For Immediate Release

Media release

1 October 2014

Hamilton checkout operators compete for Checker of the Year

Last night, checkout operators from Waikato New World and PAK’nSAVE stores had their moment to shine at the Foodstuffs Checker of the Year regional heats held at the Founders Theatre in Hamilton.

More than 100 New World and PAK’nSAVE checkers were judged by a team of eight senior Foodstuffs staff on their speed, presentation, customer service and accuracy as they scanned 30 items as fast as possible, while staying friendly and composed.

The top three checkers were Gina Ryan from Hillcrest New World, Rachel MacKenzie from Hillcrest New World and Dasha Douglas-France from Clarence Street PAK’nSAVE.

The Hamilton winners will now head to the regional final in November to compete for the title of Customer Service Superstar.

The competitors’ colleagues were there to support and cheer them on with banners, chants and store mascots, with Te Awamutu PAK'nSAVE winning Best Supporting Team.

“Checkout operators are the face of our stores, and a competition that encourages them to excel helps ensure Foodstuffs’ customers are getting the best customer service,” says event organiser Kristie McGregor.

“The Checker of the Year competition has been going for over 40 years now, and it is a fun way to keep staff motivated. All the stores put up a big contingent of supporters, so even the people not competing get involved in the team spirit,” adds Kristie McGregor.

There are five other regional heats, with three events for Auckland north, central and south, and competitions in Whangarei and Tauranga. The top 12 checkers at each event win $50 gift cards, and the top three from each event win additional prizes and go on to compete at the regional finals in Auckland on 2 November 2014.

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