A Pak’n Save Whakatāne checkout manager has placed second in the North Island Foodstuffs Checkout Awards, taking home an Apple Watch and recognition for her customer service and scanning skills.

Checkout manager Teri Rangi said she was surprised to make it through to the North Island competition after originally entering only to encourage younger staff members.

“I wasn’t expecting to get that far. The only reason I entered was to encourage the young ones, but it’s nice to be able to say I came second,” Rangi said.

The first round of the competition was held in Tauranga, where Rangi placed first in the Bay of Plenty region against contestants from Pak’n Save, New World, Four Square and Gilmour’s.

The competition involves contestants standing at a checkout while being judged on their scanning speed, customer service, and interaction with shoppers. Rangi said having three judges watching her might be intimidating, but she relied on her experience.

“I’ll fill the awkward silence … it’s not really a thought process for me; it’s just muscle memory,” she said.

Rangi said the competition was a great opportunity for younger staff members because it encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones, while also giving them the chance to win prizes and travel to Auckland.

“We just encourage our kids; if you place, even better. You win prizes. You get to go away for the weekend, all expenses paid,” she said.

Despite the pressure of the competition, Rangi said she did not change how she usually worked when scanning items. She said trying to go faster could affect the quality of her work.

“Everyone’s like, do you try and go faster? And I say, if I do, I’m just going to wreck the items. So, I’m just like, ‘no’,” she said.

Rangi scanned 21 Pam’s-branded items in 53 seconds during the competition, saying contestants are on stage for only a short time.

“Honestly, you’re not even up there long; a minute at the most,” she said.

Although her role as checkout manager means she is not on the tills as often as she used to be, Rangi still enjoys getting back on checkouts when she can.

“It gives me the chance to just sit there and chat with customers,” she said.