This position is a year-round frontline position prioritizing customer service and optimizing book sales while representing the Yankee Bookshop and its goods, services and events to the public - both locals and tourists alike. A bookseller is also responsible for the daily appearance of the store. This position is for roughly 20 hours, 2-4 shifts per week.
Currently looking for applicants who could start work at the beginning of August. Only applicants that are available beyond the summer months will be considered.
Core Responsibilities:
- Customer service:
- Customer service includes making customers feel welcome and giving expert advice based on strong knowledge of our store inventory based on determined customer needs.
- Recommending and handselling books to customers, through in store interactions and making written shelf talker staff recommendations.
- Enjoyment of being around and talking to people, as well as clearly communicating in person, on the phone, and via email.
- A general awareness of the publishing industry will be extremely useful, as will a helpful attitude, research skills, and the perseverance to find a book even when the customer is unable to provide much information.
- Operations:
- Manage daily store functions, including opening/closing tasks
- Point-of-sale transactions include sales, customer inquiries, taking special orders, and gift wrapping.
- Maintaining a comfortable bookstore environment including keeping the store clean, safe, and comfortable for customers and staff.
- Duties include dusting, sweeping, cleaning bathroom facilities, trash, and recycling as assigned
- Merchandising and Marketing:
- Basic merchandising including shelving, organizing books and other merchandise, periodic inventory, and creation/maintenance of displays
- Participating in marketing and promotions including contributions to social media, writing shelf talker staff recommendations, and involvement in events and promotions as needed.
- Loss Prevention:
- Use of Point of Sale as trained, to ensure little to no operational loss
- Awareness of customer behavior while in the bookstore, to protect company assets. Notifying the manager if shoplifting is suspected.
- Human Resources:
- Arrive to work on time, ready to work when scheduled.
- Follow all Yankee Bookshop policies as outlined during training and in the handbook
Core Competencies:
- Basic computer skills, including MS Office and the ability to learn new systems, like our Point of Sale system (Anthology) and other databases as needed.
- Creative problem-solver & self-starter
- Ability to work with minimal supervision after training
- Show initiative to do what needs to be done, to the best of your knowledge and ability, even without explicit instructions
- Ability to ask clarifying questions, and for help, when needed
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
- Must have a comfort level interacting with children and families
Other Requirements:
- Ability to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to be on your feet for hours at a time (6-8 hours)
- Available nights, weekends and holidays. Hours and daily schedule will vary based on store needs.
Hourly Wage: Starting at $17.50/hr, potential for more based on experience
Benefits offered & perks of working for the Yankee Bookshop:
- Paid Time Off
- Vacation and sick time accrual, begins after 3 months of employment
- Employee discount: 35% off books & merchandise, 10% off records
- Access to Advance Reading Copies (ARCs) and Listening Copies (ALCs) as well as other industry exclusive perks!
- Flexible Schedule.
- Other benefits available based on length of employment.
About The Yankee Bookshop (www.yankeebookshop.com):
The Yankee Bookshop is a vibrant village bookstore nestled in the heart of Woodstock, Vermont. We are proud to serve all readers of the Upper Valley and the world at large, due to our bustling tourism industry. At 90 years of operation, we continue to be at the heart of our town, a place for individuals to find both what they were looking for and the inspiration they did not know they needed. We strive to be a welcoming place for everyone in our community. We seek booksellers who are avid readers and enjoy sharing their love of books with others.
Pay: From $17.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Tell us about the last good book you read. Why did you like it? Who would you recommend it to?
Experience:
- Retail: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
