Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Yonkers, Maryland, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Sales

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive customer engagement and sales within the custom framing department, leveraging personalized design consultations.

• Ensure timely and high-quality production of custom framing orders, adhering to established operational standards.

• Maintain store presentation, including merchandising of the ready-made frame department and supporting inventory management initiatives like SISO and Directed Replenishment.

• Execute all point-of-sale transactions accurately and efficiently, including cash handling and supporting omni-channel fulfillment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Custom Framer," the responsibilities extend into broader retail operations, including customer service, merchandising, and sales, indicating a hybrid role focused on customer interaction and operational execution within a retail environment. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a structured approach to customer engagement and sales.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations, utilizing the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to understand client needs and propose tailored custom framing solutions.

• Achieve and exceed personal sales and production targets for the custom framing department through effective selling techniques and product knowledge.

• Accurately complete custom framing orders, ensuring high quality of craftsmanship and on-time delivery to meet customer expectations.

• Maintain visual merchandising standards for the ready-made frame department, as well as support inventory management processes such as "Store In, Store Out" (SISO) and Directed Replenishment to ensure optimal stock levels.

• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized store environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales, customer service, and operational execution. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales methodology that candidates should be prepared to discuss. Adherence to SOPs and company programs is a recurring theme, indicating a need for process-driven candidates.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail roles; specific higher education is not explicitly stated but may be beneficial for career advancement.

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

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for POS systems and potential order management.

• Fundamental measuring skills for accurate framing specifications.

• Proficiency in operating framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Ability to perform basic cash handling and operate a cash register.

• Strong customer service orientation with effective communication skills. Preferred Skills:

• Prior retail sales experience, particularly in custom product sales or consultative selling environments.

• Experience in selling products and/or services directly to customers, demonstrating persuasive and solution-oriented capabilities.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of Experience" clearly outlines the essential technical skills required for framing, while "Preferred Type of Experience" indicates a desire for candidates with proven sales aptitude in a retail setting. The "0-2 Years" experience level suggests that the company is open to training candidates with foundational skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of custom framing projects, demonstrating an understanding of design aesthetics, material selection, and client needs.

• Include documentation of sales achievements, quantifiable results from customer interactions, and contributions to sales targets.

• Provide evidence of adherence to operational procedures, such as order processing, inventory management, and POS transaction accuracy.

• Examples of maintaining a clean and organized workspace, reflecting attention to detail and store presentation standards. Process Documentation:

• Detail any experience with workflow management in a retail or production environment, highlighting efficiency improvements.

• Demonstrate understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and their importance in consistent service delivery and compliance.

• Illustrate experience with inventory management processes, such as stock counts, receiving, and replenishment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be mandatory for this entry-level role, candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples of past work and achievements that align with the responsibilities. This includes showcasing customer service successes, sales contributions, and any experience with framing or retail operations. Quantifiable results are key for demonstrating impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.25 - $20.30 per hour.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Telemedicine Services.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Commuter Benefits.

• Professional Development: Tuition Assistance, Adoption Assistance.

• Insurance: Various Voluntary Insurance Options.

• Perks: Employee Discounts on Michaels products, Partner Discount Programs.

• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) may be available, depending on eligibility and local regulations.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. While the exact number of hours per week can vary, the job description mentions work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, suggesting a flexible schedule to meet retail operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions requiring specialized skills like custom framing. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 401(k) match and tuition assistance, offers significant value for part-time employees, indicating Michaels' investment in its team members' well-being and development. The "Total Base Pay Range" is explicitly stated, providing clear salary expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels operates as the leading retailer for arts, crafts, and DIY. This industry demands creativity, customer engagement, and a passion for hands-on projects.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores in North America, indicating a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale and standardized processes. This size implies opportunities for structured training and clear career paths.

Founded: Michaels was founded in 1973, with its headquarters in Irving, Texas. This long history suggests a stable company with established brand recognition and operational expertise in the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a store environment, likely reporting to a Store Manager or a Department Manager (e.g., Framing Department Manager).

• Collaboration will occur with fellow store associates, including sales floor staff, cashiers, and potentially stockroom personnel.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly with team members involved in inventory management, omni-channel fulfillment, and customer service support. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making is implicit through sales targets, inventory management (SISO, Directed Replenishment), and omni-channel operations.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, especially in the framing department to ensure quality and efficiency.

• Automation is likely leveraged through POS systems and potentially inventory management software, but the core framing process involves manual craftsmanship and customer interaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels is centered around fostering creativity and community. For a Custom Framer, this translates to an environment where artistic expression is valued, and customer interactions are designed to be inspiring and helpful. The large store footprint means standardized operating procedures are crucial for consistency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to intermediate operational specialist level within a retail setting. It requires specific technical skills (framing, measuring) combined with customer-facing sales and service abilities. The "0-2 Years" experience expectation means it's an excellent starting point for individuals looking to build a career in retail operations or sales.

Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer will likely report to a Department Manager (specifically for Framing, if present) or the Store Manager. This structure provides direct supervision and guidance on daily tasks, performance metrics, and adherence to company policies.

Operations Impact: The Custom Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall store performance by enhancing the customer shopping experience and maintaining store presentation. Effective framing consultations can lead to higher average transaction values and increased customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in custom framing, advanced design techniques, or specialized materials.

• Sales Development: Opportunity to hone consultative selling skills, lead generation through customer relationships, and potentially move into roles with higher sales targets or commission structures.

• Retail Management Path: Progression to Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles by demonstrating leadership, operational proficiency, and a strong understanding of retail business drivers.

• Cross-Training: Opportunities to gain experience in other store departments, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or omni-channel fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels offers a clear path for growth, particularly for individuals who excel in customer service and sales. The "Custom Framer" role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior roles within the store, leveraging the acquired operational and customer engagement skills. The company's emphasis on training and development supports career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the retail floor and a dedicated custom framing area within the store.

Office Location(s): Yonkers, NY (750 Central Park Ave). The store is climate-controlled, but stock rooms may not be. Occasional outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or unloading trucks.

Workspace Context:

• The framing shop is a specialized area equipped with tools like a glass cutter and a heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• The retail floor environment necessitates continuous interaction with customers and maintaining a positive, welcoming atmosphere.

• Opportunities for collaboration with other store associates are frequent, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: This is a PART_TIME position. The work hours are flexible and include nights, weekends, and early mornings to cover all operational needs of a retail store. This schedule offers flexibility for individuals seeking part-time employment but requires availability during peak retail times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric. The framing shop requires a focused approach to craftsmanship, while the retail floor demands adaptability and excellent interpersonal skills. The schedule flexibility is a key characteristic for part-time retail roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or online application review to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• In-Person Interview: This will probably involve meeting with the Store Manager or Department Manager. Expect questions about customer service experience, problem-solving scenarios, and motivation for the role.

• Skills Assessment/Demonstration: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills, discuss your understanding of framing materials, or walk through a hypothetical customer consultation.

• Portfolio Discussion (if applicable): If you have a portfolio of custom framing work or sales achievements, be prepared to discuss it, highlighting your process, results, and impact.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a final discussion with management and a review of background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Framing Expertise: If you have visual examples of custom framing projects, prepare to discuss the materials used, design choices, and the customer's needs addressed.

• Quantify Sales Success: For sales experience, prepare specific examples of how you met or exceeded targets, increased average transaction value, or built customer loyalty.

• Demonstrate Process Adherence: Be ready to talk about how you follow procedures, maintain organization, and ensure quality in your work.

• Highlight Customer Service: Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your ability to build rapport, solve customer issues, and create positive experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would handle a challenging customer request or a complex framing project.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Michaels' brand and values, and how you would contribute to the store's success.

• Understand the importance of safety and efficiency in a retail and workshop environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, demonstrating a combination of practical framing skills, customer engagement ability, and a proactive approach to retail operations will be key. Candidates should be prepared to provide concrete examples of their experience and how they can contribute to Michaels' success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Standard framing tools including mat cutters, saws, framing guns, and potentially specialized equipment like glass cutters and heat presses.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and accessing basic sales data.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and other precision instruments for accurate order specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reports: Generated from the POS system to track individual and department sales performance.

• Inventory Management Systems: Potentially a component of the POS or a separate system for tracking stock levels, managing SISO, and Directed Replenishment.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicitly detailed, the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a structured approach to customer interaction that may involve elements of CRM. This could be integrated into the POS system or a separate platform for tracking customer preferences and sales history.

• Order Management Software: Integrated within the POS or a dedicated system for tracking custom framing orders from placement to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with basic computer skills and measuring tools is required. Experience with specific framing equipment is essential. While advanced software skills might not be mandatory, familiarity with POS systems and any form of order or inventory tracking will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service to build loyalty and drive sales.

• Creativity & Passion: Valuing artistic expression and encouraging a creative environment for both team members and customers.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals, support each other, and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

• Accountability & Integrity: Taking ownership of responsibilities, adhering to company policies, and handling transactions with honesty and accuracy.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for high-quality craftsmanship in framing and efficient execution of all operational tasks.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Expect to collaborate with various store departments and team members to ensure seamless customer experiences, from initial consultation to product fulfillment and omni-channel services.

• Process-Oriented: Adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure consistency and compliance across all operations.

• Supportive: A culture that encourages mutual support among team members to meet daily operational demands and customer service expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture of creativity, customer service, and teamwork. For a Custom Framer, this means being part of a team that celebrates artistic pursuits and works collaboratively to provide a positive and inspiring shopping experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to engage customers for sales consultations while also completing framing orders to high standards and on schedule.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of artistic tastes, budget constraints, and project complexities in custom framing.

• Maintaining Quality and Efficiency: Ensuring high-quality craftsmanship in framing while meeting production deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Adapting to Retail Demands: Flexibility to handle various store operational tasks beyond framing, including merchandising, stocking, and omni-channel support.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn advanced framing techniques, material knowledge, and design principles.

• Sales and Customer Service Training: Developing consultative selling skills, customer relationship management, and conflict resolution.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining experience in visual merchandising, inventory control, and omni-channel fulfillment processes.

• Career Advancement: Potential pathways into supervisory or management roles within Michaels stores.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to develop a unique skill set in custom framing combined with valuable retail sales and operational experience. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing, production-oriented retail role, offering significant learning potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs. What was your process?" (Focus on consultative selling and customer service skills.)

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing choices?" (Assesses ability to guide, advise, and build confidence.)

• "Imagine a situation where you have multiple custom framing orders with tight deadlines. How would you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Tests organizational skills and ability to handle pressure.)

• "What are your thoughts on maintaining a visually appealing retail space, especially in the framing department?" (Evaluates understanding of merchandising and store presentation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, specifically in a custom framing role?" (Assesses alignment with the brand and role.)

• "What does creativity mean to you, and how do you see it applying in this role?" (Explores understanding of the company's core values.)

• "How do you handle constructive feedback or criticism from a supervisor or colleague?" (Gauges coachability and professional development mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have a portfolio, be ready to walk through 1-2 key projects.

• For each project, explain: the customer's initial need, your proposed solution, the materials used, the challenges faced, and the final successful outcome.

• Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "This sale contributed to exceeding my monthly target by X%").

• Clearly articulate the skills you utilized (e.g., measuring accuracy, design consultation, problem-solving).

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate a balance of technical framing skills, customer service prowess, and a proactive, organized approach to retail operations. Be ready to speak to specific examples from your past experiences that align with these requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any custom framing experience, strong customer service achievements, sales successes, and basic computer/measuring skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have examples of custom framing work or projects, gather them. Be ready to discuss your process, materials, and the customer's satisfaction. For sales roles, prepare quantifiable achievements.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail and customer service interview questions, focusing on the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Practice articulating your skills and experience clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, mission, and values. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience. Research the specific store location if possible.

⚠️ 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.

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