Hello URA Member,

Can you believe we're already halfway through 2026?

June is the perfect time to look ahead. Whether you're evaluating inventory, planning for the busy fall season, or preparing for the URA Trade Show, the decisions you make now can set the tone for a successful second half of the year.

This month, we're sharing ideas, reminders, and resources to help you stay ahead—including a timely retail tip, industry insights, scholarship reminders, and Trade Show updates.

Thank you for being part of the URA community. Independent retailers continue to prove that expertise, relationships, and exceptional service make a difference every day.

Jennifer Clegg

Executive Director

📞 (614) 721-0777

✉️ URA@UniformRetailers.org

Countdown to Vegas ~ ⏰ Only 4 Months Until Las Vegas!

• Education sessions being announced soon
• Awards deadline August 15 - Announcing Winners October 19 at Great Gatsby Party
• Register early and secure your hotel room

Value Is Winning in 2026

Retail analysts are seeing consumers continue to spend—but they're becoming much more selective. Shoppers are prioritizing value, essentials, and products they truly need while reducing impulse purchases. Even higher-income consumers are increasingly looking for deals and discounts.

What this means for uniform retailers:

• Promote durability and quality, not just price.
• Train staff to explain why a product is worth the investment.
• Bundle products together (scrubs + compression socks + badge accessories).
• Make loyalty programs and repeat-customer incentives more visible.

Takeaway: Customers are still buying—they simply want confidence they're making a smart purchase.

Audit Your Top 20 Products

Take 30 minutes this month and pull a report of your top 20 selling products from the past 12 months.

Ask:

• Are they always in stock?
• Do employees know how to sell them?
• Are they displayed prominently?
• Do you have complementary items nearby?

Many retailers spend time trying to find the next best seller while overlooking products already driving most of their revenue.

A small improvement in the visibility and availability of your top-selling items can have a bigger impact than adding new inventory.

Understanding ICHRA: A Modern Approach to Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits

As healthcare costs continue to rise and workforce needs evolve, many organizations are exploring alternatives to traditional group health insurance. One increasingly popular option is the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) - a flexible, employer-funded benefit that empowers employees while giving organizations greater cost control.

What Is an ICHRA? Click to Read More

Upcoming Dates Retailers Should Be Thinking About

June

• URA Scholarship Deadline – June 30
• Summer clearance planning
• Review first-half sales performance

July

• New graduate nurse hiring season
• Back-to-school healthcare programs
• White coat and nursing student promotions

August

• Fall merchandise arrivals
• Holiday planning begins
• URA Awards Entry Deadline (August 15)
• National Uniform Day planning (September)

Uniform Retailers Association

Phone: (866) 775-0080 or (614) 721-0777

Email: URA@UniformRetailers.org  www.UniformRetailers.org