How Industry Trends and Technology Will Influence the Future of Physical Stores

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

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OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

Much like an evolving Metro system, the retail marketplace is witnessing a convergence of new consumer preferences and technologies that are shaping its own landscape.

By: Laurie Gethin, Director of Education, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/metro-1772722_640.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=33dc7b6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Metro" title="Metro" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />When I began working in the Nation’s Capital, the MetroRail system had 43 stations and served the immediate area around the city. With the help of technology and to serve a growing population, the MetroRail system has burgeoned in size and scope, with 91 stations across the region that offer WiFi access, digital advertising, and electronic fare machines. As MetroRail continues to evolve to meet the demands of residents and commuters alike, its growth is inadvertently shaping the landscapes around it. Over the years, new developments have emerged around Metro stations, creating walkable, mixed-use communities that attract employers, talent and tenants. Much like an evolving Metro system, the retail marketplace is witnessing a convergence of new consumer preferences and technologies that are shaping its own landscape. It’s apparent this change is happening at an unprecedented pace, driving quicker decisions that impact every category in the grocery industry. Our <a href="http://www.fmi.org/grocerytrends">Trends 2017</a> research reveals that shoppers continue to diversify their shopping channels and Millennials gained comfort in their e-commerce shopping habits. When it comes to shoppers’ demand for more transparency, they have a rational need for information and an emotional desire for authentic connections with their retailer. It’s easy to see that consumer dynamics around the modes, places and even reasons they shop have changed. In order to meet the demands of today’s shoppers, the industry must become fluent in food culture. And, not just through understanding shopping trends, but by connecting those trends to the functionality of retail spaces. An article in <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-to-do-with-dead-malls-1508936402?shareToken=st7737a104e9de4776b7f7d32b7921fc3f&reflink=article_email_share">The Wall Street Journal </a>recently discussed reimagining the physical store to serve consumers looking for places to be, rather than things to buy. Designing a food theater experience can create captivating culinary adventures that keep customers coming back, according to FMI’s <a href="https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2016/12/02/roadmap-to-success-fresh-prepared-food-in-grocery">Power of Fresh Prepared/Deli</a> report. Embracing consumer trends and technology in and outside the store and experimenting with formats can attract new and returning customers. As digital technologies continue to shift shopping into new channels and drive digital innovation to evolve the food shopping experience, the store of the future must remain nimble to meet the demands of consumers. Social, economic and political trends all play an important role in how to ready brick and mortar stores for a digital world. Just like the Metro, grocers have an opportunity in today’s evolving marketplace to chart new paths and shape the landscape of the shopping experience. This fall, industry professionals attended FMI’s <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/ESD2017">2017 Energy and Store Development </a>Conference to discuss important issues facing energy management, refrigeration, and store design in food retail. Three professionals who attended the conference will share their insights in our upcoming blog series. Stay tuned!

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.