All eyes will be on the expertise of the PAK'nSAVE and New World
checkout operators gathering for the fourth regional heat in the
Foodstuffs Auckland 2011 Checker of the Year competition. With
around a thousand competitors vying for the title in the upper
North Island alone, the seemingly simple task of checking groceries
has become a fiercely competitive sport.
The annual battle of supermarket staff's skills at the checkout
has been conducted by Foodstuffs since 1948. Foodstuffs Auckland
General Manager Retail, Rob Chemaly says, "This competition isn't
just about speed and efficiency - checkout operators are the face
of our stores, and how friendly they are has a direct impact on
whether customers enjoy their shopping experience, and of course
whether they come back again and again.
"Being 100 percent New Zealand owned and operated, we pride
ourselves on giving all our customers great Kiwi service. This
competition is a fantastic way for us to recognise and reward those
staff who embody that attitude."
Checker of the Year competitors must scan over 30 grocery items,
while eagle-eyed judges assess a range of criteria including speed,
presentation, customer service skills, and the ability to correctly
count back change.
The fourteen crème de la crème of checkout operators who rise to
the top of the heats will go on to pit their skills against each
other at the Foodstuffs Auckland Convention on November 13.
And it's not just pride at stake, this year's national champion is
in to win $1,000 in cash, a weekend getaway in Queenstown, an
iPhone, a laptop, plus other prizes.
Heat Four of Checker of the Year will be held at 7pm in the
Rotorua Civic Theatre on Tuesday 9 August 2011.