Prologue Bookshop is a general bookstore located in the Short North Arts District in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. We carry a variety of books for children and adults, with a special focus on literary, art, translations, and books you might not find elsewhere in the region.

We are looking for two new part-time general booksellers to join our staff. This position will be 12 hours per week, all in-store, with the opportunity to pick up additional shifts during special events, other staff vacations, and the holiday season.

We are hiring one position that focuses on morning hours (approx 9:30am to 1:30pm) and one position that focuses on evening hours (approx 4:30pm to 8:30pm), both positions require some weekend hours. This position will require Saturday hours year-round. Expect to work some holidays (except Thanksgiving & Christmas) and major shopping days. (i.e. Independent Bookstore Day, Black Friday)

Since we’re a small store, every bookseller has a chance to make a huge impact, and responsibilities will change and grow over time. Successful candidates will be comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change, and rise to meet the challenges in such an environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

– Provide excellent customer service by greeting and assisting customers and answering questions in person, over the phone, and occasionally by email.

– Collect cash and credit card payments from customers, in person and over the phone.

– Fulfill online and phone orders for pickup and shipping, as well as in-store pickup orders.

– Process incoming and outgoing shipments, including new merchandise, returns and damages.

– Alphabetize and organize sections and conduct inventory as directed.

– Delight customers by recommending titles based on their interests and your knowledge.

– Help to curate the selection of items sold in the store.

– Create relevant and engaging displays of books and other merchandise in the store and via digital channels.

– Keep the store clean through hourly, daily, and weekly cleaning and sanitizing tasks.

Required Qualifications:

– Strong attention to detail.

– Strong communication skills.

– 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the US.

– Ability to stay calm under pressure and in difficult scenarios, including interacting with a wide variety of individuals that may come through our door.

– Have an interest in literature and the book industry and a willingness to learn.

– Daily physical activity includes:

• Ability to stand for long periods
• Lift up to 30 lbs.
• Stand on stepladders

– Computer proficiency (Windows), including Microsoft Office.

– Bonus qualification: Interest and experience in merchandising and design.

– Bonus qualification: An awareness of the current literary environment; be able to recommend books to stock and be knowledgeable enough about books to be able to write reviews and ecommendations for in-store and social media.

Benefits:

– Booksellers start at $15/hr for a 90 day provisional period, then are bumped up to $17/hr.

– 40% employee discount on all items.

– Flexible scheduling during non-peak periods.

– Great work environment

Prologue Bookshop is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 12 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Shift:

• Evening shift
• Morning shift

Weekly day range:

• Every weekend

Work Location: In person