Technologies Building Smart Supermarkets

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.

January is technology season with a series of back-to-back events focused on the latest gadgets and gizmos. While reading about new technologies, it’s easy to begin to wonder how they will apply to your shoppers and your business model. Here are some insights from the January-tech craze to consider.

<p>By Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations - Private Brands, Technology, FMI<br /> <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/technology-leveraging-data.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=fc8a516e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="technology leveraging data" title="technology leveraging data" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /></p> <p>January is technology season with a series of back-to-back events focused on the latest gadgets and gizmos. While reading about new technologies, it’s easy to begin to wonder how they will apply to your shoppers and your business model. Here are some insights from the January-tech craze to consider:</p> <h5>Leveraging Consumer Technologies</h5> <p>Covering <a href="https://www.ces.tech/">CES 2020</a>, Laura Heller writes in <em>Forbes</em> about <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lauraheller/2020/01/07/5-top-tech-trends-for-retail-from-ces-2020/#3df522c65866">5 Top Tech Trends for Retail From CES 2020</a> and outlines technologies sure to impact retail, including:</p> <ul> <li>Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).</li> <li>Autonomous checkout. </li> <li>Image search.</li> <li>Monetizing data.</li> <li>Logistics innovation. </li> </ul> <p>One device premiered at the show called <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/05/the-julia-smart-cooking-system-even-washes-itself-up/?guccounter=1">Julia</a> had me really scratching my head. The smart cooker that even washes itself has a lot of applications for food retailers and suppliers helping shoppers. From taking meal kits to the next level to re-inventing cooking, there are numerous applications to leverage this new technology for grocery shoppers should it become a staple of American kitchens.   </p> <h5>Technologies Changing Retail Business Models</h5> <p>This week at <a href="https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/">NRF 2020</a>, I’m seeing impressive applications of real-time consumer data and predictive analytic models powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). For example, FMI Associate member SAP showcased the blend of master marketing, omnichannel fulfillment from the store, category management and the overall consumer experience. Their <a href="https://app.goconsensus.com/play/a1869358/1578687995856">online demo</a>, personalized by upfront questions, provides an overview of how technology is supporting changing business models by reducing supply chain costs.</p> <h5>Technologies Leveraging Data</h5> <p>Machine learning (ML) and AI have proven themselves capable of supporting demand forecasting and are being used increasingly for recommending products, customizing pricing and promotional decisions. At the upcoming <a href="https://www.fmi.org/midwinter-conference/fmitech@">FMItech@Midwinter</a>, we have a host of Tech Talks that showcase ML and AI from all angles including promotions, forecasting, supply chain, food waste and customer experience.</p> <p>Smart supermarkets are already leveraging new technologies to do business more efficiently and effectively. 2020 is sure to bring more announcements of food retailers and suppliers leveraging technology—will you be one of them? </p>

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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.