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- Tasks: Assist customers, manage stock, and create eye-catching displays in a vibrant bookstore.
- Company: Join Bargain Books, a leading South African book retailer with over 80 stores and multiple awards.
- Benefits: Enjoy book discounts, medical insurance, and birthday gifts while working in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Gain valuable skills in sales, customer service, and the publishing industry while surrounded by fellow book lovers.
- Qualifications: Must have a matric; retail experience or relevant qualifications in English or marketing are a plus.
- Other info: Be prepared for flexible hours and a fun, team-oriented atmosphere!
VACANCY NOTICE
POSITION: Bookseller (195 Hour )
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
STORE: Shop 3B The Hilton Avenues, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
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 Stacy Hendricks, Recruiter – careersbargainbooks.co.za
With “HILTON 195 HOUR BOOKSELLER ”stated in the subject heading
Closing date: 24 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 (195 Hour),Shop 3B The Avenues Centre, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal employer: Bargain Books
Contact Detail:
Bargain Books Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookseller (195 Hour),Shop 3B The Avenues Centre, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest bestsellers and popular genres. Being knowledgeable about current trends in literature will not only impress your potential employer but also help you connect with customers effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging with friends or family in a retail scenario. Show them how you would assist a customer, handle queries, and upsell products to enhance your confidence during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit the store before your interview to observe the layout, merchandising, and customer interactions. This will give you insights into their operations and allow you to discuss specific observations during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your teamwork abilities. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others, as this role requires working well within a team environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookseller (195 Hour),Shop 3B The Avenues Centre, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or sales environments. Emphasise any customer service roles you've held and showcase your communication skills, as these are crucial for a bookseller position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for books and customer service. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to upsell and build relationships with customers, aligning with the company's values.
Showcase Your Book Knowledge: In your application, mention your familiarity with different genres and authors. If you have any specific book recommendations or insights, include them to show your enthusiasm and knowledge about the industry.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you address your application to Stacy Hendricks and include 'HILTON 195 HOUR BOOKSELLER' in the subject line. This attention to detail shows your ability to follow instructions and your interest in the role.
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 align with the company's philosophy of valuing books and customer service.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Discuss situations where you went above and beyond to assist customers, as this role heavily focuses on delivering superior service.
✨Demonstrate Your Sales Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with sales techniques, upselling, and cross-selling. You might even want to prepare a mock sales pitch for a book to showcase your ability to engage customers and drive sales.
✨Research the Company
Familiarise yourself with Bargain Books' history, values, and recent promotions. Understanding their business model and what makes them successful will help you answer questions more effectively and show your genuine interest in the position.
