Dec 30, 2010

Retailers say November sales show Michigan’s economy improvingBy Shandra MartinezMLive.com

Lansing, MI – Michigan retailers had the best November sales in more than a decade.

November sales were the highest for the month since 1999, according to the Michigan Retail Index.

Higher sales were accompanied by an upswing in optimism by retailers, which is at its best since April.

Michigan retailers went into the season with enthusiasm and high expectations.

November’s sales added more encouragement, said James P. Hallan, chief executive officer of Michigan Retail Association.

“The Michigan economy is showing signs of life,” Hallan said. “Consumers appear to be feeling more confident about the future and making purchases they had put off in recent years.”

Before November, nearly 60 percent of the state’s retailers said they expected better sales this holiday season. On average, they projected a 6 percent gain in sales over last year — the best forecast since 2004.

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