William J. Hallan President & CEO of Michigan Retailers Association
As we emerge from the darkness of winter into a very welcome and early spring, I am reminded of a common biblical verse: “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.” As the gray skies part and the sun peeks out, it’s not just daffodils poking through the ground that we see, but orange construction barrels. Just recently, the Michigan Department of Transportation commenced a major renovation of I-496 in Lansing, which will be a significant inconvenience for the next couple of years. Your MRA team members are currently navigating back roads that are scattered with potholes to report for in-person duty at our world headquarters in Lansing.
Many of our members know this feeling. In fact, our local roads are in worse shape than our interstates, so they need attention the most. But when a local township or city decides to tear up a downtown artery or fix an important intersection, it can have a devastating impact on nearby retailers.
Over the years, I’ve talked with many of our members who have muddled (or suffered) through construction right in front of their store that lasts forever. “We’re open” signs and Facebook posts notifying customers about alternative routes can only do so much.
Pulling from Persian origins is another timely proverb: “this too shall pass.” Eventually, the construction will end, and the improved infrastructure will benefit the community.
While the team at MRA may not be able to eliminate construction affecting your store, if there is other government red tape you’re dealing with, do not hesitate to reach out to askusfirst@retailers.com. We’ll roll up our sleeves and get to work 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 MRA President and Chief Executive OfficerWilliam 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
William J. Hallan
Publisher
Andrea Bitely Editor
Rachel Schrauben
Copy Editor and Content Manager
Josh Delany
Design, Layout, and Photographer
Shandra Martinez Contributor
“How lucky am I to be doing the same thing that my grandfather did, that my dad did, and now it is my turn. It’s a true blessing!” – Marilyn Swift,
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MRA’s second annual Capitol Day is fast approaching, Wednesday, April 24, and we’re excited to build on last year’s event with more retailers meeting with key legislators.
Capitol Day participants will meet in small groups directly with legislators to tell their story. Participants will be invited to share information about their business, challenges and frustrations, and what it’s like being a retailer in 2024. Each group will meet with several legislative offices and be accompanied by an experienced guide. After meetings conclude, everyone is invited to attend MRA’s legislative reception.
Can’t come to Lansing on April 24? Invite Lansing to come to you.
Most lawmakers host local office hours or coffee hours to connect directly with residents. Find out who your elected officials are (use the QR codes on page 15 or visit our website), get on their email and/or mailing list, and pay attention to when they’ll be in your area. Be sure to look up both the elected officials who represent your home and each business location, as they may be different.
Better yet, reach out and invite them to visit your store or business so you can show, not just tell them, about the important role you play in the community. Seeing is believing and it will help them feel the excitement (and sometimes frustration) you have as a business owner. Employees will also have an opportunity to meet their officials and share their perspective and experience working in retail.
And while you’re on a roll, why stop with your state legislators? Invite your federal representative in Congress and your local county/city/township officials to stop by as well. Politics is about building relationships and knowing who to call – both when you have a problem and need help, and also for lawmakers to know where to find feedback as they consider policy changes.
MRA speaks on behalf of the industry as a whole and keeps an eye on things when you can’t be there yourself, but only you can speak up for your business and share your personal story. I promise, it’s one they’ll want to hear and it’s worth telling.
Check washing is a criminal activity involving the chemical removal of ink from legitimately-issued financial instruments and re-drafting those instruments for a fraudulent purpose. Interestingly, while check writing is way down, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported in 2023 that check fraud has more than doubled over the past three years, with check washing a significant contributor. There are many reasons for this, including the low-tech nature of paper checks and the simplicity of ink removal.
There are a number of ways you can protect yourself from fraudulent check washing. Most importantly: regularly monitoring your accounts. In the course of reviewing all checks that have been cashed, you should verify both the amount and the payee. Oftentimes, with a high dollar check, scammers will only change the payee, making it less likely for the drawer to notice the change. In addition to regularly monitoring your accounts you should only deposit outgoing mail in an inaccessible collection box, collect your mail immediately after it is delivered, and never leave mail in your mailbox overnight. Further, new checks should be picked up at the bank rather than having them mailed to you, never throw checks away without first shredding, and, perhaps the most effective precaution, utilize online payments.
In the event that you become a victim of check washing, you should report it to your bank immediately. While there will be significant hassle with closing the affected account, opening a new account, ordering new checks, etc., there is a good chance you can recoup the stolen funds. MCL 440.4401(1) provides that “{a} bank may charge against the account of a customer an item that is properly payable from that account even though the charge creates an overdraft. An item is properly payable if it is authorized by the customer and is in accordance with any agreement between the customer and bank.” Courts have interpreted this statute to create an implied rule that banks may not charge against a check that has been altered and, if they do, they bear responsibility to make the customer whole. While there are exceptions to this implied rule, primarily where the account holder substantially contributes to the alteration or fails to report in a timely manner, the general rule does provide welcome protection.
Writer’s Note: I developed my column with assistance from ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a free-to-use AI system that can create engaging conversations, gain insights, automate tasks, and witness the future of AI, all in one place.
Retailers can leverage AI for marketing in several ways to enhance customer experiences, drive sales, and increase profitability. One key application of AI in marketing for retailers is customer segmentation and personalization. AI algorithms can quickly analyze vast amounts of sales data to identify patterns and segment audiences based on demographics, behavior, and preferences. Retailers can then use this information to tailor social media posts, product recommendations, and promotions to individual customers, increasing relevance and effectiveness.
Another critical use of AI in retail marketing is predictive analytics. By analyzing historical data and real-time interactions, AI algorithms can also help retailers predict what products will sell and at what rate they will move. This enables retailers to anticipate customer needs and preferences, proactively tailor marketing strategies, and optimize inventory management and pricing strategies for higher profit.
AI-powered recommendation engines are also valuable tools for retailers, providing personalized product recommendations, upsells, and cross-sells based on customer behavior and preferences. These recommendation engines enhance the shopping experience, increase average order value, and foster customer loyalty.
Keep in mind, using AI doesn’t mean you can drop the text directly into your marketing materials without reading it. I strongly encourage you to take the words and phrases it delivers and make sure they are accurate, up-to-date and reflect reality. AI tools can only work with the information they are given, so ensure you are giving it accurate data to learn from.
AI offers retailers powerful tools for enhancing marketing efforts, from customer segmentation and personalization to predictive analytics, recommendation engines, and chatbots. By leveraging AI technologies, retailers can create seamless, personalized experiences that drive sales and foster longterm customer relationships.
Rockford’s popular deli, bakery, roastery, store, and restaurant was recently named as Michigan’s Best Small Town Restaurant by Taste of Home. The award-winning eatery has been serving the locals - and traveling fans - for over 120 years.
Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe, a destination for their famous Pinconning Cheese, turns 85 in 2024. The store’s original owners, Inez and Lawrence Horn, first opened in 1939, and were a monumental force in recognizing Pinconning as the “Cheese Capital of Michigan.”
In addition to their classic cheeses, artisan imported cheeses, homemade cheese spreads, creamy fudge, savory smoked fish and meats, specialty condiments, baked goods, and more can be found on their menu and online catalog.
Seventy-five years ago, Marshall Cooper opened Cooper’s Jewelry in downtown Brighton. In 1971, the business was purchased by Keith Binkley. The business was passed once more in 1992 to Keith’s son Mark and wife, Barbara. In 2000 the couple demolished the old building to expand and rebuild and they renamed the business to Cooper & Binkley Jewelers.
In 1984 Juliane Anderson opened her dream store, Threadbender Yarn Shop & Gallery. Years later, Juliane was ready to retire and her daughter, Becca, took the reins in 2013. Since then, the store has moved, added a website, dropped the “& Gallery,” and survived a global pandemic.
To pull out all the stops to celebrate their 40th birthday all year long, Threadbender Yarn Shop will host special guests visiting and Zoom-ing from across the world, trunk shows, custom products, new designs, and more.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is a small town with a big presence for the U.S. economy. The Soo Locks see 86 million tons of cargo annually, including 95% of the United States’ iron ore.
Along West Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie’s retailers have a view of the locks and the accompanying museums.
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the Soo Locks Visitors Center, both open from May to October, offer ample opportunity to help visitors learn more about the vast number of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes as well as how the locks work.
Among the many great retail stores in downtown Sault Ste. Marie are Upper Peninsula staples The Mole Hole and Das Gift Haus.
The Mole Hole is a second generation, family-owned business that has been open since 1979. Since the beginning, their focus has remained the same – charm, quality gifts and great customer service. The Mole Hole is located at 201 Osborn Boulevard in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
With three locations in the Upper Peninsula, Das Gift Haus is a family business that offers tourists and local shoppers a great selection of souvenirs, gifts, novelty items, and more. Das Gift Haus is located at 305 W. Portage Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie.
By Andrea Bitely
Whether you are coming from the east or the west, driving into Munising offers beautiful sights. From one direction: the roadside Alger Falls, and from the other, a picturesque view of Lake Superior’s Grand Island - and that’s before you get to the adorable shops and restaurants downtown.
MRA members dot the community - including two hardware stores and Das Gift Haus.
Denman’s Hardware, located on East Superior Street, has been proudly serving Munising do-it-yourselfers since 1945. Now a third-generation, locally-owned hardware store, Denman’s recently underwent an extensive remodel of the store’s interior. With a refreshed salesfloor, Denman’s reopened to much excitement and is once again serving customers.
Located on the corner of Elm Avenue and West Superior Street, Madigan’s Hardware is family-owned and operated and has been in the same building for more than 100 years.
Das Gift Haus is a local, family-run gift shop offering a wide selection of gifts, souvenirs, and novelty items. Founded in 1971, the business has three locations throughout the Upper Peninsula, one in Sault Ste. Marie, another in St. Ignace, and a third in Munising. Currently, Das Gift Haus is headed by General Manager Raymond Bell, who is the third generation in his family to run the gift shop. He is proud to carry on the family business by offering tourists and local shoppers a great selection of souvenirs, gifts, novelty items, and more.
Each of these businesses is proudly locally-owned, maintaining strong family connections that contribute to their thriving presence in the community.
By Andrea Bitely
Sandra Jacobs remembers driving down U.S. 2 in the Upper Peninsula, often described as the “Route to Heaven on Earth,” when something caught her eye – a for sale sign in front of the Hog Island Country Store and its adjacent six cottages just steps away from Lake Michigan.
“I told my husband to turn around,” said Sandra.
They quickly bought the property in Naubinway, at the northernmost point of Lake Michigan, 45 minutes west of the Mackinac Bridge, and left their Lower Michigan lives behind. Tom, then 49, retired from General Motors after 31 years, and Sandra, then 47, quit her 25-year nursing career.
Twenty years later, they have no regrets
about that impulsive decision. Their second chapter as retailers in the Upper Peninsula has been rewarding. That sentiment is shared by owners of two other MRA members, Bigari Ace Hardware and Top O’ Lake Sport Shop.
But retail in picturesque rural communities isn’t without challenges. The Jacobs spent the first years learning how to run a business and improving the one-room cottages, which were moved to the location in 1942. The store is known for its pasties and smoked fish along with vacation basics from ketchup to marshmallows.
“We’ve had so many wonderful customers,” Tom says. “For the most part, when people are up here, they’re in a great mood because they’re on vacation or they’re totally
chilled out because they’ve been up here.”
After joining MRA in 2017, the business was set up to accept credit cards. Sandra credits MRA for keeping the process simple.
“When we have had some minor glitches or any little problems, we call Michigan Retailers, and it’s handled quickly,” she said.
Sandra wouldn’t mind giving up the work that comes with running the business, but she isn’t ready to give up the property - or the view.
“We’ve talked about selling it, but we don’t want to leave. It’s paradise. I can’t think of any other places that I want to go,” said Sandra, who also lived in Florida for six years. “I love Michigan. I love the four seasons. And I don’t like the long winters, but you can’t have it all.”
For 20 years, Tim Novak and his brothersin-law owned Bigari Ace Hardware, the store his father-in-law, Ernie Bigari, started in Iron River in 1975. In 2020, he became the sole owner.
The store sits on the outskirts of town on M-189 South, seven miles from the Wisconsin border. Novak’s right-hand man is store manager Kurtis Carnes, who grew up along California’s Central Coast near San Luis Obispo. He met his wife while she was studying at Cal Poly.
“During COVID, we decided that we wanted our two little ones to be near a set of grandparents. It was either the U.P. or Arizona, where my parents live. We made the right choice,” Carnes said.
The move meant leaving his job overseeing a chain of nine Ace hardware stores. When Ace corporate heard he was moving to the Upper Peninsula, they introduced him to Novak, who was looking for help. He couldn’t have asked for a better match. The store was in Iron River, where he was moving. The two hit it off, and Carnes was hired nearly three years ago.
“Tim’s given me a lot of opportunities that I never thought I’d have,” said Carnes, 38.
At 43,000 square feet, Bigari Ace Hardware is twice as large as his previous employer’s flagship store. It has 25 employees, a mix of full- and part-timers, enough so employees can take the time to answer customers’ questions and help them solve their issues, whether a broken pipe or fixing a light.
Tourists who visit the store tend to be looking for camping, hunting or fishing items or products for their vacation homes.
“While tourism’s a big thing, we never lose sight of our community,” said Carnes. “The people who matter the most are the ones that patronize us day in and day out. The contractors have my number and text me if they need to order something for a job coming up next week. It all circles back to serving our community. It’s not just selling somebody a bag of birdseed, it’s creating relationships, long-lasting relationships, and
hopefully getting a customer for life.”
The store, an MRA member since 2016, uses the association’s group insurance and workers’ compensation programs. Carnes says he finds inspiration reading Michigan Retailer
“When I read those articles, I’ll get a couple takeaways and maybe implement a thing or two, because if somebody’s doing something right, I want to do that. I’m always trying to get ahead of trends,” said Carnes.
Ted Hentschell opened Top O’ Lake Sport Shop in Manistique, on the north shore of Lake Michigan, in 1955. His son Ted Hentschell II took it over in 1993 and operates it with his older sister, Tammy Tomiko. It sells fishing and hunting gear and supplies.
Ted Hentschell grew up working at the store with his mom and siblings. After graduating from high school, he joined his dad full time and eventually bought the store.
“I can remember my dad telling me that without tourists we wouldn’t be here. The tourist dollars keep us going,” said Hentschell.
An MRA member since 1977, he doesn’t advertise much, and the store isn’t on Facebook. Still, it’s a popular spot.
But customers expect more from him than just the wares he sells. They want his expertise about the area.
“You have to really guide them to places. You really have to know a lot about the area,” he said. “I get phone calls all the time asking ‘how’s the fishing or ice fishing up there.’”
He had one customer who drove five hours from lower Michigan to go ice fishing because there wasn’t enough ice where he lived.
“They got up at 4 a.m. and were here by 9 a.m. They find my store and come in to ask where to go ice fishing,” he said.
His wife, Desiree, owns an ice cream parlor in town called the Dairy Kream. Often, they have to do the jobs of many because finding seasonal workers is so challenging.
“When people see me, I’m washing my windows, sweeping the floors or fixing something, and they’re like, ‘You’re the boss.’ Yes, I’m the boss and the salesman, the cleaning person and the repairman,” Hentschell said.
Still, despite the workload, he loves the pace of the area. When he goes to visit his daughter in Traverse City or his son in Warren, he quickly misses the U.P.
“I can’t wait to cross the Mackinac Bridge,” Hentschell said.
At 60, he hopes to run the store for two more years. And he won’t have any difficulty finding a buyer. He’s watched other multigenerational family businesses in the area get bought up by locals or people from outside the region.
“People have already contacted me. I say, ‘I’ll put your name on a list. I’ll call you when I’m ready to retire.’”
Tim Novak and Kurtis Carnes
Tourists visiting Marquette make time to visit Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers, even if they aren’t planning to buy handcrafted rings, to walk through a full-scale replica mine.
By Shandra MartinezWhen Ron Wattsson bought a historic building in downtown Marquette for his jewelry store in 1987, he decided to pay homage to the source materials in his jewelry.
Inspired by Walt Disney’s saying ‘make it fun and they will come,’ Ron Wattsson spent a year – with help from many –building a 100-foot mine alongside the right wall of the store.
The mine features displays about the area’s mining history, including the nearby Ropes Gold Mine, artifacts from the mine, a case with minerals that glow under special lighting, and fossilized dinosaur eggs.
The replica mine - made of wood, mesh, and plaster with a rock shop at its endtakes up half of the 3,000-square-foot Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers.
“My parents just wanted to make something different and more interesting,” said Ron’s son, Chris Wattsson, the store’s current owner. He was born three years after the project was completed.
The mine has not only become a destination for tourists and school children on field trips but has given the store a national reputation. In 2004, InStore Magazine named Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers “America’s Coolest Jewelry Store.”
Unfortunately, the contest only let stores win the prize once, Wattsson said.
While a walk through the mine is free, most visitors pick up a bag of rocks for $8 from the rock shop.
“It definitely is a cool draw, especially for people that aren’t from the area. It’s also got a really cool waterfall right in the front as well.”
There are some big updates planned to make the mine more interactive. The first change recently took place, with the installation of specialty lighting in the Quincy Mine cart area.
“The mine has an original ore cart from the Quincy mine. They actually had to build
the mine around the ore cart because of its size,” Wattsson said. “So I had this idea to paint the floor as if it’s got a track so it looks like it was parked in that position. We’ll be completing that this summer. The next update will be adding sounds, so it sounds more like you’re in a mine.”
Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers has beautiful historical features in addition to the replica mine, from the 14foot ceilings with original tin and 10 chandeliers in the front to 110-yearold jewelry cases.
“During Christmas time at night, we’ll flip the lights on so the whole building lights up, which is really cool,” Wattsson said.
At the age of 33, he’s been in the industry for two-thirds of his life.
“When I was 11. I just was like, ‘Hey, can I go to work?’ That was my last vacation ever. I basically was put to work and I had a job from there on out,” Wattsson said with a laugh.
He began with soldering and making nugget drop earrings. Soon, he was working on customer pieces.
“I was going out to talk to a customer a lot and would be like, ‘Yeah, I can fix your ring for you,’” he said. They’re just looking at it like, ‘Are you sure? You’re working on a family heirloom.’”
Within a decade, at age 20, he was running the store after his dad’s sudden death.
“I didn’t know any of the financial side or anything like that,” he said. “So that was a huge learning curve right off the bat. It took me about two to three years. I definitely had a lot of help from the employees and just the community.”
His mom retired from the business shortly after he was born, and his sister worked with him for several years after his dad died but left to pursue a career in nursing.
One of his first projects was to retrofit the lighting with LEDs in 2013, reflecting his interest in alternative energy. In recent years, his innovation has been investing in a 3D printer that lets him cast custom rings.
He likes challenging tasks.
“We get horror stories from customers: ‘Oh, I ran over my ring with my car and I found it in the spring.’ And it’s just smushed beyond all recognition. I’ve been able to take some of those and carefully bend and mold it just like it’s brand new,” Wattsson said.
He estimates he’s done over 20,000 ring sizings. There’s often a rush around Christmas, a popular time for buying rings, when he does 15 to 20 sizings per day. He can usually do a downsizing in about five minutes and an enlargement in 15 minutes.
Most of his work is custom, especially when it comes to engagement rings. Clients come in with ideas inspired with what they’ve seen on Pinterest.
“We try to kind of tweak and combine different aspects of each piece,” Wattsson said. “I ended up getting a 3D printer because I had to outsource all of that. I have a full-scale shop, so I cast the design. I do everything in house as much as possible, which definitely helps with speed and quality control.”
Some of his customers are former Marquette residents.
“A lot of times it’s people who have grown up here, moved away and when they’re finally getting ready to buy an engagement ring, they remember going through the mine as a kid and say, ‘That’s where I’m gonna get my ring,’” said Wattsson.
One of the biggest things he’s seen in the industry is the increased demand for labgrown stones, especially diamond and sapphires. With engagement rings, there are more colored center stones versus just a diamond.
It’s hard for even a jeweler like Wattsson & Wattsson to tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond.
“I have had some training and I can’t tell the difference without using a testing machine,” said Wattsson. “Chemically and physically, there is no difference whatsoever except they’re about onethird of the price of a regular diamond that was mined on the ground.”
Over the years, one thing that has stayed constant for Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers is being part of the Michigan Retailers Association.
As an MRA member since the family business began in 1987, the store has taken part in the Buy Nearby campaign annually since the program launched.
“Pretty much everyone downtown participates. The Buy Nearby program has really helped with getting people more focused on shopping locally versus always going online, so that’s definitely been a huge help for us,” Wattsson said.
Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Membership? Follow the flowchart to find out!
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Do you accept credit cards? If so, have you looked into surcharging?
You could start saving up to 75% with our Empower Surcharge Program. Visit Retailers.com for more info.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel created the FORCE team and Organized Retail Crime Unit in April 2023 to focus on criminal organizations that target retailers by stealing products to repackage and sell for profit in both illicit and legal, physical, and digital marketplaces.
The FORCE team is a first of its kind in the nation task force focused on rooting out organized retail crime across the State of Michigan, and is comprised of two full time assistant attorneys general working alongside three special agents from the Department of Attorney General, three detective troopers from the Michigan State Police, State Police intelligence and financial fraud analysts, and a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This team is housed within the Department of Michigan State Police and operates out of their facilities in Metro Detroit.
The team also works intimately with various local law enforcement agencies and retailer loss prevention specialists.
In only its first operational year, the FORCE team has charged 41 defendants in 13 cases representing nearly $13 million in losses to Michigan businesses. They have achieved 10 convictions to date, recovered over $8 million in product, seized nearly $2 million in cash, and negotiated $4.4 million in court ordered restitution.
The continued success of this “one-of-a-kind” unit is driven by the private-public partnerships between law enforcement and retail corporations. Recent corporate partners on investigations have included Sam’s Club/Walmart, Meijer, Target, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Rite-Aid, Lululemon, Ulta, Best Buy, and Lowe’s.
We encourage all Michigan retailers to reach out to the Attorney General’s FORCE team to establish a direct line of communication and be formally introduced to team members.
Contact AG FORCE team at: MSP-FORCE@michigan.gov.
In summer 2022, MRA’s three-pronged approach to curb Organized Retail Crime (ORC) activity was signed into law, protecting both retailers and consumers in the marketplace. This included the INFORM Act, strengthening ORC penalties by adding ORC as a racketeering offense, and a $3.5M budget line item to create an ORC unit (the new FORCE team) under the Attorney General.
We appreciate the hard work and professional dedication the FORCE Team, AG Nessel, the Michigan State Police, and other partners have put into investigating and charging these organized criminal rings.
ICYMI - Period clothing exempt from sales tax
The Michigan Department of Treasury plans to release an interpretive statement soon that period clothing falls within the feminine hygiene products sales tax exemption, making those products - specifically, period underwear, period swimwear, and similar items - exempt from the state’s sales and use taxes. Since this is an interpretation of current law, it is applicable going back to the start of the feminine hygiene products exemption (Feb. 3, 2022).
Retailers that collect sales tax on nontaxable items aren’t required to refund those amounts to their customers so long as they remit the sales tax to the state. Ultimately, that decision is a matter of customer service and compliance burden.
See RAB 2023-24, Sales and Use Tax Refund Procedures for more detail.
Revenue Administrative Bulletin (RAB) 2023-24
CORRECTION: Firearm safety devices exempt from sales tax May 13-Dec. 31, 2024
Public Acts 14-15 of 2023 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 May 13 through the remainder of 2024. They will be taxable again starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Learn more about this Public Act
Spring Black Friday
A recent Numerator survey on Spring Black Friday intentions asked DIY, BBQ, & Gardening enthusiast shoppers their 2024 shopping intentions. Forty-five percent intend to make a purchase this year and are most likely to find deals through social media or online ads. Gardening and landscape supplies are the most sought-after items (70% plan to purchase) as the weather warms up followed by outdoor décor (58%), outdoor power equipment (30%), patio furniture (30%), and storage solutions (27%).
Check out the Spring Black Friday Stats
ICYMI - Small businesses eligible for federal funding
Forty-two Michigan counties are eligible to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA) following the warm weather and economic impact from lack of snow.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are designed to help businesses through disaster situations that have impacted their economic wellbeing. Loans are up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Businesses pay no interest on the loan for the first year and a maximum rate of 4% for the rest of the loan period.
Read the full press release
Bottle Deposit Fund Reimbursement, Form 2196
Mid-June – Lottery licenses mailed.
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).
Most celebrated
Percentage of consumers with intentions to celebrate holidays in 2024.
92% Christmas
89% Thanksgiving
74% Mother’s Day
Shopping destinations:
Grocery store vs. online
Grocery stores remain the top choice for shoppers among all holidays, aside from equal treatment for Christmas.
Thanksgiving
Grocery - 64%
Online - 12%
Labor Day Grocery - 63% Online - 12%
Independence Day
Grocery - 63%
Online - 12%
Memorial Day
Grocery - 60%
Online - 12%
Food Labor Day (83%)
Thanksgiving (81%)
Memorial Day (80%)
Candy Halloween (79%)
Easter (53%)
Source: Numerator 2024 Holiday preview 1/19/24
Alcohol
Cinco de Mayo (59%)
New Year’s Eve (53%)
Labor Day (51%)
Gifts
Christmas (72%)
Father’s Day (53%)
• Awarded our 100th Michigan Centennial Retailer.
• Featured 55 members in the Michigan Retailer magazine.
A total of 625 scholarships have been awarded in the Michigan Retailers Foundation’s lifetime.
• Granted a total of $699,250 to students in Michigan through the Michigan Retailers Foundation over its lifespan.
• Twelve individuals received $3,500 scholarships last year.
• Launched and expanded into Indiana.
• Maintained the “A-Unsurpassed Rating” from Demotech.
• Developed and distributed the Agent Retailer e-newsletter.
Legislative Focus Reviewed 2,381 bills and resolutions in 2023
• Tracked 255 Bills (36 signed, 0 vetoed, 1 resolution adopted)
• Codified the Federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act)
Advocacy Focus
• 100 committee meetings on retail legislation
• 103 meetings with legislators
• Celebrated Buy Nearby Guy’s 10th birthday with all things blue: cake, ice cream and blue soda pop on blue plates and in blue cups were part of his big day.
• Distributed 297 packets to members and non-members to utilize during our annual Buy Nearby Weekend held in October.
Swift Hardware in Houghton has been an essential part of the Upper Peninsula for 155 years. From its origins in Ishpeming to its current location on Sheldon Avenue in Houghton, Swift Hardware has not only adjusted to the times but also stayed deeply connected to its community.
Established in 1869 by then-Michigan Senator William Swift, Swift Hardware initially began in Ishpeming before moving to Houghton to better serve the growing copper mining industry. Over time, the store transitioned from supporting mining and lumbering needs to becoming a full-service hardware store for households and contractors.
The store’s history reflects the resilience of the Swift family. From its founding in 1869 to all the recent changes in 2024, Swift Hardware has faced challenges like economic shifts, the closing of the mines, COVID-19, and most recently, the tearing down of a 40-year-old parking deck directly behind the existing store. Despite these challenges, the store has remained committed to quality and great customer service.
Marilyn Swift, fourth-generation Swift and the current owner, takes pride in the store’s journey. “It’s a busy life that I have; there is always so much to do, but I like it that way,” she said. As likely the last family member to run the store, Marilyn carries on the legacy with passion, embodying values passed down through generations.
In the store, reminders of its heritage abound. Marilyn works in her father’s former office, surrounded by family mementos. A golden Estwing hammer, a cash register that is over 100 years old, a plaque honoring the store turning 100 years old from the Michigan Retail Hardware Association, and her greatgrandfather, grandfather, and father’s portraits adorn the walls.
Swift Hardware’s success stems from its strong community ties. Marilyn knows most customers by name, fostering a further sense of belonging. The store’s staff is invaluable; they provide expert assistance, maintaining the tradition of exceptional customer service.
Alongside service, Swift Hardware prioritizes locally made products, showcasing the talent of different Copper Country residents. From grill scrapers and Birdseye maple kitchen tools to locally handmade soaps, the store celebrates local craftsmanship, strengthening its bond and ties with the community.
As Swift Hardware evolves, its commitment to serving the Copper Country remains steadfast. With a legacy of excellence and community support, Swift Hardware shines as a symbol of resilience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
“How lucky am I to be doing the same thing that my grandfather did, that my dad did, and now it is my turn. It’s a true blessing!”
Ambiance Salon of Lansing LLC, Lansing
CHS Group LLC, Monroe
Community Papers of Michigan, Potterville
Home Management Co. (HMCo), East Lansing
Hot Shots Tavern Inc., Portland
Hunter Cabin Inc., Mount Pleasant
J & M Holdings Inc., Monroe
Jeffrey D Vanderstelt PC, Muskegon
LoPar LLC, Prudenville
M J Hick Inc., West Branch
Mercury Laboratories Inc., Greenville
Paul Rigda Excavating, Birch Run
Petticoat Junction, Alma
Prush’s Bar, Wyandotte
St. Ignace Greenhouse & Florist, St. Ignace
Wolf Lake Tavern, Muskegon
All of us at MRA look forward to serving you!
Allen Antique Barn, Allen
Colonial BP , Ann Arbor
IBEW Local 252, Ann Arbor
Highly Advanced Logistical Operations, Ann Arbor
75 Josyln LLC, Auburn Hills
Einhardt Inc., Battle Creek
Sunrise Window Cleaning, Battle Creek
Kalaj Construction Company LLC, Bloomfield Hills
Martin Chiropractic, Bridgeport
TCI Services LLC, Brighton
STMP Group LLC, Caro
Paxton Photography LLC, Cedar
One Love Labs LLC, Chesaning
Mario’s Body Shop Inc., Clinton Twp.
H & D Group Investments LLC, Clio
Golf 616 LLC, Comstock Park
Count.CPA, Comstock Park
Courtyard Food Market Inc., Detroit
Lulas Nevada Coney Island LLC, Detroit
Bridge Street Exchange, Fenton
Tyler Promotions LLC, Flint
Marblecraft Company, Fowlerville
Burgess & Sweeney Law PC, Frankenmuth
Asperaink Inc., Frankenmuth
Grand Rapids Label Co., Grand Rapids
Hampton Meadows Homeowners Association, Grand Rapids
Gort & Kraker PC, Grandville
PTL Transfer Lines LLC, Grass Lake
Big Twin Tavern, Hartford
Holly Market LLC, Holly
Tony’s Trailer Accessories, Howell
CD’s Engine Restoration LLC, Hudsonville
SPMI LLC Shango Hazel Park, Imlay City
Grand Traverse Mechanical
Contracting LLC, Interlochen
Rendel Trucking Inc., Jackson
The Brookside Care Foundation Inc., Kalamazoo
Brookside Care LLC, Kalamazoo
Custom Chiropractic Co., Kalamazoo
Clean Beauty by Joy, Kalamazoo
X-Tax PLC, Lansing
Mid-Seven Gasoline Company, Livonia
Dropsa North America Inc., Macomb
Brown Head Lighthouse, Maine
The Outsider Manistee LLC, Manistee
R & M Recycling of Monroe LLC, Monroe
Barnard LLC dba Total Lee Sports, Mount Pleasant
Up2Go International LLC, Northville
Silver-Clip LLC, Novi
Smoke on the Water BBQ & Catering LLC, Port Huron
The Hallway Escape LLc dba The Foundry, Port Huron
Robert B Corp dba Marko’s Cozy Diner, Redford
B.E.S.T. Inc., Richland
B.E.S.T. Labs Inc., Richland
North American Color Inc., Richland
Phoenix Party Store, Roseville
Point Employment Management LLC, Saginaw
J V Electric Inc., Saginaw
KDJ’s LLC dba Greenstar Trucking, Saint Clair Shores
Porches on Mason LLC, Saugatuck
Ski’s Lawn and Landscape LLC, Scotts
S & I Masonry Inc., Shelby Twp.
Phoenician Enterprises LLC, Shelby Twp.
Gold International Enterprises, Southfield
Sparta Optometry PC, Sparta
TSP Custom Powder Coating Inc., Spring Lake
Traverse City Curling Club Inc., Traverse City
AI Trenton Inc. dba Beverage Express, Trenton
S & V Custom Metal Works LLC, Vicksburg
Shoppers Supermarket Inc., Warren Elizabeth Lake Market LLC, Waterford
Gun Lake Business Association, Wayland
D & L Inc. dba Alwayz on Time Transportation, West Bloomfield
Sandy Point Beach House Operating LLC, West Olive
Blue Harvest Farms LLC, West Olive
Health & Wellness Massage Therapy, White Lake
Leonardo Marble & Granite Inc., Wixom
Palladium Industries LLC, Wyoming
Every now and then, we stumble upon gems from our archives.
In an effort to spread the importance of Keeping Your Money in Michigan ©, mascot Buy Nearby Guy and an entourage of MRA employees traveled from Detroit to Marquette, hosting news conferences, sharing materials, and encouraging shoppers to #buynearbymi, especially in the second annual Buy Nearby Weekend held in October 2015.
technology and new product development
NEWS vice president technology and new product development
Continued from page 5
Continued from page 5 7
processing. He is the first person in Michigan
For his first visit to the Upper Peninsula, Buy Nearby Guy toured the Soo locks and jumped aboard a freighter - Cowabunga dude!
processing. He is the first person in Michigan receive the Certified Payments Professional designation Transactions Association.
the Certified Payments Professional designation Transactions Association.
He then made his way into Marquette to visit Wattsson and Wattsson Jewelers. Although his tall stature wouldn’t allow him to physically walk through the mine, he happily posed outside looking in.
value of spending limited resources simply to upgrade.
value of spending limited resources simply to upgrade.
No Free Lunch
Read more about the Wattsson and Wattsson Jewelry mine on page 10.
There are a lot of sales people out there pushing “free” terminals as an inducement to get you to switch processors. But there is no free lunch!
There are a lot of sales people out there pushing “free” terminals as an inducement to get you to switch processors. But there is no free lunch!
If you are approached by someone offering you a “free” terminal, make sure you read and understand the fine print.
If you are approached by someone offering you a “free” terminal, make sure you read and understand the fine print.
Nominate a Michigan Centennial Retailer!
Almost always, the free terminal is part of a bundled package and will require you to process with the new vendor for a long period of time. If you try to leave for any reason, you could get hit with their often outrageous Early Termination Fees that lock you into a contract with that vendor.
sure
to make sure you have with new terminals not fiction.”
Almost always, the free terminal is part of a bundled package and will require you to process with the new vendor for a long period of time. If you try to leave for any reason, you could get hit with their often outrageous Early Termination Fees that lock you into a contract with that vendor.
While it is entirely appropriate to be required to compensate the vendor for the cost of the terminal you received for “free,” you need to know the calculation behind the amount you’re
While it is entirely appropriate to be required to compensate the vendor for the cost of the terminal you received for “free,” you need to know the calculation behind the amount you’re
Continued on page 9
in Marquette.
