Shoppers Willing to Be Inconvenienced for High-Quality Foodservice at Retail

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

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

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.

These days, convenience is the name of the game. Just look at how shoppers select their primary store. According to FMI’s 2019 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report, 67% of shoppers rate convenience from home as one of the key attributes of their primary grocery store and 50% say a store must be convenient from work or along daily commute. These findings are even more pronounced for Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. With the need for ease and simplification so high among shoppers, why would more and more consumers be willing to inconvenience themselves when it comes to foodservice?

By Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/photos-for-staff-use/deli/20161208-fmi-0195_ed_web.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=472f6c6e_2" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="20161208-FMI-0195_ed_WEB" title="20161208-FMI-0195_ed_WEB" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> These days, convenience is the name of the game. Just look at how shoppers select their primary store. According to FMI’s 2019 <a href="https://www.fmi.org/our-research/research-reports/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends</a> report, 67% of shoppers rate convenience from home as one of the key attributes of their primary grocery store and 50% say a store must be convenient from work or along daily commute. These findings are even more pronounced for Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. With the need for ease and simplification so high among shoppers, why would more and more consumers be willing to inconvenience themselves when it comes to foodservice? FMI’s <a href="https://www.fmi.org/industry-topics/fresh-foods">2019 Power of Foodservice at Retail</a> report looks at consumer behaviors around the deli and foodservice departments in grocery stores. Initial findings of the report, which will be released in early September, suggest the foodservice department is a key area where food retailers can differentiate themselves. For example, shoppers report being willing to drive further or visit a store they do not often frequent in order to purchase high-quality foodservice items. Think about that for a second. You’re driving home from work and haven’t solved the what’s for dinner question. You decide a healthier meal option would be to pick up something prepared or somewhat pre-made from a supermarket. What we’re seeing is more and more shoppers are willing to make their daily commute longer in order to visit a store they perceive to have high-quality foodservice offerings. In an age of wanting what we want, when we want it, anything that is causing shoppers to go the extra mile is worth giving pause and consideration to. Stay tuned for more on the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/industry-topics/fresh-foods">2019 Power of Foodservice at Retail</a> and join me at the <a href="https://www.totalmealsolutions.com/2019/279944">Total Meal Solutions Summit</a>, September 9 – 10, where I’ll share more findings from the report.

Read full article on FMI

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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.