The North Central Wholesalers Association surveyed its member wholesalers on current business conditions. Based on responses from 31 wholesalers representing about 150 locations in the region, those wholesalers reported on average a 4% decline in sales for September, and a 0.45% increase in sales for the first nine months. Indiana wholesalers showed the highest sales decline in September (average 5.19%) and the highest sales increase for the nine months (average 4.93%). Michigan wholesalers reported a small sales decline for the nine months (average 2.13%).

NCWA also surveyed its members on their holiday schedules. Of 45 member firms, including 36 wholesalers, seven manufacturers reps and two manufacturers, 35 said they would be closed on Monday, Dec. 24; of the 10 that will be open, seven will close on or before 1 p.m. All but one of the respondents said they will be open Wednesday, Dec. 26. A slight majority - 24 vs. 21 - will be open for business Monday, Dec. 31 (some will close on or before 1 p.m.) and all 45 said they will be open for business on Wednesday, Jan. 2.