We are currently seeking great people to join our team in two bookselling roles. Read on to find out more. 

Children’s Bookseller

Location: Timaru & Geraldine (role split across both stores) Hours: 20 hours per week Employment type: Part-time, permanent

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate, organised, and community-minded Children’s Bookseller to join our team across our Timaru and Geraldine stores. This role is at the heart of our children’s book offering: from choosing what goes on the shelves to bringing stories to life for young readers and their families.

You’ll split your time between both locations, helping us build a consistent and engaging children’s book experience across both communities.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Curation

• Select and curate children’s book stock across both stores, balancing new releases, seasonal titles, and enduring favourites
• Monitor sales trends, customer requests, and age/reading-level gaps to inform ordering decisions
• Maintain well-presented, easy-to-browse children’s sections in both shops
• Liaise with publishers and distributors regarding new titles, pre-orders, and returns

Storytime Events

• Plan and host regular storytime sessions for young children at both stores
• Select age-appropriate books and themes, and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for families
• Promote sessions in-store and through local community channels
• Coordinate scheduling so both Timaru and Geraldine receive consistent programming

Literacy Programmes

• Develop and deliver initiatives that support children’s literacy and a love of reading (e.g. reading challenges, school holiday programmes, book clubs)
• Build relationships with local schools, kindergartens, and early childhood centres
• Recommend titles and reading pathways for parents, caregivers, and educators

Children’s Book Subscriptions

• Manage the children’s book subscription service, including curating selections by age and interest
• Handle subscriber communication, renewals, and personalised recommendations
• Track subscription performance and identify opportunities to grow the programme

What We’re Looking For

• Genuine enthusiasm for children’s literature and literacy
• Retail, library or bookselling experience preferred, ideally with children’s books
• Confident, engaging presence for hosting storytime and public events
• Strong organisational skills to manage curation, events, and subscriptions across two sites
• A full driver’s licence (travel between Timaru and Geraldine required)
• Comfortable working independently and coordinating with a small team across locations

Schedule

20 hours per week, with time split between our Timaru and Geraldine stores. Some flexibility around storytime and event scheduling may be required, including occasional weekend sessions. 

How to Apply

Please send your CV, a cover letter outlining your experience with children’s books and community programmes to books@turningstone.co.nz or drop you application into either bookshop. 

General Bookseller: Retail & E-Commerce – Geraldine

Location: Geraldine Hours: 20–30 hours per week Employment type: Part-time, permanent

About the Role

We’re looking for a friendly, reliable, and versatile Bookseller to join our Geraldine store. Our Geraldine shop carries a wide range of lines beyond books, so this role suits someone who enjoys variety and is comfortable moving between in-store bookselling, general retail duties, and our online presence. Weekend and evening availability on Wednesdays and Saturdays is essential. 

Key Responsibilities

Bookselling & Customer Service

• Provide knowledgeable, friendly service and recommendations across our book range
• Assist customers with orders, special requests, and enquiries
• Keep book sections well-stocked, tidy, and attractively presented

General Retail Duties

• Serve customers across all product lines carried in-store (not just books)
• Operate the till, process sales, returns, and gift wrapping
• Receive and unpack stock deliveries, price and shelve merchandise
• Maintain store presentation, including displays, signage, and general tidiness
• Assist with stocktakes and inventory checks as required

E-Commerce & Digital Marketing

• Process online orders, including packing and coordinating shipping/pickup
• Maintain and update website content (e.g. new releases, events, promotions)
• Create and schedule engaging social media content across relevant platforms
• Write and send email newsletters/campaigns to customers and subscribers
• Monitor engagement and respond to online customer enquiries and messages
• Help build the store’s online presence and grow digital sales alongside in-store trade

Store Operations

• Open and/or close the store, including cash handling and end-of-day procedures
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming shopping environment
• Support the wider team with day-to-day operational tasks as needed

What We’re Looking For

• Retail experience preferred; bookselling experience a bonus
• A genuine interest in books and a willingness to learn our range
• Confident using social media platforms for business purposes
• Experience with website content management, email marketing tools, or e-commerce platforms is a plus
• Basic photo-taking/editing skills for product and promotional content
• Strong written communication for online customer interaction and marketing copy
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently

Schedule

20–30 hours per week. Weekend work is required, along with late-night availability on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Exact days/hours to be confirmed with the successful applicant.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your retail experience to info@timarubooksellers.co.nz