OMV, Billa introduce a new c-store format in the Czech Republic

The first Viva Billa store opens at the renovated OMV Praha Strakonická petrol station.

The OMV network and the BILLA chain are launching a new format of cooperation. Together they are introducing a new concept, VIVA BILLA stores. The first one was opened by both partners at the "Strakonická" petrol station near Prague's Chuchle, and three more will be added in the Czech Republic by the end of this year. The OMV petrol station with a VIVA BILLA store welcomes customers in a completely new and clearly recognisable style, including a specially designed logo on the totem.

The sales area is extended by a large refrigerated "island" with a range of fresh food mainly from Czech suppliers. The store's assortment includes proven items from the BILLA chain's regular offer, including fresh fruit, vegetables, cold cuts, cheese and beverages, crispy pastries and drugstore products. The new design of the petrol station store also includes an expanded use of modern technology. The existing areas with printed information materials have been supplemented with digital screens.

"Customers demand quality and fresh food as standard, wherever they buy it. Together, we are now bringing this standard to OMV petrol stations, where customers can easily and quickly get their daily groceries as if they were visiting any of our stores. Whether they are on the move, driving home from work or taking the family on a trip, they can buy fresh and quality food," says Liam Casey, CEO of BILLA ČR.

In the VIVA BILLA offer, customers will find over 1,100 items, including the chain's private labels. BILLA will deliver food to OMV petrol stations 3 times a week, directly from the central warehouse in Modletice near Prague. OMV will use existing systems owned by BILLA to order goods, and in the future the station will be connected to the EDI system.