10 October 2024: A Paeroa local, Hannah Westbury, has taken out the national award for Checkout Operator of the Year at Woolworths with her exceptional service, enthusiasm and positive attitude beating out over 180 competitors across the country. 

Judges particularly noted Hannah’s commitment to engaging with every customer. Noticing a regular deaf customer was finding it challenging to complete her shop, Hannah learned sign language in her own time to help make the customer feel more welcome and create a more inclusive shopping experience. 

Hannah has been part of the team at Woolworths Paeroa for four years and in that time has become known in the community for her friendliness and welcoming smile. 

Hannah says she’s over the moon to have won the highly competitive award for Checkout Operator of the Year. 

“I love customer service and making people happy! When I’m engaging in conversations with customers I really enjoy getting to know them and finding things we have in common, I love making our customers smile,” adds Hannah. 

Woolworths Paeroa Store Manager, David Ritchie, says he’s incredibly proud of Hannah’s work and to see her recognised with the Checkout Operator of the Year award. 

“Our best checkout operators are those fantastic people with a friendly smile who can strike up a conversation but also pack and scan groceries quickly and efficiently. Hannah is the perfect example of someone who can do it all - she’s an asset to our team and to our local community. We’re so happy for her,” says David. 

The competition for Checkout Operator of the Year began in July with in-store assessments, where checkout operators were tested on their uniform standards, scan rates, till cash balances and most importantly, their overall customer service. First place winners for each region came head-to-head in finals before the overall winner was announced at the awards ceremony in Auckland.