Taranaki checkout operators compete for Checker of the Year

Media release

20 August 2014

Taranaki checkout operators compete for Checker of the Year

Last night, checkout operators from Taranaki 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 Theatre Royal in New Plymouth.

More than 30 New World and PAK’nSAVE checkers were judged by a team of six 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 Kelly Hopkins from New Plymouth New World, Emily Short from Stratford New World, and Kim Madden from Stratford New World.

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

The competitors’ colleagues dressed up to cheer them on with banners, chants and store mascots. Stratford New World dressed up in costumes from Harry Potter and New Plymouth PAK’nSAVE won best supporting team with their PAK'nSAVE stick men posters.

“Checkout operators are the face of our stores, and a competition that encourages them to excel helps ensure New World and PAK’nSAVE 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.

Representatives from Foodstuffs’ national charity CanTeen were there to hand out prizes and join in the fun.

There are three other regional heats in Manawatu, 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.

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