I've worked in several, on both coasts of the U.S., and some of it was the best work I've had.
"What is like to work at a bookstore?"
Depends on the store, and what you make of it. Barnes and Noble is different from Borders. Both are different from independents. And then there are speciality bookstores that cater to socialists/communists.
They all sell books, so they have to differentiate themselves. Some have the cafes. Some emphasize service, like the chains. They want you to be proactive and handsell, make eye contact. This can be scary for an aspie, but it could be good if you're selling books, because of the correlation between aspies and books. Nothing better than to go on to a customer about your favorite topic! Independents can be just that, leaving the customer to find and fetch for themselves (and some can be downright rude!). But it's usually where people who are more interested in the books themselves work, probably aspies, too. You get less of the yuppie buying the latest Oprah commandment, and more of the people who take book seriously, and more conversations among the staff and regulars. (A lot of snobbishness is the flipside, like HIGH FIDELITY.)
Barnes is more "corporate" than Borders, meaning more structured, more formal, used to be shirt and tie, I think. Borders is more laid back, casual dress (some would say sloppy.) My experience is Borders is less organized, less staffed, and the cafe is not as good, nor is the service. Barnes is clean and organized, but more about selling for the sake of selling. Borders is more about community. But not as much as an independent.
What is the atmosphere of your employment there?
Again, depends. I've worked in stuffy environments (physically and mentally.) My first job was with Gene's Books in King of Prussia, PA .They're gone now, but I loved the environment. Though management could be a little stuffy at times, but at least there was no beauracracy from headquarters, it was all in store.
I've worked for independents that claimed to be non-corporate, but they could be the most stubborn and resistant to change. Meanwhile, I found Borders to be open to suggestion and changes, and risk-taking.
"Do employees collaborate with each other?"
Again, depends. That is not so much Book store specific, as it is dependent upon the individuals in any company, policy notwithstanding. That said, I've worked with many good helpful people.
What is the average shift?
Retail in general is usually bad as far as working nights then morning the next day, or weekend hours. Usually, those with seniority get the better hours, but I've had many managers close as well. Prepare to be flexible. If there are certain days you can't work, however, they're likely to work with you as well. That's the tradeoff.
Can pay be negotiated?
Depends on your experience and what you can bring. The chains are usually set by corporate, you'd have a better time with an independent regarding negotiation. Be mindful, however, that most independents don't rake in as much as the chains, who offer benefits and security. Also, some stores offer an allowance towards book purchases, discounts, and such. Some will let you borrow books (which makes up for not being able to read on the job!). But ultimately, it depends on what you can offer.
If you want advice, go to the stores you are considering, and observe the customers. Are they pushy? Quiet? Messy? Is the store well-staffed, or are they running ragged? Are they helpful? Are they able to help? Is the store organized? (As an aspie, I was anal about alphatizing and organizing, a blessing and a curse in a retail environment.) Check the store hours to get an idea of the shifts you'd be possibly working. Personal note: I found Barnes and Noble too micromanaged for an aspie, at least the one in Seattle. They also expect you to sell memberships aggressivly, something hard to do when customers don't want it. Bad aspie moments there...
Good luck with your quest, bookstores can be very rewarding for an aspie, given the right one.
05 Aug 2007, 3:02 pm
