Retail up in June, still down overall

Most Michigan retailers saw sales increases in June as the state eased coronavirus restrictions, but business is still down, overall, the Michigan Retailers Association said.

The association’s June survey found 55% of retailers recording sales increases last month over May, while 42% saw sales decline, and 3% reported flat sales.

That put the association’s Retail Index at 42.1 on a 100-point scale. Index values higher than 50 typically show positive economic activity.

A plurality of retailers expect to see sales climb over the next three months, but 37% expect a decline and 21% expect flat sales.

State gets $14M for

apprenticeships

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Michigan $14.3 million to support apprenticeship programs, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity said in a news release.

The funds will help Michigan employers fill some 5,230 jobs in manufacturing, construction, energy, health care, information technology, and mobility, plus support another 1,024 youth apprenticeship positions, the state said.

“Employers across all industries are increasingly turning to apprenticeships to help grow their talent and address skills gaps in the workforce,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “These grants will help Michigan further these efforts and help employers and workers meet the demand for a skilled workforce and rewarding career opportunities.”

More information can be found at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.