HAY RIVER - Julie Francis says there is a lot to learn as dairy section manager in a grocery store.

"I didn't realize there are so many different kinds of cheese, yogurt and eggs," she said. "I always thought an egg was an egg."

Julie Francis manages the dairy section at NorthMart in Hay River. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Francis has been dairy section manager at NorthMart in Hay River since December.

"I do the whole dairy counter," she said. "I do the ordering and stocking."

The dairy section is very important for customers of a grocery store, she noted. "The majority of people go there. I find dairy is very busy."

For the 28-year-old Francis, her job is a return to a business where she worked as a cashier when she was a teenager.

Most recently, she managed a trucking company.

"It was time for a change," said Francis, who also tends bar on the weekend.

She said managing the dairy section is all new to her.

"It's my counter," she said. "I can do it all. It's kind of like being my own boss again."

She said learning where to order from and when to order were the biggest challenges.

In the dairy section, getting orders on time is very important, she noted. "Things have to stay fresh."

Francis orders from six different suppliers, and she must ensure products are properly rotated on the shelves and there are enough products available for specials.

Francis deals closely with the public.

"It's a very big part of the job and I enjoy it," she said.

"You get to meet a lot of people and talk to a lot of people."She said it's important to listen to customers and try to meet their requests for products

Francis works Monday to Friday and one Saturday per month.

While supplies arrive five days a week, the busiest day is Monday when four to six skids arrive.

As for the busiest day dealing with customers, she said it usually gets busier as the week goes on.

Francis said she is happy she switched to a job in the retail sector, which has had some difficulty attracting employees along with many other businesses in Hay River.

She believes more people should consider jobs in retail.

"They should definitely try it before they diss it," she said. "I really like it."