Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Duluth, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Sales

Date Posted: 2026-06-21

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead customer relationship building by offering personalized custom framing solutions, directly impacting sales and production targets.

• Execute elevated customer service standards through the use of the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to foster loyalty and drive revenue.

• Ensure the timely and high-quality completion of all custom framing orders, adhering to strict production timelines and quality control.

• Maintain visual merchandising standards and stock integrity within the ready-made frame department and other assigned retail areas.

• Support overall store operational efficiency through participation in stockroom operations, inventory management, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is fundamentally a customer-facing sales and production position within a retail environment, focused on a specialized service (custom framing). While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it involves direct sales, customer relationship management, and operational execution within a retail context. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a structured approach to sales and customer engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers proactively, build rapport, and identify their needs to design and sell custom framing solutions that meet quality and aesthetic expectations.

• Execute framing orders with precision, utilizing framing equipment and tools to deliver finished products that meet or exceed customer satisfaction and internal quality standards.

• Maintain the presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, ensuring it is well-merchandised, in-stock, and visually appealing to drive impulse purchases.

• Assist with the efficient processing of incoming inventory, including truck unloads and stocking, ensuring adherence to company standards for speed and accuracy.

• Operate the cash register, handle financial transactions accurately, and execute cash handling procedures according to established SOPs.

• Support omni-channel fulfillment processes, which may include fulfilling online orders or assisting customers with online order-related inquiries.

• Contribute to a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment by adhering to all safety protocols and maintaining organized work and sales areas.

• Actively participate in loss prevention and safety programs to minimize shrink and ensure a secure working environment for team members and customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, skilled production, customer service, and general retail operational duties. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" implies a specific sales methodology that candidates should be prepared to discuss.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a high school diploma or equivalent is generally expected for retail roles.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a preference for retail or sales environments.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency for point-of-sale (POS) systems and potential inventory management software.

• Proficiency in basic measuring skills for accurate design and production of custom frames.

• Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Strong customer service orientation with a friendly and helpful demeanor.

• Effective communication skills to build rapport and understand customer needs.

• Ability to accurately handle cash and process transactions at the POS. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, with a proven track record of meeting sales targets.

• Experience selling products or services directly to customers, demonstrating persuasive and consultative selling abilities.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles to maintain an appealing sales floor.

• Basic understanding of inventory management or stock replenishment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are entry-level, focusing on foundational skills and a willingness to learn. The emphasis is on practical abilities related to customer interaction, basic technical operation, and retail execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates who can demonstrate past successes in sales, customer service, or creative projects will have an advantage. This could include examples of problem-solving in a customer-facing context.

• Demonstrate an understanding of process adherence through examples of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in previous roles.

• Showcase an ability to learn and utilize new systems, such as POS or inventory tools, with examples of quick adoption.

• Highlight instances where your efforts contributed to positive customer outcomes or increased sales. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of following established workflows and processes for order taking, production, and customer service.

• Be ready to articulate how you would approach learning and implementing new operational processes or sales techniques as introduced by Michaels.

• Discuss how you would contribute to measuring the success of your framing solutions or customer interactions, even if informally.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense is unlikely. However, candidates should be prepared to speak to their experiences that demonstrate the required skills and an understanding of process, sales, and customer service. The interviewer will be looking for evidence of their ability to learn and execute.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $12.25 - $14.40 per hour.

Explanation of Range: This range is based on the provided data and reflects typical entry-level retail associate wages in the United States. Factors such as local cost of living, specific store performance, and candidate experience within the stated range can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options available.

• Medical Insurance: Included as part of the health insurance package.

• Dental Insurance: Available for maintaining oral health.

• Vision Insurance: To support eye care needs.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued leave for rest and personal time.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. Typical part-time retail hours can vary, often including evenings, weekends, and potentially early mornings, as indicated by the need to cover store operating hours and truck unloads. Flexibility in scheduling is often a requirement for these roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as per the input. The benefits listed are typical for retail environments and are explicitly mentioned by the company as being available to both full-time and part-time team members.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in North America for arts, crafts, custom framing, and decorative home products.

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees, based on Michaels' known scale as a major retail chain with over 1,300 stores). This size implies structured corporate support, established operational procedures, and opportunities for diverse team interactions.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-established brand presence and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The operations team within a Michaels store typically consists of a Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, Team Leads (e.g., Framing Lead, Merchandising Lead), and individual Team Members (Sales Associates, Custom Framers, Stock Associates).

• The Custom Framer will likely report to a Framing Lead or an Assistant Store Manager, with overall oversight from the Store Manager.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving interaction with sales associates for customer referrals, stock associates for inventory, and management for operational guidance and sales targets. Methodology:

• Data analysis in this context primarily involves tracking sales performance, understanding customer purchasing patterns in the framing department, and monitoring inventory levels.

• Workflow planning focuses on efficient order processing from consultation to completion, managing daily store tasks, and coordinating truck unloads and stocking.

• Automation is less likely at the associate level, but efficiency is driven through adherence to SOPs, effective use of POS systems, and streamlined task completion.

Company Website: https://www.michaels.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is centered around creativity, customer engagement, and a structured retail environment. The size and history of Michaels suggest a company with robust training programs and established operational processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level, individual contributor position within the retail operations framework. It focuses on executing specific tasks related to sales, customer service, and operational duties within the custom framing department.

Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer reports to a Team Lead or Assistant Store Manager, who in turn reports to the Store Manager. This structure is typical for retail environments, ensuring clear lines of communication and accountability.

Operations Impact: The Custom Framer directly impacts store revenue through sales of custom framing services and indirectly through excellent customer service that encourages repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Their operational execution also contributes to store efficiency and customer satisfaction with store presentation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in custom framing design, production techniques, and customer consultation, potentially leading to a Framing Specialist or Lead role.

• Retail Leadership: Progress into roles such as Team Lead, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager by demonstrating strong performance in sales, operations, and team leadership.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gain experience in other store departments, such as merchandising or inventory, to develop a broader understanding of retail operations.

• Company Programs: Utilize tuition assistance for further education and participate in internal training programs to enhance skills and career prospects within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, Michaels, as a large retailer, typically offers clear paths for advancement for motivated employees who demonstrate proficiency and a willingness to take on more responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves constant interaction with shoppers and team members.

Office Location(s): The specific store location is Duluth, MN (925 W Central Entrance Hwy). This is a physical retail store accessible to the public.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace includes the main retail sales floor, the ready-made frame department, and a dedicated framing shop area. The framing shop will contain specialized equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring attention to safety protocols.

• Team members will have access to POS systems for transactions and potentially other internal store management technology.

• Opportunities for collaboration exist with all store team members, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere focused on shared goals of customer satisfaction and sales performance.

Work Schedule: This is a PART_TIME position. Working hours can include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with the operating hours of a retail store and the need to support inventory and operational tasks like truck unloads. Flexibility in scheduling is generally expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a retail setting, emphasizing customer interaction, product display, and operational efficiency within a physical store.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and application online. Be prepared to highlight relevant customer service, sales, or hands-on experience.

• Screening Call: A brief phone call with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss basic qualifications, availability, and interest in the role.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve an interview with the Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager. Expect questions about customer service scenarios, how you handle challenging situations, your understanding of sales, and your ability to learn new skills.

• Practical Assessment (Potential): You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a customer needing framing advice.

• Offer & Onboarding: If successful, an offer will be extended, followed by background checks and onboarding procedures.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a traditional portfolio isn't expected. Instead, be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate:

  • Customer Interaction: How you've successfully helped customers, resolved issues, or built rapport.
  • Sales Aptitude: Instances where you've persuaded a customer, met sales goals, or upsold a product/service.
  • Hands-on Skills: Any experience with tools, crafts, or precise work that translates to framing.
  • Process Adherence: Examples of following instructions or SOPs accurately.

• Prepare to talk about your understanding of the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology if you research it beforehand, or be ready to ask questions about it. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their custom frame?" or "How would you approach a customer who seems unsure about what they need?"

• Practice articulating your problem-solving approach in a clear, concise, and customer-centric manner.

• Be prepared to discuss your availability and enthusiasm for working part-time, including weekends and evenings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus heavily on behavioral questions, practical skills assessment, and cultural fit within a retail environment. Demonstrating a positive attitude and a willingness to learn are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer accounts, and potentially initiating custom order forms. Proficiency with cash registers and payment terminals is essential.

• Custom Framing Equipment: Includes specialized tools like mat cutters, frame saws, jointers, and potentially heat presses for mounting or sealing.

• Glass Cutter: Essential for precision cutting of glass or acrylic for frames.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing measurement devices.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While associates won't typically run complex reports, they will utilize basic sales data from the POS system to track their individual performance and understand product popularity.

• Store management will use POS data for sales analysis, inventory tracking, and performance reporting. CRM & Automation:

• The POS system may have basic CRM functionalities to track customer purchase history and preferences for custom framing.

• The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology represents a structured sales process, akin to a simplified CRM approach for customer engagement.

• Automation at this level is minimal, focusing on efficient task execution within defined SOPs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on retail operations and specialized framing equipment. The emphasis is on practical, hands-on tools and basic POS system utilization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: Encouraging artistic expression and helping customers bring their creative visions to life through framing.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and building strong relationships through exceptional service and personalized solutions.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all transactions, customer interactions, and operational processes.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals and provide a seamless customer experience.

• Efficiency: Adhering to SOPs and best practices to ensure smooth operations, timely order fulfillment, and a well-maintained store.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with sales associates to identify potential custom framing customers and with stock associates to ensure product availability and store presentation.

• Process Review: Participating in team huddles or brief meetings to discuss daily goals, operational updates, and customer feedback.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing insights on customer preferences, design trends, and operational efficiencies with team members and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture that blends creativity with customer service and operational discipline. Collaboration is key to ensuring a positive customer experience across all touchpoints in the store.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to engage customers, sell framing solutions, and simultaneously complete orders accurately and on time.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer aesthetic preferences and budget constraints while ensuring quality and profitability.

• Learning New Equipment/Processes: Mastering the operation of framing equipment, glass cutters, and new sales methodologies like "Elevated ABC Deliver."

• Physical Demands: Adapting to the physical requirements of the role, including standing for long periods and lifting heavy items.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of framing materials, design principles, and advanced production techniques.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Developing consultative selling skills and mastering customer relationship management through company training.

• Retail Operations: Understanding broader retail functions, including inventory management, merchandising, and loss prevention.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles within the store through performance and demonstrated potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a hands-on retail role with a sales component. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within the retail hierarchy and specialized skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Approach: "How would you approach a customer who is browsing the framing section but seems hesitant?" or "Describe a time you successfully sold a product or service to a customer."

• Customer Service Scenarios: "How would you handle a customer who is upset about the time it's taking to complete their frame?" or "What steps would you take to ensure a customer is satisfied with their framing choice?"

• Problem-Solving & Technical Aptitude: "How would you ensure accuracy when measuring for a custom frame?" or "Describe your experience with tools or equipment that require precision."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Michaels, specifically in custom framing?"

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?"

• "What does excellent customer service mean to you in a retail setting?"

• Research Michaels' mission and values to align your responses with their emphasis on creativity and customer experience. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Instead of a formal portfolio, prepare specific, concise examples from your past experiences that directly address the skills needed for this role (customer service, sales, technical ability, problem-solving).

• Be ready to walk the interviewer through a situation where you demonstrated one of these key skills, explaining the context, your actions, and the positive outcome.

• Focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for the craft of framing and a commitment to providing creative solutions for customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on behavioral questions, showcasing problem-solving skills, and demonstrating a customer-centric attitude along with a willingness to learn and perform hands-on tasks.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Michaels careers portal at https://michaels.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Duluth-925-W-Central-Entrance-Hwy/Custom-Framer_R00312987.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any customer service, sales, hands-on crafting, or retail experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "cash handling." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of 50 customers per day," "Contributed to a 10% increase in framing sales through upselling").

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral questions related to customer interaction, problem-solving, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your availability, enthusiasm for the role, and any relevant skills or experiences.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and the importance of custom framing. Understand the "Elevated ABC Deliver" concept if possible, or be prepared to ask informed questions about it.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.