Standing the Test of Time

Michigan

There is a classic scene in the 1997 movie Hook when academy award winner Dustin Hoffman, playing an overly dramatic Captain Hook, has an epiphany in the quarters of his pirate ship. He’s depressed, as waging war with the lost boys is no longer enough – he craves more adventure. With a gun to his temple, Captain Hook prepares for his own demise, until his bumbling servant Smee comes to his aid.

Smee has his own epiphany – he encourages Captain Hook to convince Peter Pan’s children to love him. (Reader’s note: in case you haven’t seen the movie, in this version of the classic story, Peter Pan has grown up, has a family, and returns to Neverland to rescue his own children.) The scene sets the plot for the rest of the movie as Hook is reenergized to battle Peter Pan.

Changing tactics isn’t just for pirates. Every business that has lasted a generation has adapted and evolved. This edition of the Michigan Retailer focuses on Centennial Retailers – those that have been in business for at least 100 years. It’s truly a remarkable accomplishment, achieved through hard work, adaptability, and forward-thinking.

The last few years have presented new challenges for retailers. Inflation, supply chain disruption, and labor shortages have made it harder to simply sell one’s goods. We like bringing you stories of success and highlighting the proven tactics of your peers. Our goal in this publication is to inspire you and provide new insights that will help you grow your business.

We hope you’re reenergized for 2023, even if it involves changing tactics.

Board Of Directors

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

MICHIGAN RETAILERS SERVICES, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William J. Hallan President & CEO

Rachel Hurst Kroger Co. of Michigan, Novi

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 and Layout

Shandra Martinez Contributor

Josh Delany Photographer

WILLIAM J. HALLAN MRA President and Chief Executive Officer

Schrauben at rschrauben@retailers.com