Part-time bookseller

application

Join the matchmaker team!

About Us: Matchmaker Bookshop is a new general interest bookshop that opened in September 2025 in the heart of Highland Park. We can’t imagine a world without books, and we truly believe there is a right book for everyone…sometimes you just need a matchmaker. With new titles arriving every week and an ever-evolving backlist, there’s always something new to peruse. As a new venture, we are looking for passionate, dynamic individuals to join our team. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of building something special from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Overview: We are seeking a part-time Bookseller (15-20 hours per week) to join our staff. This individual will be customer-facing and will assist with guest checkout, gift wrapping, processing returns, fielding special requests, answering phones, and responding to customer complaints in the absence of a manager. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional customer service, support community literacy and a love of reading, and contribute to the style and design of bookstore displays. This position reports to the Owner and Store Manager. Please note: this is not a temporary/seasonal position. We desire candidates who are ready to grow with the business and contribute to our long-term success.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Assist customers by providing recommendations and facilitating a smooth checkout process

  • Complete daily and monthly store maintenance tasks

  • Assist with on-site and off-site events

  • Write and post book reviews and shelf talkers

  • Process special orders and fulfill web orders

  • Ensure excellent customer service by greeting and assisting customers and facilitating a positive shopping experience

  • Provide knowledgeable recommendations and answer inquiries about book content, authors, and genres

  • Handle customer complaints and ensure prompt resolution to maintain customer satisfaction

  • Participate in team meetings and attend staff trainings

  • Assist with day-to-day store upkeep, to include cleaning/dusting, shelving, and trash collection/disposal

  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Passion for books and literature is a must!

  • Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment

  • Self-motivated and willing to adapt within an evolving business

  • Comfort with computers and commitment to learn Bookmanager POS functions

  • A flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed

  • Must be able to stand/walk for long periods and lift boxes up to 50 lbs

Benefits:

  • Inclusive work environment and company culture

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Access to free advanced reader copies and audio books

  • 30% store discount

  • Paid time off accrued per hours worked

  • Pay starting at $20/hr

Equal Opportunity Employer: At Matchmaker Bookshop, we believe that diversity enriches our workplace and enhances our ability to serve our community. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nationality, and educational background. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported.