Bookseller

LOVESTRUCK BOOKS LLC; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Lovestruck Books & Cafe in Cambridge, MA is seeking a friendly Bookseller to greet customers, handsell titles, and support events and merchandising. You’ll help create a welcoming guest experience across the retail and hospitality spaces.

This role blends customer service with event execution, shelving, online orders, and social media prompts. Availability includes evenings, nights, events, and holidays; prior bookstore experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-traffic retail/service environments.
• Bookstore experience preferred.
• Passion for books; romance literature interest a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, nights, events, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers, recommend titles, and provide handselling.
• Assist with store events, setup, guest check-in, on-site support.
• Process transactions using POS and handle online orders.
• Create merchandising displays and shelf-talkers for displays.
• Address customer inquiries and resolve complaints.
• Support Cafe & Bar team and keep shared spaces tidy.
• Take on additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Retail experience

Bookstore experience

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Cash handling

Physical stamina

Flexible schedule

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Description

Role Snapshot

Booksellers are the face of Lovestruck Books & Cafe and the primary architect of our guest experience. This role involves a blend of customer service, active selling, merchandising, and essential operational support. Beyond daily retail operations, Booksellers are a vital part of our events team helping to bring our calendar of author signings, themed release parties, community gatherings and more to life.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Coaching & HR Management

• Customer Engagement: Provide exceptional service by greeting customers, handselling titles through knowledgeable book recommendations across genres, and ensuring a positive, inclusive shopping experience.
• Event Support & Execution: Actively participate in the lifecycle of store events, including physical setup and breakdown (moving furniture/displays), guest check-in, providing on-site assistance to ensure events run smoothly, and more.
• Sales & Operations: Utilize POS systems for transactions, handle online and special orders, and assist with daily store operations such as shelving and maintaining organizational standards.
• Merchandising: Collaborate on creative book and merchandise displays to highlight trending titles and seasonal themes.
• Content Creation: Write engaging staff picks and shelf-talkers for in-store displays and social media platforms to drive community engagement.
• Problem Solving: Address customer inquiries and resolve complaints promptly to maintain high levels of satisfaction.
• Store Harmony: Support the Cafe & Bar team as needed, help maintain a tidy shared space, ensure a seamless transition for guests between the retail and hospitality areas.
• Evolving Scope: Perform other related duties, tasks, and special projects as assigned by store leadership to support the shifting needs of the business.

Requirements

What You'll Bring

• Prior experience in a high-traffic retail or service environment; bookstore experience is highly preferred.
• A passion for books and literature; interest in romance literature preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Basic computer and cash handling skills.
• Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time and able to lift up to 50 lbs independently.
• Availability: Available for a variable schedule including evenings, nights, events, and holidays.