North Central Wholesalers Association reported an average sales increase of 9.48% for September based on results from 29 wholesalers operating in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. For the nine months ended in September, the wholesalers reported an average 3.18% increase in sales.

In other news, 34 wholesaler members responded to a survey regarding their plans for the holiday period: 28 said they will be open for business Dec. 23, most until 5 p.m., and 32 said they would be closed Dec. 24. Several are always closed Saturday. Also, 26 wholesalers said they would remain closed Dec. 26. Most of those who will be open that day will close at noon. For the New Year's holiday, 28 of the 34 respondents said they would be open Dec. 30, most until 5 p.m., and 29 said they would be closed Dec. 31. Several wholesalers, especially in Michigan, will be closed Jan. 2, because of their union contract.