carelton Mark Tool & Die Company, Inc. dba Mark Precision Tool & Engineering, Commerce Twp. Couturier Iron Craft Inc., Comstock Park Kevin Enterprise, Ferndale Lindzy’s Med Supply Station LLC, Flint The Flood Doctor LLC, Fraser M & R Undercar, Grand Rapids A Plus Eyes LLC, Grand Rapids MaxLiving Chiropractic 0168, Grand Rapids Home Heating & Cooling, Holland
Hoot and Honey Bookstore LLC, Manistee Superior Health Foundation, Marquette Countyline Potato Farms LLC, Martin Docks on Sundays Inc., Plainwell Accounting Alternatives Inc., Portage Stardust Liquor, Rochester Hills Sweepmaster - Ramzy Kizy, Rochester Hills The Bleu Slate, Rockford Cliff Esmond Sports, Rose City Saginaw Gold/Rockstar Opal, Saginaw Bellissima Spa and Wellness Center LLC, Saginaw TPI Powder Metallurgy Inc, Saint Charles Leitz Sports Center dba Heritage Outdoors, Sault Ste. Marie Concrete Cowboys LLC, South Lyon Alpha Custom Extrusion Inc., St. Louis Mibelloon Dairy LLC, St. Louis Sunshine Market SH, Sterling Heights Cee-Clean Window Cleaning Inc, Taylor
The Barry Group LLC, Holland
Trinity Lutheran Church of Traverse City, Traverse City
Euro Tech Automotive LLC dba Euro Tech of Holland, Holland
Sunshine Market Utica, Utica
Loy’s Detailing Services, LLC, Howell
KL Sweep and Masonry Solutions, Vassar
St Pius V School, Illinois
Atomic Labs LLC, Vassar
Tacos El Cunado Jenison LLC, Jenison
Bin Street LLC, Waterford
Cooper Foundry Inc., Kalamazoo Moneyball Sportswear, Lansing
Ram-Pak Industries LLC, Wyoming Bolton Septic LLC, Ypsilanti
Michigan Retailer | 21
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Every now and then, we stumble upon gems from our archives.
At Home for 25 Years Although the building we call MRA Headquarters has been standing for over 100 years, MRA officially moved in 25 years ago. In 1999, MRA purchased the Women’s Club and moving trucks transported members’ files, employee desks and chairs, and Association equipment across Lansing from 221 Pine St.
Many changes occurred in these past 25 years. Most notably from the photos, the parking lot that was once out front of the main entrance, was moved to the south side, and replaced with a lawn and walkway. Behind the doors, carpets, wallpaper, paint, fridges, and the like, have been updated and replaced as needed. The hardworking MRA team has grown
to 33 and still puts the needs of MRA members first. We’re happy to have reached a quartercentury serving our members at our home, 603 S. Washington Avenue, Lansing, and look forward to many more years being Michigan retailers’ go-to resource.
Left: Michigan Retailer, May 1998 (Vol. 23, No. 4) Below: Michigan Retailer, March 1999 (Vol. 24, No. 2)
Nominate a Michigan Centennial Retailer! 22 | Michigan Retailer
Retailers.com/ member-benefits/ member-recognition
3 4 5
SPRING
CALENDAR of events for 2024
At Home for 25 Years Although the building we call MRA Headquarters has been standing for over 100 years, MRA officially moved in 25 years ago. In 1999, MRA purchased the Women’s Club and moving trucks transported members’ files, employee desks and chairs, and Association equipment across Lansing from 221 Pine St.
MARCH
Many changes occurred in these past 25 years. Most notably from the photos, Michigan Craft Beverage Summit, Kalamazoo | Michigancraftbeverage.com 3-5 the parking lot that was once out front Michigan Downtown Association’s of5the main entrance, was moved to the Downtown Advocacy Day, Lansing | Michigandowntowns.com south-side, and replaced with a lawn and walk-way. Behind the doors, carpets, wallpaper, paint, fridges, and the like, have been updated and replaced as needed. The hardworking MRA team has grown to 33 and still puts the needs of MRA members first. 1 Deadline for Michigan Retailers Association Scholarships | Retailers.com/member-benefits/scholarship-program We’re happy to have reached a quarter8-10 Gaylord Giftmembers Show, Gaylord | Gaylordgiftshow.com century serving our at our home, 603 S. Washington Avenue, Lansing, and 8-10 Northern Michigan Gift Show | Gaylord Nmgiftshow.com look forward to many more years being 9 Michigan Travel Commission Michigan retailers’ go-to resource. Meeting, Kalamazoo | Michigan.org/industry/travel-commission
APRIL
9-11 Pure Michigan Tourism Conference, Kalamazoo | Visitmichigan.org 17 Lipari Food Show, Novi | Liparifoods.com/food-show
20-28 Michigan National Parks Week, Statewide 24 Michigan Retailers Association’s Capitol Day, Lansing
MAY
8 Michigan AgriTourism Summit, Traverse City | MiAgTourism.com 19-25 Michigan Travel & Tourism Week, Statewide 20 Michigan Cares for Tourism, Detroit | Michigancaresfortourism.com
20 TICOM National Travel & Tourism Week Press Conference, TBA | Mitourismcoalition.org
MICHIGAN RETAILER GOES WHERE YOU GO
603 South Washington Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48933 Phone: 517.372.5656 or 800.366.3699 Fax: 517.372.1303
Read Michigan Retailer on any mobile device and instantly share important insight with others. Retailers.com
Put the nation’s
largest state retail association to work for your business!
800.366.3699 • Retailers.com
Credit Card Processing
Buy Nearby and Shop Local Promotions
A Range of Insurance Offerings
Shipping Discounts
Advocacy in the Legislature
Free Labor Law Poster
Information to Keep You Informed
Scan Here to Learn More!