Alexandria Gray, a checkout operator from PAK'nSAVE Cameron Road took home the top score in the Tauranga heat of the Foodstuffs North Island Checker of the Year competition.

The 16-year-old has been working at the supermarket for the past two years while she attends high school, and says she was motivated to compete after watching last year’s event, which fuelled her competitive fire.

“The concept of an entire competition dedicated to seeing how good you are at your job was so inspiring,” she says.

Intrigued by the idea of challenging herself and measuring her abilities as a checkout operator, she decided to sign up alongside a few of her coworkers.

In preparation, Alexandria and her team dedicated two days a week to train for a few hours, simulating checkout scenarios and perfecting their customer service skills.

As the competition began, Alexandria says she felt well-prepared and confident, and tried to approach the event like just another day at work, albeit in front of a larger audience.

“I was a bit jittery as we waited to begin. All those nerves fell away as we started talking to people from other stores though, and I immediately started making friends!” she says.

Held at the Baycourt Theatre the annual event sees checkout operators from across Bay of Plenty PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square and Gilmours stores compete, challenging them to showcase their customer service, professionalism and quality service.

The competition involves timing checkout operators as they scan 30 items as fast as possible.

Contestants must maintain a friendly conversation and complete the necessary steps in a shopper’s interaction, like scanning a loyalty card and offering a receipt in front of two judges – one who acts as a customer, the other who acts as a timekeeper.

Alexandria says the moment her name was called as the winner, her entire store “went crazy and started jumping and cheering.”

“It was awesome to take first place alongside my friend Honey. We both gave each other a massive hug as we stood together on stage,” she says.

PAK’nSAVE Cameron Road owner operator Dean Waddell also took the whole team out for a celebratory dinner afterwards.

Foodstuffs North Island general manager of people Wendy Hammonds says the event is extremely popular and marks a 75-year milestone this year.

“Holding events like Checker of the Year is one of the ways we celebrate the contribution from the thousands of Foodstuffs North Island check out operators who deliver a fantastic service for our customers in our New World, PAK’nSAVE, Four Square and Gilmours stores.

“It’s been a challenging few years for our frontline teams, so this event helps us acknowledge the vital role they play in our business and the mahi they do,” she says.

An overall winner will be announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards later in the year.

Alongside the two winners from PAK’nSAVE Cameron Road, New World Whakatane received the honour of highest scoring store, with four employees securing spots in the top ten.