framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Smithfield, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: 2026-09-22

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on customer engagement and sales within the custom framing department, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a consultative approach to understand client needs for art and memorabilia.

• Responsibilities include executing the end-to-end framing process, from design consultation and order placement to production and final delivery, ensuring high-quality output and timely completion.

• It involves maintaining visual merchandising standards for the ready-made frame department and contributing to overall store operations, including inventory management and customer assistance.

• The position requires adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies, with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and efficient cash handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title "Framer" is direct, the description indicates a comprehensive retail role with a specialization in custom framing, involving sales, customer service, production, and general store operations. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a structured approach to customer interaction and sales within the framing context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Consultation & Sales:

  • Engage customers to build relationships and identify their custom framing needs, utilizing the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to provide tailored solutions.
  • Act as a design consultant, guiding customers through material selection (mats, frames, glass) to create memorable framing solutions for their artwork.
  • Drive sales and production targets within the custom framing department through effective client engagement and upselling of services and products.

• Custom Framing Production:

  • Accurately measure artwork and select appropriate materials based on customer specifications and design best practices.
  • Operate specialized framing equipment, including glass cutters and potentially heat presses, to produce high-quality custom frames.
  • Ensure all framing orders are completed with exceptional quality and delivered on time, meeting customer expectations and company standards.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, ensuring it is clean, organized, and appealing to customers.
  • Assist with inventory management tasks, including stocking shelves and executing directed replenishment processes to ensure product availability.
  • Contribute to efficient store operations by participating in truck unloading, stocking processes, and maintaining a clutter-free environment.

• Customer Service & Transaction Management:

  • Provide friendly and helpful customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions to their creative needs.
  • Operate the cash register accurately, executing cash handling procedures to company standards and assisting with Omni-channel fulfillment processes.
  • Acknowledge all customers, proactively offering assistance and promoting a positive shopping experience.

• Compliance & Safety:

  • Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

  • Support and actively participate in store shrink and safety programs, maintaining a safe work environment for both team members and customers.

  • Uphold company values by interacting respectfully, remaining positive, and serving as a role model for others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of specialized custom framing skills and broader retail operational duties. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a proprietary sales and customer engagement framework that applicants should be prepared to learn and execute.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific degree is mandated, indicating that practical skills and experience are prioritized over formal education for this role. Experience:

• Minimum of 0-2 years of experience is expected, making this an entry-level to junior position.

• Experience in a retail environment is preferred, demonstrating familiarity with store operations and customer interaction.

• Prior experience in selling products or services directly to customers is highly desirable, showcasing sales aptitude. Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Essential for order entry, point-of-sale (POS) transactions, and potential inventory system navigation.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Crucial for accurate custom framing order preparation and material selection.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and effectively operate framing machinery and tools, including glass cutters.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide positive, solutions-oriented support.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for identifying sales opportunities, recommending products/services, and driving revenue.

• Adherence to SOPs: Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures and company policies consistently.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Previous success in a retail sales environment, particularly with consultative selling.

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Familiarity with framing techniques, materials (mats, frames, glass), and design principles.

• Inventory Management: Experience with stocking, replenishment, and maintaining product displays.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accurate and secure management of financial transactions.

• Merchandising Skills: Ability to create visually appealing displays and maintain store presentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights that while core operational and customer-facing abilities are essential, specific experience in custom framing and consultative sales will significantly differentiate candidates. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests a strong emphasis on trainability and foundational retail competencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through their experience and potentially during interview assessments.

• Process Documentation: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding and application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to customer service, sales, production, and store operations. This includes demonstrating how they follow established workflows for custom framing orders, inventory management, and transaction processing.

• System Navigation: Ability to quickly learn and proficiently use the company's POS system, inventory management tools, and any proprietary customer relationship management (CRM) or design software used for custom framing.

• Metrics & Performance: Candidates should be ready to speak to how they contribute to sales targets and production efficiency, even if not through a formal portfolio. Examples of successful customer interactions or completed projects could be discussed.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and execution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all job functions, including customer engagement, order placement, production, and closing procedures.

• Documentation of customer orders, including accurate measurements, material selections, and special instructions, ensuring clarity for the production team.

• Maintenance of a clean and organized workspace, adhering to visual merchandising standards for both custom and ready-made framing areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail position with specialized framing duties, a formal portfolio is unlikely to be required. However, candidates should be prepared to articulate their understanding of processes and systems through examples of past work or hypothetical scenarios during interviews. The emphasis is on the ability to learn and execute established company processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $16.25 - $19.10 per hour.

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided salary information for the position in Smithfield, North Carolina. It reflects typical entry-level to junior retail associate compensation in the US, considering the specific duties related to custom framing and sales. Regional cost of living and retail industry benchmarks for similar roles were considered in the assessment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage options.
  • Telemedicine services for convenient healthcare access.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Financial & Retirement:

  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, supporting long-term financial goals.

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance to support ongoing education and skill development.
  • Adoption assistance to support family growth.

• Employee Perks:

  • Significant employee discounts on Michaels products, fueling personal creativity.

  • Access to partner discount programs for additional savings.

  • Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs. Working Hours:

• This is a Part-time position.

• Work hours will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating schedules.

• Flexibility in scheduling is expected to meet business needs and customer traffic patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed benefits are comprehensive for a part-time retail role, particularly the inclusion of a 401(k) with match, tuition assistance, and adoption assistance, which are often associated with full-time positions. The salary range is competitive for an entry-level position with specialized skills.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading specialty retailer of arts, crafts, and home decor products in North America.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, plus online operations. This signifies a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale.

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

Headquarters: Irving, Texas.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: The Framer will be part of a store team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with direct supervision from a Framing Department Lead or Manager if applicable.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration will primarily occur within the store, involving other sales associates, stock associates, and management. There will also be indirect collaboration with corporate teams responsible for merchandising, marketing, and operational support.

• Specialization: While this role has a specific focus on custom framing, it's integrated into the broader retail sales and operations team, requiring flexibility to assist in other departments as needed.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing solutions, particularly through the "Elevated ABC Deliver" sales methodology.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in customer service, sales, production, and store operations.

• Data-Driven (Store Level): While not deeply analytical, store performance is tracked through sales metrics, inventory levels, and customer feedback, influencing daily operations and individual performance.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates with a structured retail environment focused on customer experience and operational efficiency. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology is a key framework for customer interaction within sales roles, particularly in specialized departments like custom framing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the entry-level or junior associate level within the retail operations framework. It provides foundational experience in customer service, sales, and specialized production (custom framing).

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to the Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a designated Department Lead/Manager responsible for the custom framing area. This structure offers direct supervision and guidance for skill development.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall customer satisfaction and store presentation. Efficient order processing and quality production are key operational contributions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in custom framing design, production techniques, and customer consultation, becoming a subject matter expert within the store.

• Sales & Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles with greater sales responsibility, such as a Sales Lead or Assistant Manager, by demonstrating strong performance, customer engagement, and leadership potential.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gain exposure to various retail operations, including merchandising, inventory, and customer service across different store departments.

• Further Education Support: Leverage tuition assistance benefits for formal education or specialized training relevant to retail management, design, or business.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level position, the growth path is typically within the retail store structure. Advancement often requires demonstrating proficiency in core duties, exceeding sales targets, and developing leadership qualities that can be recognized for promotion to supervisory or management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves interaction with a diverse range of individuals.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Smithfield, North Carolina. This is a retail store environment, not a corporate office.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The primary workspace involves direct engagement with customers in the sales floor and the custom framing area.

• Production Area: The frame shop contains specialized equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring careful operation and attention to safety protocols.

• Stock Rooms: Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled, and outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or unloading trucks.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Team members work together to ensure the store is well-maintained, stocked, and provides excellent customer service.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time position with work hours including nights, weekends, and early mornings.

• Retail operations require flexibility to cover various shifts based on store needs and customer traffic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a retail associate, emphasizing customer interaction, operational tasks, and adherence to safety and merchandising standards. The frame shop is a specialized area within the store that requires specific equipment handling.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and applications will be screened for relevant experience (retail, sales, customer service) and required skills (basic computer/measuring, equipment operation).

• Interview(s): Likely includes one or more interviews with store management.

  • Behavioral Questions: Expect questions assessing customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adherence to procedures (e.g., "Describe a time you handled a difficult customer," "How do you prioritize tasks?").
  • Situational Questions: Scenarios related to custom framing sales, production challenges, or customer service issues (e.g., "A customer wants a frame that is out of stock, how do you respond?").
  • Skills Assessment: May involve a practical demonstration or discussion of basic measuring skills or an understanding of framing concepts.

• Assessment of Fit: Evaluation of how well the candidate aligns with Michaels' culture, values, and the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Not a Formal Requirement: A traditional portfolio is generally not expected for this entry-level retail role.

• Showcase Experience: Instead, be prepared to discuss specific examples from previous retail, sales, or customer service roles that demonstrate your skills in:

  • Customer engagement and relationship building.
  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution.
  • Sales achievements and consultative selling.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in tasks.
  • Ability to follow procedures and work efficiently.

• Framing Examples (If Applicable): If you have personal or professional experience with custom framing, be ready to share insights into your process, design choices, or successful projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Interaction Scenarios: Practice how you would approach a customer inquiring about custom framing, guiding them through options, and closing a sale.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would handle common retail challenges like stock issues, customer complaints, or prioritizing multiple tasks during a busy period.

• Company Research: Understand Michaels' mission, values, and the importance of custom framing to their business. Familiarize yourself with their product offerings and the general customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for this role is standard for retail positions, focusing on practical skills, customer service aptitude, and cultural fit. While a formal portfolio isn't required, candidates should prepare to articulate their experience and skills through specific examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing transactions, managing sales, and potentially tracking customer information. Candidates will need to demonstrate proficiency or a strong ability to learn.

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Glass Cutter: Required for precise cutting of glass or acrylic for frames.
  • Framing Equipment: Various tools for assembling frames, cutting mats, and finishing orders.
  • Heat Press (Potentially): May be used for specific mounting or finishing processes.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a data analyst role, performance is tracked through POS data. Understanding basic sales figures and targets will be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a structured approach to customer interaction that may be supported by a CRM or a similar system for tracking customer preferences and sales history.

• Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and ensuring product availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in operating the specific POS and framing equipment will be critical. The company likely utilizes proprietary systems for sales, customer management, and inventory, for which training will be provided. The emphasis is on practical, hands-on tool usage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A primary value is building strong customer relationships and ensuring a positive shopping experience, especially within the custom framing context.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding company standards, treating customers and colleagues with respect, and maintaining a positive attitude are crucial.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with fellow store associates to achieve common goals, such as sales targets, store maintenance, and customer satisfaction.

• Creativity & Passion: As a company centered around arts and crafts, fostering a passion for creativity and helping customers bring their visions to life is inherent.

• Efficiency & Quality: Adhering to SOPs to ensure consistent quality in custom framing production and efficient store operations.

Collaboration Style:

• In-Store Teamwork: Associates are expected to support each other across various tasks, from assisting customers on the sales floor to helping with stocking or truck unloads.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often revolves around executing established company processes and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Communication: Open communication is valued for addressing customer needs, sharing operational updates, and resolving challenges within the store team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels emphasizes a blend of customer service, operational execution, and a passion for creativity. Team members are expected to be collaborative, respectful, and committed to upholding company standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Roles: Juggling customer consultations, custom framing production, general sales, and store operational tasks simultaneously.

• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving custom framing sales goals in a competitive retail environment.

• Production Quality & Speed: Maintaining high-quality craftsmanship in custom framing while meeting production deadlines.

• Customer Expectations: Managing diverse customer expectations regarding design, budget, and turnaround time for custom orders.

• Physical Demands: The role involves standing for long periods, lifting, bending, and precise manual dexterity, which can be physically demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Deepen skills in design, material selection, and advanced framing techniques.

• Sales & Customer Relationship Management: Enhance consultative selling abilities and learn effective customer engagement strategies through the "Elevated ABC Deliver" program.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gain comprehensive experience in various aspects of retail management, including inventory, merchandising, and POS operations.

• Company-Provided Training: Access to training for specific equipment, software, and sales methodologies.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress into leadership roles within the store structure through demonstrated performance and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to develop specialized skills in custom framing and consultative sales within a large retail organization. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing retail position with production responsibilities, but growth paths are available for those who excel.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer." "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their custom framing quote?"

• Sales Approach: "Walk me through how you would consult with a customer looking to frame a valuable piece of art." "What strategies would you use to upsell framing accessories or premium materials?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you're running low on a specific mat board for a custom order. What steps would you take?" "How would you manage your time if you had multiple custom framing orders due and several customers needing assistance on the sales floor?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Michaels and our custom framing services?"

• "How do you align with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and integrity?"

• "Describe your understanding of the 'Elevated ABC Deliver' methodology and how you would apply it."

• "What do you see as the biggest challenges for a custom framer in a retail environment?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Experience: Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to discuss your most relevant experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your successes (e.g., "Exceeded framing sales targets by 15% last quarter," "Handled an average of 10 custom framing consultations per day").

• Showcase Skills: Be ready to speak about your proficiency with tools, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions for custom framing production.

• Enthusiasm for Creativity: Convey your passion for art, design, and helping customers bring their creative projects to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service, sales aptitude, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the retail environment. Articulating experiences effectively and showing enthusiasm for the role and company are key.

📌 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 relevant experience in customer service, sales, retail operations, and any specific framing or craft-related skills. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer engagement," "sales," "merchandising," and "SOPs."

• Portfolio Preparation (Verbal): Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to build customer relationships, provide solutions, handle transactions accurately, and follow procedures. If you have personal framing projects, be ready to describe them.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, product lines, and the importance of their custom framing services. Understand the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology if possible.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral and situational scenarios related to customer service, sales, and problem-solving within a retail context.

⚠️ 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.