The outlook is good

Michigan retailers are optimistic about the upcoming holidays, with 3 out of 4 retailers expecting sales to increase. According to the Michigan Retailers Association’s (MRA) Michigan Retail Index, 43-percent of the state’s retailers expect holiday sales to rise by more than 5-percent over last year, while 32-percent expect smaller increases.  MRA President and CEO Jim Hallan says Michigan retailers are bullish on the holiday season, adding that forecasts are the most optimistic in more than a decade.  Retailers also expect holiday hiring to increase slightly: 11-percent plan to increase employment, 5-percent reduce it and 84-percent keep the same level as last holiday season.  (Michigan Radio Network)