Retailers across the state saw sales rise in February over a slow January. Meanwhile, state-wide sales tax receipts in February were up 8.5% over last year, totaling $81.8 million above the forecasted amount. Jennifer Rook, spokesperson for the Michigan Retailers Association told Michigan News Network retailers remain “cautiously optimistic.”
“Things are good,” Rook said. “We’re all happy about that. Sales are turning higher and we hope it continues through March. Yet, we have another variant that’s coming through the northeast right now that’s probably going to sweep through Michigan as the other variants have swept through Michigan. That’s going to impact people’s confidence in shopping in person.”
The association’s February Retail Index survey came in at 74.1, a large increase over Januarys 58.3. 77% of retailers predict their sales will continue to rise through May.
