Bookseller (195 Hour Contract) Shop 23, Paarl Mall, Western Cape

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

Job summary

A leading book retailer in Paarl is looking for a energetic Bookseller for a 195-hour contract. Responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service, maintaining a clean and tidy store, managing stock, and upselling products. The ideal candidate should have a matric qualification and preferably experience in a retail or sales environment. Benefits include a book discount, incentivised targets, and medical insurance. Interested applicants should apply to the recruiter with the specified subject line.

Benefits

Book Discount

Incentivised targets

Group Retirement Annuity

Medical Insurance

Employee Birthday Gift

Qualifications

• Energetic and well-presented sales person.
• Physically strong and healthy.
• Retail or sales experience preferred.
• Prepared to work long hours and alternate weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service.
• Maintain store cleanliness and organization.
• Assist in stock management and security.
• Upsell and cross-sell products.

Skills

Customer Service

Sales skills

Communication skills

Bilingual

Computer literacy

Education

Matric

Degree in English Literature or related

Job description

VACANCY NOTICE

POSITION: Bookseller (195 Hour Contract)

REPORTING TO: Store Manager

STORE: Shop 23, Paarl Mall, 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 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 Kelly Booysen, Recruiter – [e-mail]

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

Closing date

15 December 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.