Bookseller

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

Job summary

A leading book retailer seeks a Bookseller for a 195-hour contract in Kempton Park. Your role involves excellent customer service, stock management, and maintaining store displays. Candidates should have a matric qualification and preferably experience in retail. The position requires strong communication skills and a positive attitude. Benefits include a book discount and medical insurance. Applications should be sent to the recruiter with the specified subject heading, closing by 13 February 2026.

Benefits

Book Discount

Incentivised targets

Group Retirement Annuity

Medical Insurance

Employee Birthday Gift

Qualifications

• Minimum of a matric qualification or equivalent.
• Experience in retail or sales environment is preferred.
• Energetic and well-presented individual.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service and assistance.
• Ensure merchandise is attractively displayed.
• Assist manager with stock management and shrinkage control.

Job description

VACANCY NOTICE

POSITION: Bookseller (195 Hour Contract)

REPORTING TO: Store Manager

STORE: Shop GF40, Harvest Place, Monument Rd, Glen Erasmia Boulevard, Johannesburg

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 – ensure all window displays and in‑store displays are attractive and updated every two weeks. Check that the bestsellers are in stock and on display.
• Stock Management – assist the manager in measuring and controlling shrinkage.
• Security – be alert and aware of non‑shoppers / shop lifters.
• Book knowledge – continually build knowledge of the books in the store.
• Sales and upselling – build relationships with potential customers, upsell and cross-sell. Push promotions. Recommend substitutes and alternative books and other unique products.
• Sourcing and ordering books for customers using the lookup systems available.
• 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 salesperson 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 willingness to learn
• Sales skills
• High level of computer literacy
• Physically strong and fit
• Works well under pressure
• Good follow through and commitment
• Works 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 CVs should be addressed to Nicole Judd, Recruiter – [e-mail]

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

Closing date: 13 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.