LANSING – Michigan retailers rang up slightly better sales in October, according to the latest Michigan Retail Index survey, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

The monthly retail industry performance gauge rose three points from September, to 54.1 on the 100-point Index.

“October’s moderate gains help set the table for the upcoming holiday shopping season,” said MRA President and CEO James P. Hallan. “Retailers are looking forward to a solid season, the best since 2012.”

MRA released its annual holiday sales forecast last month. Two of every three survey respondents expect to increase sales over last year’s holiday season. The average projected change from last year was a gain of 2 percent.