19 August 2014
Manawatu checkout operators compete for Checker of the Year
Last night, checkout operators from Manawatu New World and PAK’nSAVE stores had their moment to shine in the spotlight
at the Hollywood-themed Foodstuffs Checker of the Year regional competition at the Regent Theatre in Palmerston North.
More than 70 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 Jess Childs from Masterton New World, Janine Holdaway from Levin New World, and Ainsley
Downes from Marton New World.
The Manawatu winners will now head to the regional final in November to compete for the title of Customer Service
Superstar.
The competitors’ colleagues wore costumes in the “Hollywood Greats” theme and cheered them on with banners, chants and
store mascots.
“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,” said 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,”
Kristie McGregor said.
The night was complete with a ‘grab a bag’ competition before the prize giving, where supporters had the chance to win
gift baskets thanks to Foodstuffs suppliers. Representatives from Foodstuffs’ national charity CanTeen were there to
hand out prizes and join in the fun.
There are three other regional heats in Taranaki, Wellington and Hawke’s Bay. The top 12 checkers at each event win $50
gift cards, and the top three from each event win extra prizes and go on to compete for the overall regional title of
2014 Customer Service Superstar at Foodstuffs’ Training Excellence Awards on 22 November.
ENDS