Countdown has narrowed down the field for the 2015 Checkout Operator of the Year competition, with three competitors scanning, serving, and working their way to the top.
Samantha Hawke of Countdown Waitangi, Marliena Kerapa of Countdown Bureta Park, and Yvonne Millar of Countdown Northwood are the three selected finalists (pictured).
Each of the finalists underwent several rounds of testing and interviews to beat out the rest of the 490 applicants for their chance to take out the 2015 Checkout Operator of the Year title, which will be awarded at the end of the month.
Countdown’s acting Managing Director; Pat McEntee says the calibre of this year’s applicants has been outstanding. “All of the competitors this year, and of course our three finalists, are a great reflection of the fantastic team we have here at Countdown.”
“Customer service is a big focus for our business and these sorts of awards are a great way of recognising and rewarding those members of our 18,000-strong team who go above and beyond for the people they serve each day,” McEntee says.
The Checkout Operator of the Year competition is now in its fifth year. The checkout test involved finalists scanning 60 items ranging from fresh produce, alcohol, meat/deli and chilled foods. Hidden challenges were placed in the trolley to catch the finalists off-guard including cracked eggs and damaged or open packaging that competitors had to look for, while engaging with the customer.
The winner of Countdown’s 2015 Checkout Operator of the year will be announced at an awards dinner on 21 September and will receive the coveted antique register, a $1000 gift card, and the kudos that comes with being the nation’s best Checkout Operator.
