Annual Study Highlights New Economic Impact of Supporting Michigan-Based Retailers

Michiganders’ purchases from local businesses make a difference

Michigan could see nearly 12,000 new jobs and a $1.1 billion increase in economic activity by Michigan consumers shifting just 10% of their online spending back to local retailers. This significant potential impact is highlighted in the Buy Nearby Economic Study, conducted annually by Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and Public Sector Consultants (PSC).

The study, using data provided by the U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics, found that Michiganders spent $2.6 billion out of state in 2024. It illustrates that shifting just 10% of that spending back into Michigan could simultaneously boost labor income by over $557 million and create 11,911 new jobs, enough to employ 5% of Michigan’s unemployed workforce.

“The economic impact of shopping small speaks for itself, but supporting local business should be top of mind for every Michigan consumer,” said William J. Hallan, President and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association. “It’s locally-owned businesses that help our communities thrive. They’re the ones hosting events downtown to bring people together. They’re sponsoring youth sports teams. They create local jobs and give back to the towns they serve.” 

The Buy Nearby Campaign
Launched in 2013, the Buy Nearby campaign aims to educate consumers about the impacts of shopping locally with Michigan-based businesses. When you “Keep Your Money in Michigan©” by shopping at a Michigan retailer, you support the local businesses that make our state great.

“Consumers who actively choose to support Michigan-based retailers play a direct role in strengthening communities across our state,” said Hallan. “Together, shoppers and retailers can create a lasting impact that makes a big difference in Michigan.”

Buy Nearby Weekend
Annually, MRA promotes a weekend-long event celebrating Michigan’s retailers and encouraging consumers to shop local during the first full weekend of October. Retailers across Michigan will celebrate Buy Nearby Weekend from October 3-5 this year. During this period, many retailers will host special events and offer themed sales to drive more foot traffic to their stores.

As part of the celebration, MRA will host a punch card contest encouraging consumers to visit at least three locally-owned retailers during Buy Nearby Weekend. Additionally, retailers can show off their creativity in a Buy Nearby Weekend display contest. Retailers can get involved and request a free promotional kit at BuyNearbyMI.com.

Survey Methodology
This analysis examined the impact of shifting 10 percent of estimated remote purchases to local sales. Any purchases made with an out-of-state merchant, including sales from e-commerce, e-marketplace sellers (those who are an intermediary and never handle goods), catalog orders, mail orders, call centers, and television shopping channels, are considered remote purchases. 

Invest in Michigan by supporting local retailers and watch our communities grow!