Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $24/hour

Location: Richmond, CA

About Stout Architectural Books 

William Stout Architectural Books is a San Francisco landmark that has become an architecture & design institution loved around the world. It's our mission to maintain the high standards of selection and bookselling established by architect, Bill Stout, in 1974, and keep the shop’s legacy moving forward. We believe the contribution of your experience, enthusiasm, and point of view will add exciting new chapters to this legacy, and we look forward to supporting your efforts to learn, grow, and make new connections as we work together, building the next 50 years of this important bookstore.

While William Stout Architectural Books has its own unique spirit, we work closely with the Eames Institute. The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world.

About the Role

The Part-Time Bookseller provides a welcoming and warm reception to store customers and is responsible for providing an exceptional level of customer service and promoting sales. The Bookseller engages with each customer individually and provides accurate and insightful assistance to customers based on the bookseller’s broad knowledge of the books carried at William Stout Architectural Books (Stout Books) and the location of books and products in the store. A Bookseller has a functional understanding of Architecture, Architects, and design culture. The Bookseller will assist with tasks such as engaging with social media. They will work with other employees to process sales transactions, turn over displays, and keep the shop stocked, tidy, and organized on the sales floor and in the storage areas.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service and Sales

• Greet and assist visitors with a friendly and courteous manner.
• Actively approach and advise customers to make sales and create a welcoming environment.
• Provide accurate and clear information on merchandise, events, and the story of Stout Books.
• Complete financial transactions, including sales, returns, credits, and applicable discounts, efficiently and accurately.
• Provide wrapping service.
• Provide customer service in person and via phone

Stout Operations and Maintenance

• Tidy books throughout the day and keep the store and storage areas organized and clean.
• Ensure that displays are fresh and well-composed.
• Complete opening and closing procedures.

Required education, skills, abilities and competencies

• Education in architecture or design practice or history, or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience is a plus.
• 1-2 years of retail experience.
• Selling skills. Ability to share enthusiasm for merchandise and store.
• Interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate problems and ensure constructive problem resolution.
• Exhibit initiative, sound judgment, and a positive attitude. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to process sales transactions, work with a POS system, and a basic understanding of retail inventory and accounting (particularly Shopify) preferred.
• Accurate work and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated punctuality and dependability.
• Interest in and commitment to Architecture culture and the spirit and legacy of Stout Books.
• Computer literate and internet savvy. Experience with word processors, spreadsheets, Shopify, and the Google Suite preferred.
• Flexible schedule. Able to work evening and weekend events. 

Essential Functions

• This position is expected to be primarily onsite at the San Francisco bookstore, working approximately 2-4 Saturdays per month and may include additional event support outside of the regular 1 day per week schedule as needed.
• Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry books and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or reaching within the retail environment.
• Regular use of vision abilities, including close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and via phone. 
• May require occasional travel between Richmond Fulfillment location and San Francisco bookstore.  

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.  Other duties not listed here may be assigned by your manager or the CEO.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level. If you’re excited by this role but your professional experience doesn’t perfectly align with the qualifications listed, we still encourage you to apply.