Michigan Retailers Association Asks Governor to Consider Revisions to Executive Order

(April 11, 2020 11:12 AM) The Michigan Retailers Association is asking Governor Whitmer to consider allowing retailers to fulfill online, curbside or home delivery orders.  The MRA said retailers could easily follow social distancing guidelines while performing these functions, similar to how restaurants have been fulfilling to-go, curbside or delivery orders with minimal contact.  The MRA warns that without this allowance, retail sales of similar items will continue to shift entirely to online and out-of-state retailers who are still permitted to ship orders.

In a letter to Governor Whitmer last week, Michigan Retailers Association President and CEO William J. Hallan asked the Governor to consider revisions as to which business activities are considered permissive under the order. 

His requests include allowing stores to act as fulfillment centers, processing and shipping online and phone orders.  He also requested garden centers and nurseries selling plants and tools consumers need to grow their own food should be allowed to open.

Hallan argued that without this allowance, retail sales of similar items have moved almost entirely to online, often out of state, retailers, who are permitted to ship orders.  Hallan said retailers could easily follow social distancing guidelines while performing these functions, similar to how restaurants have been able to continue fulfilling to-go, curbside or delivery orders with minimal contact.

In the latest Executive Order,  large stores are required to close certain areas of retail space selling non-essential items. Those areas listed in the Order include carpet/flooring, furniture, garden centers and plant nurseries, and paint.

Hallan asked that the Governor not limit essential purchases within stores.  He said there are challenges if the state limits which products retail stores deemed critical infrastructure products. 

In the letter, Hallan said, “Limiting sales to only “essential items” creates impossibly subjective criteria to filter the millions of products offered in each store and presents safety challenges to store employees. Classifying broad categories of items as essential and others not is further complicated by areas in the store that contain both essential and nonessential items. Roping off certain aisles or sections may not stop customers from going into that area to get an item they deem essential.”  Hallan expressed concern store employees would end up trying to enforce the restrictions. “Retailers need their employees focused on stocking shelves and cleaning stores, not acting as arbitrators over customer purchases” he wrote.

In response to the Executive Order, the MRA told members, “While we’re disappointed that some of our suggestions were not included in the new order, we remain hopeful that they will be considered going forward. We’re thankful the new order does not extend much past May 1.”

The MRA is encouraging its members to get creative and offered an example of what one retailer is doing. Monahan’s Seafood in Ann Arbor started a GoFundMe initiative that provides memberships to a new “Reel Deal” fish club to donors of $50 or more.   

“We’ve decided to start the Monahan’s ‘reel deal’ fish club. It’s a way for our customers to help us get through these tough times and get something in return. We’re asking for your help to keep our employees paid, our doors open, and the fresh fish coming.Club members get discounts for a year and swag,” said Michael Monahan, organizer of the drive.

As of this morning, the Go Fund Me campaign has raised $57,400  of the $65,000 goal.