CBX, the brand agency and retail design consultancy based here, has been retained by OKKO, the L'viv, Ukraine-based network of 400 petroleum and convenience stores, to help refine its product offering and shop design standards. OKKO stores can be found along highway interchanges as well as more densely populated urban areas in this country of more than 45 million people.
"OKKO operates traditional c-stores throughout the region, which are quite modern and good looking," said veteran c-store designer and consultant Joseph Bona, CBX president of branded environments. "However, the chain recognized a need to enhance its product offering, particularly for stores located in urban areas where fast, fresh and convenient food offers could help the company stand out among its competitors and increase market share and profits."

The assignment includes helping OKKO balance traditional c-store offerings along with food-to-go selections. To that end, CBX will work with the chain to develop a scalable foodservice program that can be rolled out across the network while also rationalizing existing merchandise selections. "In the global convenience store market, food-on-the move is a growth area for all operators, but especially for those in emerging markets with an expanding middle class," Bona explained. "Our role is to help OKKO define itself through product offer as the leader in their market."

On the design side, Bona noted that OKKO recently instituted a chainwide remodel and refresh program involving its gas canopy logo and forecourt standards. Under its assignment, CBX will build upon that program by developing new complementary standards across different assets, including exterior and interior shop design, shop layout, uniforms, temporary and permanent signage, menus, and other communication vehicles. "The goal is to project the OKKO brand's strong local roots and its focus on innovation," Bona concluded.

"We are really excited to work with the CBX team," said Iryna Moiseyeva, Director of Private Enterprise at OKKO. "Their international experience and strong retail background supports us in our strategy, planning and renovation projects. We are looking forward to opening the first three new stores with our new concept and updated offering in the beginning of 2015."

<strong>As seen in:</strong>
<a href="http://www.pennenergy.com/marketwired-oilgas/2015/01/14/leading-ukraine-c-store-network-okko-taps-cbx-to-enhance-product-offering-and-shop-design.html" target="_blank">Penn Energy.com</a>
<a href="http://www.nacsonline.com/News/Member_News/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">NACS Online</a>
<a href="http://insights.retailenvironments.org/2015/01/19/cbx-retained-ukraine-based-c-store-network/" target="_blank">A.R.E Retail Environments</a>
<a href="http://vmsd.com/content/leading-ukraine-c-store-network-okko-taps-cbx-enhance-product-offering-and-shop-design" target="_blank">VMSD</a>