Association reports Mich. retailers see rise in month-over-month sales in May

Michigan Retailers Association on Wednesday reported that May 2022 sales increased over April. Until May, sales in Michigan have decreased, month-over-month, since February.

The May Retail Index survey came in at 55.5, an increase over April’s 52.4. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Michigan retailers reported a sales increase over April; Thirty-nine (39%) noted a decrease, and 2% reported no change.

The seasonally adjusted performance Index is conducted by Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Detroit branch.

The 100-point Index provides a snapshot of the state’s overall retail industry. Index values above 50 generally indicate positive activity; the higher the number, the stronger the activity.

“With schools out and summer break starting, we tend to notice an increase in sales over the summer months as families begin their vacations,” said William J. Hallan, president and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association.

“But with inflation and extremely high gas prices, summer traffic and tourism may be affected. Retailers may see more close-to-home, or day-trips from shoppers,” said Hallan.

• 3-Month Outlook

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of retailers predict their sales will continue to rise through August, but 20% said they expect their sales to decline. Twenty-three percent (23%) anticipate no change. That results in a 65.6 Index rating, a slight decrease over last month’s prediction Index rating of 70.2, however, still a good indication for high sales activity in the next three months.

• Higher Prices on Everyone’s Mind

The Retail Index showed the trend of rising prices among retailers. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of retailers noted an increase in price adjustments over April. Only 5% reported a decrease. Twenty-seven (27%) reported no change in adjustments.

Looking ahead, 67% expect an increase in price adjustments, no retailers expect a decrease, and 33% expect no change.

Michigan’s unemployment rate in May preliminarily came in at 4.3%, the same rate as April. In May 2021, Michigan’s unemployment rate was 6.2%.

In May 2022, the national unemployment rate has remained at 3.6% since March. Last year, the national unemployment rate was 5.8%.