Bookseller

Bargain Books; Irene; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Part time

Job summary

A leading book retailer in South Africa is looking for a dedicated Bookseller for a 195-hour contract in Irene. The successful candidate will engage customers, manage stock, and maintain attractive merchandise displays in a dynamic store environment. Ideal applicants are bilingual, have exceptional communication and sales skills, and are passionate about books. Experience in retail is preferred but not necessary, as training will be provided. This role promises growth in customer service knowledge and book industry insights.

Benefits

Book Discount

Incentivised targets

Group Retirement Annuity

Medical Insurance

Employee Birthday Gift

Qualifications

• Energetic and well-presented individual with physical strength.
• Retail or sales experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn about books and sales techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with a friendly attitude.
• Maintain store cleanliness and merchandise displays.
• Manage stock and promote book sales.

Skills

Bilingual

Communication skills

Sales skills

Computer literacy

Teamwork

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Matric

Marketing qualification

Degree in English literature

Degree in Communications

Degree in Journalism

Job description

VACANCY NOTICE

POSITION: Bookseller (195 Hour Contract)

REPORTING TO: Store Manager

STORE: Shop 139, Irene Village Mall, Mezereon Cres, Irene Farm Villages, Centurion

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 stock for 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 English literature, 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 Nicole Judd, Recruiter – [e-mail]

With “IRENE 195 HOUR CONTRACT BOOKSELLER ” stated in the subject heading

Closing date: 07 February 2026

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.