In early 2002, the international shipping company UPS rolled out a new marketing campaign with the tagline “What Can Brown Do for You?” The purpose was to highlight the breadth of their operations – that UPS did more than just deliver packages – they could solve logistical headaches for all types of business. I’d say the campaign was successful, since I still remember their tagline 21 years later.
As a member of Michigan Retailers Association, you may sometimes wonder what MRA can do for you. Instead of giving you a laundry list of our services, I’d like to highlight one that can sometimes be divisive: credit card surcharging.
Surcharging (the practice of passing credit card processing costs on to your customers) is still a long way from full industry penetration. Many merchants remain hesitant to pass the fees on, careful to avoid creating a negative customer experience. However, we could be on the cusp of a watershed moment for the industry. During the pandemic, merchants started testing the waters by adding convenience fees, delivery fees, and tipping prompts. The slow drip of added fees created a sense of numbness for credit card users. Now may be the time to dip your toe in the water if you’ve been contemplating surcharging as an option to offset your processing costs.
We know that surcharging is not for everyone – you know your customers the best and certainly aim to carefully control your customer experience. But if you’ve absolutely had it with credit card fees and margins are tight, give us a call at 517.372.5656 or visit our website at Retailers.com/surcharge-program. It’s time to find out what MRA can do for you.
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
D. Larry Sherman Board Member Emeritus
William J. Hallan President & CEO
John Leppink Leppink’s Food Centers, Belding
Kendra Patterson Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage, Mason
Joe Swanson Target, Retired
William J. Hallan Publisher
Andrea Bitely Editor
Rachel Schrauben Copy Editor and Content Manager
Josh Delany Design, Layout, and Photographer
Shandra Martinez Contributor
WILLIAM J. HALLAN MRA President and Chief Executive OfficerSchrauben at rschrauben@retailers.com
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
– Dr. Seuss
Michigan’s 1976 deposit law is older than I am and is poised to have a mid-life crisis. It’s overdue for reforms and we believe the answer is not expansion, but instead having a larger conversation on the state’s overall recycling goals. (Fun fact: the deposit law passed as an anti-litter law, it was not originally focused on recycling).
New legislation, SB 453 and HB 4904, will only exacerbate existing problems if made law. The current law operates inefficiently at high cost with minimal reimbursement to those running the system: retailers and distributors. During the pandemic, deposit container takeback was paused due to serious health and safety concerns for employees handling the dirty containers that come back primarily to grocery stores who must keep takeback areas clean to meet food safety standards.
When takeback was resumed, the system struggled to meet the increased volume. Retailers were over capacity, and distributors couldn’t keep up either. That experience pales in comparison to the volume that would happen under the proposed expansion if deposits are added to water, wine, and other non-milk beverages.
Michigan is the only state with a deposit law that does not have any state-run return locations. Retailers are required to accept containers, yet the law siphons off 75% of the unclaimed deposits to fund bureaucratic staff who oversee environmental cleanup of contaminated orphan sites. If Michigan truly believes in the importance of recycling, then it should fund the program, as other states do, and invest in more efficient collection methods.
These proposed bills attempt to put a band-aid on the real challenges Michigan needs to address related to our overall recycling and waste management. It keeps us stuck looking at this issue through only the deposit law lens rather than thinking broader to how we can improve Michigan’s dismal overall recycling rate. Our 21% rate is substantially lower than the nationwide average of 32% and is lower than our neighboring states, none of whom have a deposit law on the books.
Let’s have a broader conversation and focus on education and uniform recycling standards, building recycling markets, and improving commercial recycling options – letting the 2022 passed reforms take effect, rather than putting additional and unrealistic burdens on your local grocery store.
With few exceptions, workers’ compensation insurance is legally required. So rather than bemoaning premium costs, you should work to control them. In addition to safety training to prevent injuries, two of the best ways to control premium costs are to report claims in a timely fashion and to thoroughly investigate any alleged injuries.
Prompt reporting has been the subject of many prior articles in the Retailer and information provided by Retailers Insurance Company. In short, report an injury as soon as you are aware of it so treatment, healing, and return to work can occur as soon as possible. You should also require your employees to report any workplace injuries as soon as they occur. Wage loss benefits begin after an employee is unable to work for seven days and are retroactive to day one if the disability lasts 14 days or longer. The sooner your provider can offer treatment and suitable return to work options, the less potential impact on your future premiums.
Equally as important to prompt reporting, it is critical to conduct a timely investigation into any claimed injuries and report all useful information to your claims administrator. A proper investigation gathers and documents information surrounding the injury and its cause, and provides relevant employment history. Of course, the first consideration following a workplace injury is immediately securing any necessary medical attention. Once this first step is complete, you can and should commence with an investigation. Primary considerations include interviewing the injured party and any eyewitnesses to the incident, having the employee describe their specific injury as best they can, and collecting any video or other documented evidence. You should also gather the employee’s relevant employment information, much of which you should already have in a personnel file. This includes date of hire, prior injuries, illnesses and discipline, job description, and any potential suitable alternatives to their existing position.
A thorough investigation by the employer on the front end means less time the claims administrator has to spend doing this work on their own and the sooner they can get the claimant proper treatment and back to work. These efforts can help minimize impact on premium following a claim.
In addition to great rates, Retailers Insurance Company prides itself on excellent customer service in order to help minimize claims exposure. If you are not already a policyholder, we invite you to learn about our services and obtain a quote through one of our independent agents.
Being featured in a local newspaper, magazine, or on radio or television is a great way to get free advertising, but when it comes out of the blue, it can be a bit nerve-wracking.
So what do you do when that call comes? First, listen to or read the reporter’s message. Most journalists are honest with why they want to talk to you, and unless you are aware of a negative situation, it most likely will result in an opportunity to highlight your business.
Make the Call. Responding to the journalist is a great opportunity to find out if there is more to what they are asking, or to make a plan to talk. Ask the reporter for the topic of the interview, whether it will be recorded, filmed or photographed, and suggest a time that works best for you.
Preparing for the Interview. Depending on the format of the interview, preparation can be a little different. One thing that all interviews have in common: you and your business. Only talk about what you know, don’t make guesses or suggestions about other businesses. If you are taking part in a radio interview, make sure to have a glass of water handy. If it is a television interview, dress in clothes that are comfortable and match the look of your business, you should avoid wearing another company’s logo or a busy print.
During the Interview. Depending on the topic of the interview, you might provide a brief tour of your business or it may be a seated discussion. If you don’t understand a question, ask the reporter for clarification. It doesn’t help the reporter publish their story if your answer doesn’t make sense. As challenging as it might be, try to stay calm!
After the Interview. Watch, read or listen to the news story. Or have a friend or relative take a look. Then, share the story! It’s not often that a business has an opportunity to be featured as part of local news - take advantage!
As always, MRA is here to help with marketing and communications questions. Reach out to me directly at abitely@retailers.com
The Floorcovering Association of Michigan became affiliated with Michigan Retailers Association in 1959. Over time, the name was changed to the Michigan Floor Covering Association.
The Michigan Floor Covering Association officially became a division of MRA in April 1998.
Scan below to get to know our other divisions:
In July, the National Retail Federation (NRF) released their anticipated back-toschool spending data with big numbers - their economists expect spending to reach a record $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion in 2022 and the previous record high of $37.1 billion in 2021.
To break those large numbers down by household, the NRF expects each household to dish out $890.07 on backto-school shopping, up from $864.35 in 2022, a previous record.
$890.07 (expected in 2023)
$864.35 (avg. spent in 2022)
Top spending amounts per category in 2023 set all-time records
• $15.2 billion on Electronics and computer-related equipment, versus $12.5 billion in 2022
• $12 billion on clothing and accessories, excluding shoes, versus $11.2B in 2022
• $7.8 billion on shoes, versus $7.2 billion in 2022
$890.07 (expected in 2023)
• $6.5 billion on school supplies, versus 6 billion in 2022
2023 (predicted) 2022
NRF’s survey also includes data on back-to-college spending, which is expected to hit $94 billion, up nearly $20 billion over 2022’s record year of $73.9 billion.
The NRF anticipates per household spending on back-tocollege to come in at $1,366.95, up from 2022’s $1,199.42 and 2021’s record-high of $1,200.32.
According to the NRF survey, as of early July, 55% of consumers shopping for back-to-class said they’ve already started. This is similar to 2022, but up from 44% in 2019. While consumers report they have started shopping early, as of early July, 85% said they still have at least half of their shopping left to do.
Percentage of national consumers who say they have already started their back-to-school shopping.
According to the Michigan Retail Index survey, done in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Detroit branch, the June Retail Index survey came in at 56.0, an increase over May’s 50.7. Half (50%) of Michigan retailers surveyed reported a sales increase over May. Thirty-four percent (34%) noted a decrease, and 16% reported no change. The 100-point Index provides a snapshot of the state’s overall retail industry. Index values above 50 generally indicate positive activity, the higher the number, the stronger the activity.
Share your data with us by scanning the QR code:
Fifty-three percent (53%) of retailers predict their sales will continue to rise through September, and 13% said they expect their sales to decline. Thirty-four percent (34%) anticipate no change. That results in a 78.0 Index rating, a significant rise from last month’s prediction Index rating of 66.7.
FFor a century, V & A Bootery has been outfitting customers with shoes. Footwear that their customers have worn to work, on errands around town, on local trails, and everywhere in between. For 50 of those years, William “Bill” Van Dis has been part of the retailer’s success.
When he started in the business, he was two years younger than his namesake grandfather was when he co-founded the store in 1923 at age 26. At that time, William and his employer, Fred Appledoorn, partnered on a new store to sell shoes at a higher price point – $5 to $8 – than Appledoorn’s store sold.
They opened the store on 202 S. Burdick St. in downtown Kalamazoo. When the Great Depression hit, William bought out his partners. After World War II, he was joined by the next generation of the Van Dis family, his two sons and a nephew. The second generation retired in the ‘90s, handing the business to Van Dis. He joined in 1973 after graduating from college and became company president in the 1980s.
Although Van Dis grew up spending time with his grandfather, he didn’t get to work directly with him.
“Today we still embody his legacy and values,” Van Dis said. “Meeting customer needs is very important to us, as is our honesty and integrity, and having the right products and the right people. We emphasize customer needs and not sales as much, because the sales will take care of themselves.”
If the Great Depression was the biggest challenge for the family business in the 20th century, the pandemic might be remembered as the most harrowing of the 21st century.
“COVID was the scariest event that happened to us,” Van Dis said. “We had to close for 12 weeks in 2020. We lost our full spring selling season, which was very difficult. It took us another year and a half to work out of that. The following spring, we hardly bought anything because we really had enough inventory left over.”
As the store heads into the next century, Van Dis is turning over the reins to his son, Dan, 42. Bill will retire next year, but not before guiding the company through some significant changes.
This summer, the company announced
the flagship location in downtown Kalamazoo will close, as the business expands its 5,000-square-foot store at Southland Mall in Portage. In the fall, a new 2,000-square-foot Mitten Running Company store will open next door, with the theme “Walk. Run. Live.” The stores will have separate entrances but will share a backroom. A walk-through connecting the stores will make it easy for shoppers to explore both.
Over the decades, the store’s inventory has shifted. Shelves are now stocked with brands known for comfort: Birkenstock, ECCO, Keen, Merrill, On, Hoka and Clarks. The shift to casual began in the ‘80s and the ‘90s, as jeans became a bigger part of people’s wardrobes. Athletic shoe sales have risen to 35% of overall sales over the last decade.
“We saw a bigger jump during the pandemic, and it has stayed and continued to rise incrementally. I think it’s because more people are working remotely and office dress codes have gotten more casual since COVID,” said Dan Van Dis. “Because they are so comfortable, once you get used to sneakers, it’s hard to go back to traditional dress shoes on a day-to-day basis.”
In 2017, V & A Bootery expanded with the acquisition of Okun Brothers Shoes, a legacy shoe retailer in downtown Kalamazoo known for work boots.
“In the shoe business, meeting people’s needs raises the level of what you’re doing. When somebody comes in and they have a minor foot problem or plantar fasciitis, and you can solve that, it’s a great thing,” Van Dis said. “We’ve changed our product mix over the years to reflect the changing lifestyles of people.”
V & A Bootery has been a member of the Michigan Retailers Association since the 1960s. From his earliest years in the business, Van Dis can remember attending educational seminars in Lansing, led by retail consultants.
“We’ve attended a lot of MRA events,” said Van Dis. “We had a Buy Nearby event here a couple of years ago, where (then-MRA CEO) Jim Hallan came down and led a press conference. The Michigan Retailer’s worker’s compensation fund has been very beneficial to us over the years. We were an early adopter of that.”
During the early 2010’s, retail was feeling the brunt of the Great Recession. Sales were down and Main Streets were hurting. Michigan retailers, as a whole, are creative and gifted marketers, finding unique ways to promote their own businesses during all the highs and lows that the economy creates. But a little help from a friend never hurts.
In swooped our Champion of Buy Nearby, Barb Stein, ready to help MRA promote Michigan’s downtowns. As the Chair of the inaugural Buy Nearby Committee, Barb led the charge to make the Buy Nearby campaign and mascot Buy Nearby Guy a reality.
Stein owned and operated Rockford’s Great Northern Trading Co. for 43 years, learning the ins and outs of finding just a few more customers to keep a business open and thriving.
MRA was proud to acknowledge Stein’s incredible contribution to the Buy Nearby campaign at the most recent Board meeting, officially being named MRA’s Buy Nearby Champion.
“Ten years ago when Buy Nearby was created, I remember that our goal was to make MRA more visible in their support of small businesses across the state and I believe that continues to be the ultimate goal today,” Stein said via email. “I was totally surprised to receive the award and very flattered, but I was only the chairman of the committee whose members ALL contributed to Buy Nearby’s success.”
Stein recommends small business owners get involved in their local communities.
“Get to know your local officials and state government officials and volunteer to serve on your local DDA or Economic Development Committee and most importantly, get to know your local neighborhood business owners. You all can help each other so much.”
To learn more about how you can play a role in Buy Nearby, visit BuyNearbyMI.com
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EXCEPTIONAL CREDIT CARD PROCESSING!
The best of fall time is around the corner in the place where apples love to grow!Barb Stein poses with MRA President and CEO, Bill Hallan.
Michigan retail food businesses are presented with several challenges when it comes to ensuring customers purchase safe food products. Two topics we frequently see creating risk for consumers in retail establishments are unapproved food product and adverse events. Taking steps to prepare for, and avoid, these risks can help prevent stores from selling unsafe food products.
Disasters can strike without notice at any time of year. Planning and preparation can help reduce risk and minimize damage and can also help speed up response time and recovery efforts. All these things can affect your business’ bottom line.
Food from unapproved suppliers is another risk that seems to be trending right now. According to the Centers for Disease Control, food from unapproved sources is one of the top causes of foodborne illness. Consequently, all foods sold, served, or used as ingredients must come from “approved” sources. This usually means the supplier is licensed and/or inspected by local, state, or federal regulators.
To help verify the source of foods received, you should have procedures to address the following:
• Before dealing with a vendor for the first time, ask for a current food license or inspection.
• Refuse homemade foods, including cottage foods, for your retail establishment.
• Ask where they make and sell their product or how long they’ve been in business.
• Examine label and package for home-made signs (e.g., homecanning jars, smudged ink, printed on common address labels, missing ingredient list or lot code, etc.).
• Be wary of buying food from social media marketplace or auction sites.
• Make sure suppliers provide an invoice with business name, a list of products delivered, service date, and other similar information; and keep records.
• Question deliveries that occur at odd hours, inconsistently or from non-commercial vehicles.
• If it’s too good to believe, then question it (e.g., bargain prices, health-claims, or other novel claims).
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/mdard/food-dairy or contact your area inspector.
Gov. Whitmer signs PREP Act into law
Gov. Whitmer signed SB 219 into law on July 18 as Public Act 97 of 2023, codifying the Federal PREP Act allowances granting pharmacists independent authority to order and administer vaccines, as well as delegate that administration to pharmacy technicians. The new law also grants the ability to independently order and administer tests for COVID, flu, or a respiratory infection.
Pharmacists must now report all vaccinations administered for all ages to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) and let patients know about potential qualification under the Vaccines for Children Program for vaccines administered to patients under the age of 19. The law does not impact existing or future collaborative practice agreements or the services and care provided under those agreements. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who wish to administer vaccines and testing under independent authority must follow board-approved training but may continue to provide those services until rules are finalized.
New Pharmacy Continuing Education
effective as of June 26, 2023. A list of the notable changes is below.
The new rules:
• Adds continuing education credit for attending a Board of Pharmacy meeting or subcommittee meeting.
• Limits the continuing education credit to 2 hours each license cycle for presenting an approved continuing education program that is not a part of the licensee’s regular job description.
• Minimizes the continuing education review standards.
• Requires a course related to health care services, pharmacy operations, or the advancement of the licensee’s pharmacy education.
• Clarifies the continuing education requirements, including the requirement for 1 hour of continuing education in pharmacy ethics and pharmacy law.
Scan here to view the full revised Pharmacy Continuing Education Rules.
WIC
Enfamil AR availability is expected to ebb and flow throughout the remainder of the year. With reported outages of the 12.9 oz size throughout the state, Michigan WIC has temporarily reactivated the 19.5 oz size of Enfamil AR for redemption when the 12.9 oz size is unavailable. WIC families assigned an ENFAMIL AR 12.9 OZ PWD food package can redeem either:
Enfamil AR 12.9 oz (Counts as one can)
UPC: 300870201423
Enfamil AR 19.5 oz (Counts as 1.5 cans)
UPC: 300870201652
Successful redemption of the Enfamil AR in the 19.5 oz can is contingent upon the vendor having downloaded the latest Approved Product List (APL).
To receive the latest version of the APL, you may follow the instructions below based on your store’s point-ofsale (POS) system:
• Integrated POS system: You may update your POS system by contacting your point-of-sale (POS) provider. Michigan Retailers Services may be able to assist.
• FIS-issued stand beside WIC POS device: Your machine should automatically receive the update.
Oct. 31 – Nursery Dealer and Growers Licenses expire
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)
Unemployment Employer’s Quarterly Wage/Tax Reports (April 25, July 25, Oct. 25, Jan. 25).
MRA’s annual scholarship competition is awarding 12 college students with scholarships totaling $42,000 for the 2023-24 academic year. The awards are funded by the Michigan Retailers
To be eligible, recipients must be an employee of a MRA member business or the dependent of an owner or employee of a member business. Students apply between January 1 and April
Lauren DeVree, Hudsonville Big Lake Promotions, Hudsonville
Jacob Flickinger, Grand Rapids Meijer, Grand Rapids
*Made possible by donations from: Jeff and Doreen Joyce; Nathan Rosenfeld, and Andrew Gemmen
*Established by Peter Sobelton and family, Barbara and Douglas Stranahan
Trine University, Physical Therapy, Freshman
Grand Valley State University, Accounting, Senior
Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship
Raymond A. and Mildred C. Sobelton Platinum Legacy Scholarship
Lily Deja, Mount Pleasant Scotland Oil, Alma
* Established by D. Larry Sherman
Western Michigan University, Business, Freshman
D. Larry Sherman Platinum Legacy Scholarship
Luca Freise, Novi Kroger Co., South Lyon
Grand Valley State University, Mechanical Engineering, Freshman
Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship
* Made possible by donations from: Mark Schrag and friends, Orin and Tina Mazzoni and Family
Shambhabi Gautam, Grand Rapids Meijer, Grand Rapids
*Established by Jim and Kathy Walsh.
Max McCumber, Cadillac Johnson Insurance Agency Inc., Cadillac
University of Michigan, Biomedical Engineering, Freshman
Walsh Family Platinum Legacy Scholarship
University of Michigan, Architecture, Freshman
Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship
*Made possible by donations from: Jean and Thomas Sarasin, Kenneth A. and Margaret Schwark, and Becky Beauchine Kulka
Marlee Remenap, Grandville Chelsea Marketing DBA Bob’s Bar, Grand Rapids
*Established by Joseph McCurry
Molly Ritchie, Traverse City Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, Traverse City
Central Michigan University, Elementary Education, Junior Helen McCurry Platinum Legacy Scholarship
Hope College, Nursing, Freshman
Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship
*Made possible by donations from: Bill Golden, Bruce and Joyce M. Rogers, and Dan Marshall
Alexis Rose, Ypsilanti Bank of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor
University of Cincinnati, Nursing, Freshman
Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship
*Made possible by donations from: Barb Stein, John Mayleben, Bo Brines and Family
Alexander Sterling, Farmington Hills Busch’s Fresh Food Market, West Bloomfield
University of Notre Dame, Physics, Junior Paul M. Felice and Al Kessel Platinum Legacy Scholarship
*Established in honor of Paul M. Felice and Albert “Al” Kessel, Jr
Jacob Willis, Levering North Central Michigan College, Petoskey
Michigan Technological University, Mechanical Engineering, Freshman
Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship
*Made possible by donations from: Rodney and Judy Phillips, Thomas Ungrodt, and Larry and Gail Meyer
The 2023-2024 scholarship competition will begin January 1, 2024 and run until April 1, 2024. Materials will be mailed to MRA members in the first week of 2024,
following New Year’s Day. For more information regarding our scholarship competition, follow our MRA Facebook page at fb.com/MichiganRetailers.
Buy Nearby Weekend, the annual celebration of retailers across Michigan will take place on Oct. 6-8! Make sure you have everything you need to encourage shoppers to stop in and shop ‘til they drop.
Michigan Retailers Association is once again offering free packets of Buy Nearby materials to help promote the annual weekend in your store.
What’s included:
• Buy Nearby Infographic
• Window Decal
• Buy Nearby Weekend Table-Tents
• Coloring Contest Sheets
• Buy Nearby Magnet
Use the QR code to request a packet:
Packets will be mailed in late September.
Deadline to order: Sept. 24.
• Post your Buy Nearby Weekend specials/promotions
• Invite your loyal shoppers
• Share the event on your social pages to spread the news
Ages 10-12
• Ages 13 and up
The image with the most votes in each category will win a spot in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of the Michigan Retailer magazine.
Scan the QR codes to download a copy of the coloring page and learn more:
Downloadable materials and images have been compiled in a media kit to promote Buy Nearby Weekend on your social media, website, eNews, etc.
Michigan Retailers Association is expecting updated Economic Impact statistics, in mid-August, and they will be added to the Media Kit when available. Data will be gathered from Public Sector Consultants, based in Lansing.
We wouldn’t be able to celebrate without you! Please consider donating to the campaign and help the Buy Nearby program continue forward. Your generous contribution will help future retailers have access to free materials and information to encourage their shoppers to #buynearbymi.
Donate online by going to shop retailers.com/product-tag/buy nearby-donation or scan the QR code:
Download images to use by scanning the QR code:
Member Perk: MRA members that request packets will be added to the Participating in Buy Nearby Map located on the Buy Nearby website. This map will be used to encourage shoppers to visit the MRA members stores before, during, and after Buy Nearby Weekend.
NEW Member Perk: MRA members participating in Buy Nearby Weekend will also be added into a random drawing for a $50 gift card. A winner will be selected on Oct. 9, and announced on social media after notification.
To join MRA and find yourself on the map (and in the random gift card drawing), after requesting a packet, visit Retailers.com/product membership.
If you prefer to make a donation by mail, please mail a check to:
Attn. Buy Nearby Campaign 603 S. Washington Ave. Lansing, MI 48933
Financial details and a comprehensive list of assets and equipment will be made available to serious inquiries upon request.
The competitive asking price for the sale of Danny’s Fine Foods includes the business, equipment, and goodwill.
W. Bruce Rogers, 81 of Traverse City passed away on June 14, 2023
Rogers was a longtime retail advocate. His retail career began in the 1960s as a traveling salesman selling women’s apparel to stores like Jacobson’s. In 1972, he bought Bartling’s, a popular women’s clothing store on Traverse City’s Front Street. He owned and operated the store until 2001.
Rogers served on the boards of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority, Traverse City State Bank, the National Cherry Festival and Rotary Charities.
He also served on the Michigan Retailers Association Board of Directors and was Board Chair for two years. Rogers was a loyal contributor to the MRA Foundation and helped to establish a Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship.
His funeral will take place on August 26 at the First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City.
Read the full obituary at: Reynolds-jonkhoff.com/obituaries/WBruce-Rogers
For over 80 years, Danny’s Fine Foods stores have been a cornerstone of Monroe, offering a personal and old-fashioned over-the-counter service, along with a reputation for exceptional quality and customer care. From the full-service delis and butcher shops to the fresh produce, opportunity awaits a new owner with the sale of Danny’s Fine Foods and Danny’s Fine Foods II.
Key Features:
• Prime Location: Situated in the heart of Monroe, Danny’s Fine Foods enjoys high visibility and a steady flow of foot traffic. The stores are conveniently located near major roadways, neighborhoods, and the Promedica Hospital System, attracting both local patrons and tourists.
• Specialty Foods: Danny’s Fine Foods is renowned for its diverse options behind the counter, featuring beef, lamb, veal, pork, and poultry. Danny’s mix of freshly sliced meats and cheeses, salads and spreads, have also become staples of the area.
• Established Customer Base: Over the years, Danny’s Fine Foods has cultivated a loyal customer base that appreciates the stores’ commitment to high-quality cuisine and service. With a reputation for consistency and excellence, these stores enjoy a steady stream of repeat customers and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Ninety days prior to policy renewal date, policyholders will receive a payroll verification form in the mail. This form includes expiring payrolls and class codes necessary for review.
In order to avoid large audit swings, it’s important to accurately estimate any payroll updates in order for the renewal policy to be quoted with the correct payroll information.
Additionally, the insured should review their address and entity information on the verification form to ensure everything is accurate.
Policyholders can return the form in the mail using the envelope provided or can scan a copy to Justine Rodabaugh, RIC Manager, Operations, at jrodabaugh@retailers.com
Have a question? Contact RIC’s Justine Rodabaugh at jrodabaugh@retailers.com.
All aboard the Brink’s Ice Cream Express! Brink’s Ice Cream Express, located in the heart of Caledonia, unveiled the trainthemed mural in early-June. The mural, completed by artist Richard Francisco, is located on the shop’s patio.
Brink’s Ice Cream Express, located in the heart of Caledonia, has been a member of MRA since 2017. Their menu includes softserve, hand-scooped ice cream, frozen yogurt, and lunch/dinner options, such as burgers, sandwiches and wraps, and salads. Brink’s also offers gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Orin Jewelers in Northville celebrates their 90th Anniversary in 2023! The store held a special event during their Orin Rocks Block Party with live music, face painting, balloon artists, and raffled-off jewelry pieces.
Orin Jewelers has been a member of MRA since 1977. Orin Jewelers is 3rd-generation family owned and operated. They are committed to providing the highest quality in jewelry, custom design, and jewelry repair. Their goal is to provide every customer with an outstanding experience from their knowledgeable and friendly team.
Orin Jewelers President, Orin Mazzoni Jr., currently serves on the MRA Board of Directors.
All of us at MRA look forward to serving you!
Material Transfer & Storage Inc., Allegan
Thunder Bay Transportation
Authority, Alpena
EWF Solutions LLC, Ann Arbor
Monahan’s Seafood, Ann Arbor
United Steel Workers of America
Local 15157, Bay City
Father & Son Inc., Berkley
Ion Diagnostics, Bingham Farms
UP Products LLC, Byron Center
Legacy Couriers Inc., Canton
Clarksville Feed Store LLC, Clarksville
Broadhead & Bullets LLC, Coldwater
Hampton Inn Northville, Commerce Township
Detroit Second Chance Inc., Ecorse
Beishlag Welding LLC, Elmira
Brian’s House, Essexville
13 Stephenson LLC, Farmington Hills
Yosif Debesh, Farmington Hills
Macs Landing Veterinary Services, Fennville
Ciao Fenton LLC, Fenton
Stoberlin LLC, Fife Lake
Fluidyne Fluid Power Inc., Fraser
Greens Harvest LLC, Grand Junction
Mervolous Inc. dba The Pubb, Grand Rapids
Beyond26 Inc., Grandville
Sands Speedway, Gwinn
Cross and Lincoln Woodworks, Hemlock
Hesperia Sport Shop Inc., Hesperia
Pamela Kimber, Holland
The Flooring House LLC, Holland
Dutch Delite Bakery, Holland
Apex Controls LLC, Hudsonville
Vienna’s Spot Bar & Grill LLC, Johannesburg
Luminous Nails, Kalamazoo
Wetterfrosch Farm Tools LLC, Kalamazoo
Bimini Brothers Inc. dba The Rosin Lab, Kalkaska
Bare Bliss, Lansing
Bolt Logistics LLC, Lansing
Mediteran Cafe, Lansing
Depot Provisionary Center LLC, Leslie
Standard Die International Inc., Livonia
Broad Spectrum Services, Ludington
Irongear Towing & Recovery, Luther Recovery Cleaners Inc., Madison Heights
K & S Underground LLC, Midland
Jump Entertainment LLC dba The Jump Station, Mount Pleasant
Christian Care Assisted Living, Muskegon
New Buffalo Hospitality Inc. dba
Baymont Inn, New Buffalo
Edgewood Motel Inc. dba Quality Inn, New Buffalo
Aurora Business Solutions LLC, New Hampshire
Jewelry Designs LLC, Oak Park
Jomagrha Vineyards, Pentwater
Valley Family Church, Portage
Rapid River Pub, Rapid River
Bauer & Sons Inc., Reese
W L Case & Co, Saginaw
Comfort Care Senior Living LLC, Saginaw
MG Concepts LLC dba Mr G’s Chophouse, Shelby Twp
Olive Cart, South Haven
Atlantic Keys Logistics LLC, Southfield
Rare Co LLC dba Robusto’s Cigar Bar & Bistro, Sterling Heights
JLM3 Holdings LLC dba Nu
New York Deli, Sterling Heights
Bashar Qoda, Sterling Heights
Randy’s Farm Market & Greenhouse LLC, Temperance
Pete’s Custom Concrete Inc., Traverse City
Northern Michigan Diesel Service Inc., Traverse City
Sweet Tartlette LLC, Traverse City
Los Comal3s LLC, Traverse City
What To Wear Inc. dba Liana’s, Traverse City
TC Mirror & Shower Door Inc., Traverse City
Legacy Aviation Learning Center, Traverse City
G & A Cleaning Inc., Warren
Bob’s Body Shop Inc., Whitmore Lake
Intricate Design Building & Remodeling, Wyoming
