Bookseller

Bargain Books; Kraaifontein; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bookstore chain in South Africa is seeking a Bookseller for their Cape Gate Regional Centre location. The role includes customer service, merchandising, stock management, and enhancing book knowledge. Ideal candidates are energetic, bilingual, and possess strong communication and sales skills. Retail experience and a matriculation certificate are preferred. Benefits include book discounts, incentivised targets, and medical insurance. Applications should be sent to the specified email with relevant subject heading, closing on 09 February 2026.

Benefits

Book Discount

Incentivised targets

Group Retirement Annuity

Medical Insurance

Employee Birthday Gift

Qualifications

• Minimum of a matric and preferably experience in retail or sales environment.
• Energetic and well-presented sales person who is physically strong and healthy.

Responsibilities

• Assist every customer entering the store with a friendly attitude.
• Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the store.
• Create attractive window and in-store displays.
• Assist manager in stock management and shrinkage control.
• Build relationships with customers to drive sales.

Skills

Above average communication skills

Sales skills

Computer literacy

Knowledge of books

Positive and friendly attitude

Education

Matriculation certificate

Degree in English Literature or Marketing

Job description

VACANCY NOTICE

POSITION: Bookseller (80 Hour)

REPORTING TO: Store Manager

STORE: Shop L16A, Cape Gate Regional Centre, Brackenfell, Cape Town

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.

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 CAPE GATE 80 HOUR BOOKSELLER stated in the subject heading

Closing date: 09 February 2026

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.