Associate

Job Description

About the Job

Love books? Good. That's where it starts. The best associates are readers first. You don't just sell books. You believe in them. Enjoy the thrill of connecting someone with their next great find? Ready to be part of a store where every day brings something different across the counter? This is an hourly role based in one of our 2nd & Charles retail store locations. Associates work directly on the sales floor and at the register throughout each shift, pitching in across other departments — including buyback — when the store needs it, and helping build the one-of-a-kind mix that makes 2nd & Charles worth the trip.

Role Summary

A passion for books is the foundation here, and you'll bring that energy to the sales floor every day. The Associate takes ownership of the customer experience from the first greeting to the final transaction, helping customers find what they came for — and sometimes discovering something new along the way. Reporting to the General Manager, Associates work closely with fellow team members and store leadership, supporting the sales floor, the register, and other departments as needed in a fast-paced, hands-on retail environment.

Role Responsibilities

Customer Experience

• Welcome every customer with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Listen, connect, and help them discover exactly what they’re looking for—from a favorite author to an unexpected treasure. Then make checkout quick, accurate, and effortless, leaving every customer feeling valued.
• Drive sales across all of our products by helping customers discover what’s right for them. Bring genuine excitement to every customer interaction by highlighting customer benefits and company-sponsored programs that add value to their experience—just as naturally and enthusiastically as you’d recommend a great book.

Sales Floor & Register Operations

• Bring the sales floor to life by creating inviting displays that spark curiosity and make customers want to explore. Follow merchandising guidelines and timelines while making every table and shelf feel fresh, inspiring, and full of something worth discovering.
• Maintain a sales floor that invites curiosity and gives customers a reason to explore. Keep tables and shelves fresh and inviting, return books and products to their place, pick up throughout the store, and complete housekeeping and cleaning tasks to keep the entire space welcoming.

�� Turn what customers bring in into what customers come back for, using your product knowledge and customer insight to recognize what's worth bringing in, then help get the right products to the right customers at the right time, keeping our shelves full of discoveries they can't find anywhere else.

• Build connection in every interaction by handling every transaction with care, honesty, and integrity. Follow loss prevention standards and take pride in protecting our customers, our team, and the company.

Additional Responsibilities

• Every shift is different, and great stores run on teammates who are willing to jump in wherever they’re needed. Be someone your team can count on—pitching in across departments, supporting buyback, receiving new shipments, helping with inventory, assembling and maintaining fixtures, and keeping every part of the store clean, welcoming, and ready for customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Role Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Customer service experience required
• 18 years of age or older
• Successful completion of all required background screenings

Preferred Qualifications:

• A genuine love of books, reading, and discovering something new — with curiosity to learn about products, authors, and what customers are excited about.
• Strong communication and connection skills — creating warm, genuine interactions with customers and teammates through thoughtful listening and clear communication.
• An ownership mindset — taking initiative, staying organized, and confidently balancing multiple priorities to keep the store running smoothly.
• Previous retail, customer service, buying, or merchandising experience — understanding customers, products, and trends while taking ownership of the details that create a great retail experience.
• Comfort with technology and transactions — using computers and cash registers accurately while staying curious and willing to learn new systems and processes.

Work Environment & Expectations

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to use hands/arms to operate keyboard, telephone and for repetitive motion activities.
• Must be able to lift or team lift objects up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance.
• Must be able to communicate using speech, sight, and sound with or without assistive device.
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop or crouch while performing daily activities of the job.
• Travel requirements: Not specified in source material — confirm before publishing.
• Work schedule expectations: Not specified in source material — confirm before publishing.

The Perks

At 2nd & Charles, we're in the business of connecting people with stories—but our story starts with our associates. We believe that when our people feel supported, valued, and cared for, they're empowered to do their best work and create exceptional experiences for our customers.

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive pay with opportunities to earn performance-based incentives that recognize your contributions.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts to help you care for yourself and those who depend on you.
• Financial Protection: Life insurance and disability coverage that provide peace of mind when you need it most.
• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to help you invest in your future with confidence.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off so you can recharge, celebrate life's moments, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Discounts: Special discounts on books, gifts, toys, collectibles, and more—because we believe the things you love should be a little more accessible.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling, resources, and support for you and your family whenever life brings unexpected challenges.

Benefit availability and eligibility are based on applicable requirements, including hours worked, employment status, position, and other plan-specific eligibility criteria.

When you join 2nd & Charles, you're joining more than a workplace—you're becoming part of a team that believes in supporting one another, celebrating successes, and growing together as a community. We're proud to invest in our associates because when you thrive, we all do.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Books-A-Million is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.