Assistant Store Manager, Trade Books

Introduction

Barnes & Noble College is a retail partner for nearly 800 colleges and universities nationwide. We offer a retail environment like no other - uniquely focused on delivering essential educational content, tools, and merchandise within a dynamic retail environment on campuses of higher education. Our teams interact directly with our customers including students, faculty, administration, alumni, and the general public to provide outstanding customer service to sell or rent books, general merchandise, and an array of products and services for an academic community.

Overview

Barnes & Noble College is seeking a resourceful, driven, adaptable, and customer-focused Assistant Store Manager, Trade Books to join our Harvard Coop bookstore! This role is responsible for leading the Trade Books business, ensuring an engaging customer experience through strategic merchandising, inventory management, and thoughtful book assortments. The Assistant Store Manager will support the Store or General Manager in the daily operation of the store while overseeing the Trade Books department, partnering with publishers and vendors, and driving sales through compelling merchandise presentation. A passion for books, strong merchandising instincts, and exceptional customer service are essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain expertise in the Trade Books department while supporting all areas of the store to provide daily direction and guidance to customers and team members.
• Curate and maintain compelling book assortments, front-of-store displays, feature tables, and promotional presentations that drive sales and enhance the customer experience.
• Analyze sales trends and inventory levels to support book ordering, replenishment, markdowns, and returns while maintaining appropriate stock levels.
• Partner with publishers and vendors to support new releases, seasonal promotions, author events, and other merchandising initiatives.
• Assign and direct work activities for team members to ensure exceptional customer service, merchandising standards, and operational excellence.
• Maintain a strong presence on the sales floor by engaging customers, recommending books, answering questions, and assisting with merchandise purchases.
• Resolve customer and employee concerns professionally, promptly, and with respect.
• Assist with hiring, training, and coaching employees on bookselling techniques, merchandising standards, and customer engagement.
• Maintain an attractive, organized, and visually compelling Trade Books department through effective shelving, merchandising, and inventory presentation.
• Assist with processing sales transactions involving cash, credit, or financial aid payments as needed.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Massachusetts Pay Transparency Information (Only applicable in Massachusetts stores):

Pay: Pay range $24.00 - $30.00/hour.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of retail experience, preferably within a bookstore, specialty retail, or trade books environment.
• Experience with book merchandising, inventory management, book ordering, assortment planning, or visual merchandising strongly preferred.
• 1+ year of supervisory experience preferred or graduate of the Best Seller Program.
• High school diploma/GED preferred.
• Familiarity with retail operations, inventory management, and customer service principles.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, merchandising, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

EEO Statement

Barnes & Noble College is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action 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.