July is Independent Retailer Month, a special time to celebrate and support local retailers. These retailers are especially important to our communities. But running a small business comes with unique challenges (as you probably know). Owners must manage tight budgets, keep up with current trends, find loyal customers, and hire talented workers. One way small retailers can gain an advantage is by giving their employees valuable benefits. That’s where insurance brokers like you come in as trusted partners.

Key Takeaways:

1. Small, local retailers are important to our communities.
2. Giving workers important benefits, like dental and vision insurance, helps small retailers find and keep quality employees.
3. Insurance brokers explain confusing choices and help store owners pick the best plans for their team.
4. Brokers save owners time by managing sign-ups, answering questions, and helping all year long.
5. With the right benefits, small retailers can better compete with big companies for the right workers.

Why Employee Benefits Matter for Small Businesses

In today’s job market, competitive benefits—like dental and vision insurance—matter just as much as pay. For small businesses, giving employees these benefits can:

1. Help them stand out from big retailers.
2. Improve employee satisfaction and retention.
3. Contribute to the overall health and productivity of their team.

But most small business owners aren’t experts in benefits. That’s why insurance brokers are so important!

How Dental and Vision Brokers Can Support Small Retailers

1. Explaining the Choices
   Insurance can be confusing. Brokers make it easier by explaining how dental and vision insurance work. They help business owners understand their choices so they can make the best decisions for their team. Brokers also serve as advocates to make sure store owners are making informed decisions and are never over- or under-insured.
2. Custom Plans for Each Store
   Every store is unique. A coffee shop with five workers isn’t the same as a clothing store with 20. Brokers help owners pick plans that fit their business and budget. Some plans can be voluntary (paid for by the store) or employer-sponsored. This gives small retailers the flexibility they need.
3. Ongoing Service and Support
   Small business owners wear many hats. Brokers save them time by managing administrative tasks like plan setup, enrollment, employee communications, and ongoing support. This all saves owners’ valuable time. Beyond enrollment, brokers also assist with claims or if the business grows and needs to update plans. The best brokers help all year round, not just once.
4. Helping Small Retailers Compete
   When small retailers offer strong dental and vision insurance, they can compete with larger companies for workers. This makes it easier for retailers to find and keep quality employees in a competitive market. 

Tips for Insurance Brokers: How to Help Local Retailers

If you are a broker trying to connect with independent retailers, here are some tips:

• Learn what small retailers need: Understand their main pain points, like small budgets or staff turnover.
• Get involved locally: Join local business associations to meet store owners or offer free workshops to teach small businesses about benefits.
• Share success stories: Show other store owners testimonials or case studies of similar retailers you’ve helped and how it made a measurable impact on aspects like retention or employee satisfaction.
• Keep it simple: Use clear words instead of insurance jargon and show them simple comparisons of plan options.
• Stay in touch: Build long-term relationships by checking in often, sharing new trends, and giving updates on rules or helpful tips.

When independent retailers and insurance brokers work together, amazing things can happen. Owners feel less stress, workers feel cared for, and shoppers see a business that truly supports its team. By choosing the right benefits, even the smallest store can be a wonderful place to work. So, this month, let’s celebrate our local retailers, help each other grow, and make our communities stronger.