“Our employees are the key to a successful bookstore,” said owner Chris Morrow, who has worked at the Manchester store on and off since he was nine years old, a store which was founded by his parents, Ed and Barbara Morrow. “Superior bookselling is an art and the booksellers set us apart from online retailers and big-box stores. They make recommendations, connections and create an atmosphere that people want to return to.”
Morrow said nurturing a high-quality employment atmosphere is crucial to their mission. More than half of Northshire employees have been with the company more than 10 years, with many over 15 years. Asked why this is the case, Morrow commented that, “While nobody is going to get rich in the book business, there is a very strong appeal to working with books and other people that love them. This is a job filled with hard work, but it is also an avocation.”
Job descriptions and an employment application are available on their website at Northshire.com/northshire-bookstore-saratoga. Ideal applicants will have prior experience working with the public and a keen interest in books and reading. The ability to write succinct book reviews is a plus. Applications can be submitted online and will also be available at Friday’s meeting. Interviews will begin in Saratoga next week, and will continue throughout the Spring.
Todd Shimkus of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said that the Chamber worked with Northshire.
“The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has worked with Chris and his family to do what we can to help them transition and open their new store here and we are pleased that it has all worked out,” said Shirmkus. “Our community is fortunate to have Northshire Books locating here. This business will bring jobs, additional vibrancy and another great asset to our downtown.”
Northshire Bookstore was founded in 1976 in Manchester Center, VT and will be opening their second store in Saratoga Springs in July 2013. Winner of both the prestigious Publisher’s Weekly award, “Bookstore of the Year,” and the Pannell Award for “Excellence in Children’s Bookselling,” Northshire is committed to artful independent bookselling.
For more information visit their website at www.northshire.com.
