retail businesses

The holiday shopping season is well underway. For many small business owners and retailers, the month of December can determine whether they finish the year in the black. That’s where the notion of “Think Local First” can make a difference. How will it turn out in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this year? WEMU's David Fair and A2Y Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre find out in their talk with Ypsilanti DDA director Elize Jekabson and Ashley Schafer, the Executive Director of Main Street Ann Arbor.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday when, across the country, an emphasis is made to promote local businesses. Milan holds its annual "Pop on Main" event beginning in the morning. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The financial forecast for the start of the holiday season among businesses along Ann Arbor’s Main Street is looking to be in the black for Black Friday. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Ann Arbor may be making some changes to its commercial marijuana facilities regulations. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Bikers and hikers lined up on the bridge over the Huron River Friday morning to cut the ribbon and open Ann Arbor’s Broadway Park West. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Voters in Ann Arbor have passed two proposals that will change the future of what many call the "Library Lot." The city-owned property will eventually house a mixed-use development with housing and retail, a new library and about 10,000 feet of open space. Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor has been a strong proponent of the plan and advocated for passage of Proposals A and B. He joined WEMU's David Fair to share his takeaways and how the plan will move forward from here.

Voters in Ann Arbor will render a final decision on two ballot proposals on August 5th. Proposals A and B would approve the sale of city owned land for a new downtown library. Opponents say the city is reneging on its promise to turn the land into an urban park and civic commons called the “Center of the City.” And now, a lawsuit accuses the City of “perpetrating a fraud upon the electorate” through misleading ballot language. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor explores what has become a contentious issue in an off-year summer election.

Some Detroit-based small business owners say President Donald Trump’s frequently changing tariff strategy is backing them into a corner. Colin Jackson has more.

The Ann Arbor Planning Commission has approved changes to two major developments in town. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Farmington Hills-based Schafer Development is eyeing a 50-acre plot of farmland in Pittsfield Township for a mixed-use development project. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.