Bargain Books, one of South Africa’s leading book retailers, is offering an exciting job opportunity for a Bookseller (195-hour position) at Shop 101, Goldfields Mall in Welkom, Free State. The company, recognized as the Best Bookseller of the Year multiple times, is well-known for its commitment to offering customers choice, value, and excellent service.
The position presents an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic, customer-focused individual with a passion for books and retail sales. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic, sales-driven environment where they will interact with customers, manage stock, and ensure that the store remains an inviting and well-organized space.
Bookseller Key Responsibilities
Customer Service
- Engage with customers in a professional and friendly manner
- Assist customers by offering recommendations and guidance based on their reading preferences
Stock Management & Merchandising
- Receive, unpack, and categorize books
- Ensure books are attractively displayed to catch customers’ attention
- Maintain well-organized bookshelves
- Update window displays every two weeks to showcase bestsellers and promotions
- Assist the store manager in controlling shrinkage and preventing inventory losses
Sales & Upselling
- Engage in active sales by building relationships with customers
- Upsell and cross-sell books and related products
- Recommend alternative titles when a customer’s preferred book is unavailable
Security Awareness
- Remain alert to prevent theft and shoplifting
- Maintain a strong presence on the sales floor
Book Knowledge & Industry Insights
- Constantly build knowledge of books and authors
- Stay informed about publishing trends to make informed recommendations
Administrative & Cash Handling Duties
- Handle cash-ups and credit card checks
- Process supplier payouts and manage attendance registers
- Ensure smooth store operations through accurate transaction handling
Qualifications & Experience Required
Bargain Books is seeking an energetic, physically fit, and well-presented individual with a minimum of a Matric qualification. Prior experience in retail or a sales environment is preferred, though individuals with relevant qualifications, such as Marketing, English Literature, Communications, or Journalism, may also be considered.
This position provides a great opportunity for individuals who are interested in bookselling, publishing, sales techniques, and merchandising. The role allows employees to develop strong customer service skills, gain exposure to the publishing industry, and build experience in a fast-paced retail setting.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:
- Fully bilingual (proficiency in at least two languages)
- Well-presented and neat
- Excellent communication skills
- Positive and friendly attitude
- Strong book knowledge or willingness to learn
- Sales-driven mindset
- Good level of computer literacy
- Physically strong and fit
- Ability to work under pressure
- Team player with strong commitment
- Willingness to work long hours, including alternate weekends
Employee Benefits
Bargain Books offers a range of employee benefits, including:
- Book discounts
- Incentivized targets
- Group Retirement Annuity
- Medical insurance
- Employee birthday gift
How to Apply
Candidates interested in applying for this position should submit their CV and application to Nicole Judd, Recruiter, at recruitment@bargainbooks.co.za.
- Subject Line: “WELKOM 195 HOUR BOOKSELLER”
- Closing Date: 17 February 2025
Only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. If no communication is received after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
Bargain Books is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and preference will be given to candidates who contribute to the organization’s diverse culture.
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