LANSING – Michigan retailers’ sales forecasts have strengthened for the final three months of the year, following a rebound in sales during September, according to the latest Michigan Retail Index.

September sales bounced back into positive territory after a drop in August. Solid three-month sales forecasts grew stronger following September’s results.

“We expected the slip in August sales was due to the late Labor Day holiday and would be temporary — and it was. The higher employment levels and lower gasoline prices we’re experiencing should boost retail sales during the final three months of the year,” said MRA President and CEO James P. Hallan