Auckland checkout operators compete for Checker of the Year

For immediate release

Media release

30 September 2014

Auckland checkout operators compete for Checker of the Year

Checkout operators from Auckland’s New World and PAK’nSAVE stores had their moment to shine at the Foodstuffs Checker of the Year regional heats this week.

Three competitions were held in Auckland north, central and south regions, at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, the Sky City Theatre in Auckland City and the Genesis Energy Theatre in Manukau.

Overall, more than 300 New World and PAK’nSAVE checkers were judged by teams 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 from Auckland north were Sophie Moore from Birkenhead New World, Grace Lana from Browns Bay New World, and Shivani Shah from Milford New World.

In Auckland central the winners were Cindy Johns from New Lynn New World, Samantha Just from Victoria Park New World and Ashwin Kumar from Sylvia Park PAK’nSAVE.

Auckland south awarded Kaveetha Gopal from Clendon New World, Liano Havea from Clendon New World and Mary Jane Dumalaon from Papakura PAK'nSAVE as the best.

The top three from each heat 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, to be in the running for 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 six regional heats in total, with the other three in Whangarei, Tauranga and Hamilton. 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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