Odessa FBLA explores the country's economy

The world is changing and so is the way Americans shop and spend their money. America has transitioned from an agricultural economy, to an industrial economy, to a service economy. Now we are moving toward an experience economy. This is the topic being studied by Odessa eighth-graders as part of the Odessa FBLA chapter’s American Enterprise Project. The students have researched businesses that currently offer experiences, such as Top Golf, LuLu Lemon and Petco. With the Sears store closing in Spokane’s Northtown Mall, students have learned that several new businesses that offer experiences will be taking its place, including trampoline parks, aquariums and virtual reality arcades. In addition, stores like Nordstrom, Fred Meyer and Target are offering their customers in-store experiences while they shop that they cannot get online.

FBLA members will display their research into the experience economy, along with proposals for related new businesses, in the basement of the gym Thursday, Feb. 27, during the final junior-high basketball home game of the year. This is a great chance for the community to test out the idea of an experience economy with a spaghetti dinner from the concession stand, junior high basketball and the Experience Fair.