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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage customers, manage stock, and create eye-catching displays in a vibrant bookstore.
- Company: Join Bargain Books, a leading South African book retailer with a passion for literature.
- Benefits: Enjoy book discounts, medical insurance, and birthday gifts while working in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Build your book knowledge, develop sales skills, and thrive in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a matric; retail experience or relevant qualifications are a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for growth in the publishing industry await you!
VACANCY NOTICE
POSITION: Bookseller (160 Hour )
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
STORE: Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape
Our philosophy is to provide our customers with choice and value.
Bargain Books is one of the biggest book retailers in South Africa, with over 80 stores and growing rapidly. We are the winner for best bookseller of the year 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013 and 2011.
We believe in hard work and entrepreneurial thinking within a dynamic, sales and service orientated environment. We aim to provide our customers with superior service and value for money through our passion for books and people.
Purpose of the job:
As a bookseller you will receive and unpack stock, categorize books and merchandise stockfor the customer. You will also focus on customer service making sure the customer gets excellent service by delivery of their needs. You will build up your book knowledge every day to build strong relationships with the customer driving up sales.
Main Responsibilities
Customer Service– offer assistance to every customer entering the store with a friendly and positive attitude.
Housekeeping– keep the store clean and tidy.
Merchandising– making sure all window displays and in door displays are attractive and eye catching and changed every two weeks. Check that the bestsellers are in stock and on display.
Stock Management– assist the manager in measuring and controlling shrinkage
Security– need to be alert and aware of the non-shopper/shop lifter
Book knowledge– constantly building up your knowledge of the books in the store
Sales and upselling–building up relationships with potential customers, upselling and cross selling. Pushing promotions. Recommending a substitute and alternative book and other unique products.
Sourcing and ordering books for customers using the lookup systems at your disposal.
Admin and control– cash up, credit card checks, wage payout, shortage reports, supplier payout, attendance register, email communication, gift vouchers, etc.
Qualifications required for this role:
We are looking for an energetic and well-presented sales person who is physically strong and healthy.
You need a minimum of a matric and preferably have experience in retail or a sales environment.
You could be starting out in your career and have a marketing qualification, a degree in Englishliterature, Communications, Journalism or other qualifications that will benefit your career being in a bookstore.
You will gain people skills, be empowered with knowledge and will be exposed to merchandising, promotions, sales techniques, the publishing industry, authors, etc. which will set you up for your future career.
The successful applicant will have the following attributes:
Fully bilingual
Neat and well presented
Above average communication skills
Positive and friendly attitude
Knowledge of books and willing to learn
Sales skills
High level of computer literacy
Physically strong and fit
Work well under pressure
Good follow through and commitment
Work well with a team with commitment and support
Prepared to work long hours and alternate weekends.
Benefits:
- Book Discount
- Incentivised targets
- Group Retirement Annuity
- Medical Insurance
- Employee Birthday Gift
Applications and CV’s should be addressed to Kelly Booysen, Recruiter – kelly@bargainbooks.co.za
With “MALMESBURY 160 HOUR BOOKSELLER ”stated in the subject heading
Closing date: 01 July 2025
NB:Only successful candidates will be interviewed. If you have not heard from us after the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
Preference will be given to candidates who will add to the diversity of our organisation.
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Bookseller (160 Hour Contract),Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape employer: Bargain Books
Contact Detail:
Bargain Books Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookseller (160 Hour Contract),Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest bestsellers and popular genres. Being knowledgeable about current trends in literature will help you engage customers effectively and demonstrate your passion for books.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by role-playing different scenarios with friends or family. This will prepare you to handle various customer interactions with a positive attitude, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit the store before applying to observe the layout and merchandising techniques used. Take notes on how displays are set up and think of ideas you could bring to the team to enhance the shopping experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Bargain Books if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookseller (160 Hour Contract),Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or sales environments. Emphasise any previous roles where you provided excellent customer service, as this is crucial for the Bookseller position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for books and customer service. Mention specific examples of how you've engaged with customers in the past and how you can contribute to the store's success.
Showcase Your Book Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your knowledge of books and authors. You could mention your favourite genres or recent reads, which will show your enthusiasm for the role and the industry.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you address your application to Kelly Booysen and include 'MALMESBURY 160 HOUR BOOKSELLER' in the subject line. This attention to detail shows your ability to follow instructions and your interest in the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bargain Books
✨Show Your Passion for Books
Make sure to express your love for books during the interview. Share your favourite genres, authors, or recent reads. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and help you connect with the interviewer.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since customer service is a key part of the role, prepare examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past. Discuss any experiences where you went above and beyond to assist a customer.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Talk about your ability to work well in a team. Share specific instances where you collaborated with colleagues to achieve a common goal, as this role requires strong teamwork skills.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to sales techniques, stock management, and merchandising. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios that may arise in a retail environment.
