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Michigan Retailers Association asks residents to safely support local businesses

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The Michigan Retailers Association is asking residents to safely support local businesses over the holiday.

Officials with the state retail association say they worry the pandemic could push shoppers to massive online retailers like Amazon and leave local businesses shortchanged.

Meegan Holland is with the Association. She said they’ve urged Michigan businesses to open online stores.

“Look if you have a certain item in mind please check a Michigan-based website before you go to one that is based outside of Michigan,” she said. “That will really keep the money circulating in our state and help our economy and goodness knows we need that more than ever.”

Holland said the Association is challenging residents to shop local.

“All these small businesses need your shopping dollars now. If you want to see them in your downtown next year you have to shop at them now,” she said. “We’re challenging Michiganders to shop at at least three local stores for the holidays.”

Holland said some retailers -such as those selling outdoor gear - have had a record year.

“Local retailers in tourist towns had some of their best seasons ever,” she said. “Also if you are selling outdoor gear, hardware stores, all of those sectors are doing really really well.”

Holland said clothing stores - especially high end - have been among the hardest hit.