I just started working at a local bookstore. I love books and consider the opportunity to be surrounded by so many, a whole lot of fun. I’m considered seasonal though and like an allergy, I will disappear around mid-January.
Saturday afternoon was my first insider view of the workings of a book store. I was a little disappointed to discover that bookstores are similar to other retail operations, they are all about sales, “add-ons” and smiling a lot. Somehow I thought there must be an aura, a mystery of sorts in the inter sanctum. Nevertheless, our little group of new booksellers spent the day filling out lots of paperwork and listening to the store manager explain company philosophy. The store manager is a lively, energetic woman and my fellow “booksellers” (as we are called), appear to be quite an diverse and interesting group.
Today, day 2 at the bookstore, was all about training. I stood at the register and practiced until, toward the end of the day, I was let loose on some unsuspecting customers. Aside from calling the store by a competitor’s name, twice, (whoops!!), I had a great time. To my surprise, the two most requested items were Susan Boyles’ new album and the Sarah Palin Rogue book. Guess it depends on whether you sit to the right or left as to whether that is a good thing.
