Associated Retail Operations (ARO) recently held its annual bagging competition at the Associated Food Stores’ corporate office.
Representatives from Macey’s, Dan’s, Lin’s, Dick’s Market and Fresh Market were all on hand to demonstrate their bagging prowess. ARO leaders, including ARO President Darin Peirce and Vice President of Retail Operations Greg Welling, extended sincere appreciation to the many individuals who demonstrate their commitment and skills to care for guests every day. Candice Fischer, Brandon Allred, Amber Condie, LoriAnn Tanner and others organized and led the fun-filled event.
After judge introductions and a review of rules, baggers battled to earn the opportunity to represent ARO at the state level. During the competition, baggers are judged and receive points in four areas: speed (10 points), proper bag building technique (10 points), distribution of weight between bags (5 points), style, attitude and appearance (5 points).
Following multiple intense rounds, Mackenzie Wood from Fresh Market Layton took first place, Nick Leitner from Lin’s Hurricane secured second place and Bethany Bowen from Macey’s Providence came in third place. Other top-ten finishers, who will compete in the state contest, included Maddie Howell-Gray from Dan’s 70th, Zachary Campbell from Macey’s Pleasant Grove, Tucker Jewkes from Cedar City Lin’s, Cohen Orberg from Macey’s Market Pinebrook, Caramia Hatfield from Macey’s Orem, Ayden Brinkley from Macey’s Market Little Cottonwood and Toni Martin from Lin’s Mall Drive.
“It’s incredibly fun and fulfilling to see the efforts of so many individuals paying off,” said Candice Fischer, director of customer relations at ARO. “Everyone—from baggers and cashiers to front-end managers and store directors—contributes to delivering great checkout experiences for our guests. This competition showcases the talent and mindset that set our stores apart in customer service.”
The state contest will take place on August 6, 2025 as part of the Utah Food Industry Association conference. Winners from there will go on to compete at a national level.