POULSBO — It’s just a typical day for Central Market courtesy clerk Ryan Hoskins. As he quickly and agilely scans customers’ delicate groceries, he mentally prepares himself for a unique competition judged on speed, style and technique.
Hoskins, of Indianola, will compete in Spokane for the honor of representing Washington at the 30th annual National Grocers Association Best Bagger Competition.
“I didn’t realize all that was entailed in the bagging competition,” he said. Hoskins has competed in the past but this is the first time he will compete in the state competition. “I’m trying to keep the nerves at bay the best I can.”
Hoskins has worked for Central Market for almost 10 years. When not working, he is the bass player in a local band. As an avid Moody Blues fan, he has been to 16 of their shows.
“They are my absolute favorite,” said Hoskins “When I was fifteen years old I was heavily into Black Sabbath, then I saw Moody Blues on PBS, they had good harmony, they were energetic, that hit me, I fell hard and fast.” Hoskins hopes to get a song stuck in his head during the competition, “There’s a certain degree of disconnect you have when your mind takes over your body, and I’m caught in the middle somewhere, hopefully if I get a song stuck in my head that will help.”
Participants in the Best Bagger Battle are judged on a rigorous criterion of speed, style, technique, and what Hoskins likes to call “the cincher” – uniform bag weight. “They cut the sides off of the grocery bag to see how well you packed it,” he adds. The competition consists of up to three rounds. The first uses paper bags, while the second requires participants to fill reusable bags. A bruising third and final round determines the ultimate winner.
“Sometimes you have the bag that’s just perfect,” Hoskins explained, “and you’re like, everyone – come over here and just look at this bag.” At other times, bagging becomes more challenging, “things like pears, peaches, even when carefully packed together they can hurt themselves, and have you seen the brussel sprout trees? They are impossible.”
Ten courtesy clerks from around the state will vie for the top honors. First, second and third place winners receive trophies and cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000 and $500, respectively. The first place winner will also get an all-expense-paid trip to the National Best Bagger Competition in Las Vegas, NV, in February 2016.
“This takes a lot of practice,” Hoskins said. As he relates it, the pressures of competitive bagging are similar to early 90s video game, “Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts” for Super Nintendo. “You’re a knight, and you’re against the ghosts, but you only have two hits then you’re done, it’s kind of like that, it’s pretty tough.”
As he talked, he noticed a group of young trainees learning to bag their first groceries. “For some this is their first job,” he said. “It certainly opens you up and gets you out of your shell a bit, at least for me.” He explained being a bagger makes for better checkers, you are more aware and reminded to be conscientious.
His advice to new baggers: ”Bag it right. Never lay the milk down on it’s side, and communication is key. You can never guess. One person in particular might like things separate, and the next might not care and have you throw everything together in one bag.” Although it takes a little more effort Hoskins says, “People appreciate a good bagger to get their groceries home safely.”
Hoskins’ mother and girlfriend will follow him to support, along with a carpool of friends and associates from Central Market to cheer him on. “The company is flying me to the competition, a huge thank you to them for that.”
“It’s pretty amazing, even outside of here people know me, and know my name – even without the name tag. There’s so many good vibes from the store and the customers, there’s just so much support.”
Washington’s Best Bagger Battle, sponsored by the Washington Food Industry Association, is set for Tuesday, October 27, from 3-5 p.m., at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 303 W North River Dr., Spokane.
