THE 230-strong colleagues of ASDA Omagh are the Northern Ireland winners of the supermarket chain's UK-wide Warm and Friendly Service Scheme.
From 2,500 colleagues across the North, the team from Omagh were deemed to be the warmest, friendliest and happiest to help in the whole of Northern Ireland. To reward this result, ASDA has sent staff members to the sunny climes of Florida.
Regional Manager for George in ASDA NI, Heather Lyons and six colleagues from ASDA Omagh joined 33 of their counterparts from across Britain in Manchester on March 10, where they will flew direct to Orlando International Airport to begin their tour of Florida's most famous attractions.
The Warm and Friendly Service scheme uses mystery shoppers who visit ASDA stores once every month to test colleagues in every department from their knowledge of store layout to product range. Stores are rewarded with 'Smile Miles' if their colleagues are friendly, approachable and eager to help. ASDA staff received more points than any other store in the North for their Warm and Friendly Service and Happy to Help attitude.
Swapping Omagh for Orlando, the six lucky staff kick-started their trip on Sunday morning with a visit to Universal Studios and throughout the week will have the opportunity to observe and learn from service operations of world famous adventure parks and restaurants such as Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld Adventure Park and Planet Hollywood, all renowned for their dedication to maximising customer satisfaction.
Colleagues travelling to Orlando, including ASDA Omagh's Store Manager, Brian McCallion, will also attend Wal-Mart's 'Best of USA Service' presentation and will make a short presentation to a selection of Wal-Mart managers on ASDA Omagh and its community projects. The presentation will also discuss ASDA in Northern Ireland, including its relationship with local suppliers and highlighting local attractions, such as the Ulster American Folk Park.
Commenting on the mood among ASDA Omagh colleagues, Angela McGarvey, Service Manager for Omagh said, "We are thrilled that we have been named as the most friendly and welcoming ASDA store in NI and excitement about the trip to Orlando is building day by day. All colleagues, from those working behind the scenes to those on the tills had a chance of being picked to go to Orlando, because at ASDA we believe that everyone contributes to customer satisfaction."
She continues, "The trip will be a combination of pleasure and business as we will be using it as a chance to make the most of all that Florida has to offer and also to learn from our Wal-Mart counterparts."
Colleagues will also visit the Wal-Mart Kissimmee store to see exactly how their counterparts in Florida rate in customer service and will have the opportunity to do some shopping on Florida's infamous International Drive.
