Retail Sales Associate

Job Summary

Responsibilities / Duties

• Greet customers warmly, assist with locating books, and provide personalized product recommendations.
• Operate the cash register and point-of-sale (POS) system to process purchases, returns, and exchanges accurately.
• Maintain knowledge of current promotions, sales events, and loyalty programs to inform and engage customers.
• Restock shelves, rotate inventory, and ensure displays are neat and visually appealing.
• Assist with merchandising, promotional signage, and seasonal displays.
• Support sales events, book signings, and community activities hosted in the store.
• Maintain store cleanliness, including shelves, counters, and common areas.
• Handle customer inquiries, special orders, and requests for out-of-stock or upcoming titles.
• Assist with receiving and unpacking shipments, verifying inventory, and labeling products.
• Communicate customer feedback to management for continuous improvement.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Previous retail or customer service experience preferred.
• Experience working with POS systems or cash handling strongly preferred.

• Basic POS system operation and cash-handling accuracy.
• Ability to learn inventory systems or store management software.
• Familiarity with common digital tools (email, scheduling systems, or mobile apps) for daily communication.

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic about helping others.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Effective communication and listening skills.
• Ability to multitask in a busy retail environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for books, reading, and literary culture.
• Knowledge of book genres, authors, and trends to enhance customer recommendations.
• Experience in event support (e.g., author signings, community book fairs).

Core Competencies

• Customer engagement and service excellence.
• Reliability and accountability in daily tasks.
• Teamwork and collaboration with store staff.
• Adaptability to changing priorities during peak hours or events.

Work Environment

Bookstore retail setting, requiring standing and walking for extended periods.
Lifting up to 30 lbs for stocking shelves or moving boxes of books.
Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak shopping times.
Fast-paced environment with customer-facing responsibilities.