Businesses and consumers across the state will join the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) next weekend in celebration of Buy Nearby Weekend

Buy Nearby is MRA’s campaign focused on keeping more retail dollars on Michigan’s Main Streets. This year marks the eleventh consecutive Buy Nearby Weekend celebration, taking place annually on the first weekend in October.

According to a 2024 economic study by Public Sector Consultants, Michiganders spent an estimated $36.5 billion in out-of-state e-commerce last year. If just one in 10 purchases were redirected to a Michigan store, our economy would get a $1.5 billion boost and add more than 15,000 jobs.

“Keep your money in Michigan as we kick off the holiday shopping season,” said MRA President and CEO Bill Hallan. “When you choose to shop at Michigan-based businesses, you’re choosing to fuel our state’s economy. You’re choosing to support your family and friends who are employed in your community. Every purchase makes a difference.”

How to Get Involved on Buy Nearby Weekend

Consumers can participate in Buy Nearby Weekend, October 4-6, by shopping with Michigan-owned retailers and making conscious, lasting efforts to shift their spending habits to support local.

“Your groceries, your coffee, your clothing and shoes, your seasonal items…these can, and should, all come from locally-owned businesses. This Buy Nearby Weekend, we challenge Michiganders to shift just one of their regularly recurring purchases to a Michigan-based retailer,” shared MRA VP, Communications Vic Veda. “Small, consistent changes like this can make big, lasting impacts on local businesses in your community.”

Michiganders are encouraged to share their Buy Nearby Weekend shopping adventures and favorite local finds on social media using the hashtag #buynearbymi.

Retailers can get involved in Buy Nearby Weekend by promoting the importance of shopping locally with their customers and hosting Buy Nearby Weekend-themed events

Michigan’s retail industry employs over 919,000 workers, the 2024 Public Sector Consultants study noted.