Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Custom Framing Expertise: Focus on providing expert custom framing solutions and consultative sales to customers, translating their artistic vision into tangible products.

• Customer Relationship Building: Cultivate strong customer relationships by understanding their needs and offering personalized recommendations, driving repeat business and loyalty.

• Operational Efficiency: Execute framing orders with high quality and on-time delivery, adhering strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs.

• Retail Operations Support: Contribute to overall store operations, including merchandising, inventory management, cash handling, and assisting with omnichannel processes to ensure a seamless customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a blend of specialized craft (framing) and customer-facing retail operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales approach focused on consultative selling and relationship building within the custom framing department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Consultative Sales & Design: Engage customers with a consultative approach to understand their framing needs, offering expert advice on materials, design aesthetics, and preservation techniques to create memorable framing solutions.

• Order Fulfillment & Quality Control: Accurately complete custom framing orders, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to production timelines and standards.

• Department Merchandising & Maintenance: Maintain the ready-made frame department, SISO (Shop-In-Shop Operations), and directed replenishment areas, ensuring products are well-organized, visually appealing, and in stock.

• Customer Service Excellence: Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, answering inquiries, and creating a positive shopping environment.

• Operational Task Execution: Participate actively in store operations, including truck unloading, stocking, operating the cash register, executing cash handling procedures, and supporting omnichannel fulfillment processes.

• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety programs, and company policies to ensure a secure and compliant work environment.

• Team Collaboration: Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, contributing to a collaborative team environment and upholding company values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on skilled craft execution and direct customer interaction, requiring individuals who can balance creative problem-solving with efficient task completion within a retail setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background or strong interest in art, design, or visual merchandising would be beneficial.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience is typical for this entry-level role, with a focus on practical skills and a willingness to learn.

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to navigate point-of-sale (POS) systems, order entry software, and basic computer applications.

• Measuring & Estimation Skills: Accurate measurement and estimation abilities are critical for custom framing order accuracy.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Proficiency or demonstrated ability to learn how to operate framing equipment, including specialized tools like glass cutters.

• Customer Service Acumen: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions in a retail or service environment.

• Cash Handling & Transaction Processing: Experience operating a cash register and accurately handling monetary transactions.

• Visual Merchandising Basics: Understanding of how to present products attractively and maintain an organized retail space.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Previous experience in a retail sales capacity, particularly in a consultative or specialized sales environment.

• Art/Design Background: Familiarity with art mediums, framing techniques, or design principles.

• Inventory Management Knowledge: Experience with stock replenishment and maintaining inventory accuracy.

• Omnichannel Operations Familiarity: Understanding of processes like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" explicitly states basic computer and measuring skills, along with the ability to operate framing equipment. This suggests that while formal experience isn't mandatory, these foundational skills are non-negotiable. The preference for retail experience and sales acumen points towards a role that values customer engagement and revenue generation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Framing Project Showcase: While not a traditional "operations" portfolio, candidates may benefit from showcasing examples of framing projects they've completed, highlighting design choices, material selection, and the finished product. This demonstrates practical application of framing skills.

• Customer Interaction Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you've handled complex customer requests or resolved issues in previous roles, demonstrating problem-solving abilities relevant to custom orders.

• Process Adherence Examples: Be ready to discuss instances where you successfully followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or implemented new processes to improve efficiency or quality in a previous role.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Demonstrate an understanding of a typical custom framing workflow, from initial customer consultation and design to order placement, production, and final handover.

• Quality Assurance: Be prepared to discuss how you ensure the quality and accuracy of your work, especially when dealing with intricate or valuable items.

• System Usage: While specific systems aren't detailed, be ready to discuss your experience with POS systems, order management tools, or any software used for design or production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like Framer, a formal "portfolio" is less about complex data analysis and more about demonstrating practical skills. Candidates should focus on tangible examples of their framing work and their ability to apply process and customer service principles in a retail context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Part-Time Framer roles in Wilmington, Delaware, and considering the entry-level experience requirement, the estimated hourly wage would likely range from $13.00 to $17.00 per hour. This estimate accounts for the specialized skills involved in custom framing, customer interaction, and general retail duties.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid Time Off: Accrued paid time off for personal use.

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, highly valuable for crafters and artists.

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

• Career Development: Opportunities for growth within the company.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While specific hours are not detailed, typical retail schedules include nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility is often required to meet store operational needs and customer demand. The role may involve approximately 20-30 hours per week, depending on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical part-time retail positions requiring specialized skills in areas like Wilmington, DE. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's experience, specific skills, and the company's internal pay scales. The benefits listed are explicitly stated in the job description and are a significant draw for part-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts & Crafts, Home Decor, Custom Framing)

Company Size: Michaels Stores is a large retail corporation, operating over 1,300 stores across North America. This scale offers stability and a structured environment.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long-standing presence and established brand recognition in the creative retail space.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: The Framer will be part of a store team, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Manager).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration will occur with other store associates, including sales floor staff, cashiers, and potentially stock team members, particularly during truck unloads and general store maintenance.

• Specialized Department Focus: While part of the broader store team, the Framer's primary focus is the Custom Framing department, requiring close interaction with customers seeking specialized services.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships ("Elevated ABC Deliver") and providing a positive shopping experience.

• Process-Driven Operations: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is a key aspect of daily operations, ensuring consistency and compliance.

• Data-Informed Merchandising: While not explicitly detailed for this role, retail environments like Michaels utilize sales data to inform merchandising, stock replenishment, and product placement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels is likely focused on creativity, customer engagement, and operational efficiency within a retail setting. The emphasis on "all Team Members and all customers" suggests an inclusive and service-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is an entry-level, specialized retail role. It sits at the foundational level for individuals looking to develop skills in custom framing, consultative sales, and retail operations within a large organization.

Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to an Assistant Store Manager or a dedicated Framing Department Manager, who oversees sales, production, and operational standards for the department.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall store profitability by driving customer traffic, ensuring product availability, and maintaining an appealing sales floor. Effective framing services can differentiate Michaels from competitors and build customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced framing techniques, material knowledge, and design consultation skills.

• Sales Leadership: Progress into roles with higher sales targets or management responsibilities within the framing department or store.

• Cross-Training: Gain experience in other store departments, such as sales floor management, inventory control, or visual merchandising.

• Management Track: Potential to advance into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager positions through demonstrated leadership, operational excellence, and sales performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level position, the growth path is typically within the retail operational structure. The opportunity to specialize in a craft like framing provides a unique skill set that can be leveraged for career advancement within Michaels or in related creative industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves both direct customer interaction on the sales floor and specialized work within the framing shop area.

Office Location(s): Wilmington, Delaware (3080 Brandywine Parkway store). This is a specific retail location, not a corporate office.

Workspace Context:

• Sales Floor Interaction: Regular engagement with customers throughout the store, assisting with product location and general inquiries.

• Framing Shop Environment: A dedicated area within the store equipped with framing tools, equipment (including glass cutters and heat presses), and materials. This area requires precision and a focus on safety due to specialized tools.

• Stock Room & Unloading Areas: May involve working in stock rooms and participating in truck unloads, which can be less climate-controlled and physically demanding.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The store environment encourages teamwork, with associates assisting each other to meet customer needs and operational demands.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time role requiring flexibility. Work hours can include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating hours and customer traffic patterns. The framing shop may have specific operating hours within the store's overall schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a retail associate, with the added element of a specialized workshop (the frame shop). Candidates should be comfortable with a fast-paced, customer-focused setting that requires both physical activity and fine motor skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of application and resume, potentially followed by a brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: A face-to-face interview at the store location. This will likely involve behavioral questions assessing customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• Skills Assessment: Candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss their understanding of framing concepts. A practical demonstration of using framing equipment might be included if feasible and safe.

• Managerial Interview: A final interview with the Store Manager or Department Manager to assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Craftsmanship: If you have examples of framing work, frame them (literally or figuratively) well. High-quality photos or a small physical portfolio can be effective. Highlight the complexity, materials used, and the aesthetic outcome.

• Detail Customer Interactions: Be prepared to articulate specific examples of how you've helped customers, solved problems, or upsold products in previous roles. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased framing sales by X% through consultative selling").

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Discuss your approach to following procedures, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

• Highlight Adaptability: Emphasize your willingness and ability to learn new skills, operate new equipment, and adapt to changing retail demands.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be ready for scenarios like "A customer wants to frame a valuable heirloom but is on a tight budget. How do you approach this?"

• Problem-Solving: Prepare for questions about how you handle difficult customers, inventory discrepancies, or production delays.

• Technical Aptitude: Think about how you would explain the basics of framing to someone unfamiliar with it, demonstrating your technical understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be hands-on and practical. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating both customer service skills and the aptitude for the specialized framing craft. A portfolio isn't mandatory but can significantly enhance an application by showcasing practical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Specialized tools for cutting mats, glass, and assembling frames. This includes items like:

  • Glass Cutter: For precise cutting of glass or acrylic.
  • Mat Cutter: For creating professional window mats.
  • Frame Moulding Cutters/Miter Saws: For cutting frame pieces to precise angles.
  • Staplers/Nail Guns: For assembling frame corners.
  • Heat Press: Used for certain mounting or sealing processes.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, calipers for accurate dimensions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• POS System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer orders, and tracking sales performance. (Specific system not named, but common in retail).

• Inventory Management Software: Tools used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and conducting inventory counts.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Features within POS/Order System: To track customer preferences, past orders, and build relationships. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" implies a structured approach to customer engagement within the sales process.

• Order Management System: Software to enter, track, and manage custom framing orders from placement through completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily weighted towards specialized physical tools and standard retail POS/inventory systems. Proficiency with basic computer skills and a willingness to learn specific equipment operation are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Craftsmanship: A core value, encouraging innovation in design and precision in execution within the framing department.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through personalized service, expert advice, and delivering on promises.

• Teamwork & Support: Fostering a collaborative environment where employees support each other to achieve store goals and provide a positive customer experience.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company policies, ethical standards, and taking responsibility for individual and team performance.

• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing the need for timely order fulfillment with the commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Associates are expected to assist each other across different store functions as needed, especially during peak times or operational tasks like truck unloading.

• Departmental Focus: While collaboration is encouraged, the Framer will have a primary focus on their department's goals and customer interactions.

• Feedback Culture: Likely encourages constructive feedback to improve processes, customer service, and product quality, especially within the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels aims to blend a passion for creativity with the discipline of retail operations. Employees are expected to be both skilled artisans and effective customer service professionals, working cohesively within a larger retail team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales while also meeting production deadlines for custom framing orders.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and artistic visions, requiring adaptability and creative problem-solving.

• Physical Demands: The role involves prolonged standing, lifting heavy items, and working with specialized tools, which can be physically demanding.

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently delivering high-quality framing work, especially on intricate or valuable pieces, while working under time pressure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Craftsmanship: Extensive training on custom framing techniques, materials science, design principles, and advanced equipment operation.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Development in consultative selling, upselling, and building customer loyalty through excellent service.

• Retail Operations Management: Exposure to various aspects of retail management, including inventory, merchandising, and team leadership, potentially leading to supervisory roles.

• Product Knowledge: Deepening understanding of art, photography, display techniques, and preservation methods relevant to framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about art and design to acquire a marketable craft skill while gaining valuable retail and customer service experience. The challenges are typical of skilled trade roles within a retail context, offering clear paths for skill development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Framing Process & Design: "Describe your process for consulting with a customer on a custom framing project. What factors do you consider?" (Prepare to discuss materials, style, budget, preservation).

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer or a challenging custom order. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and company policy adherence).

• Operational Aptitude: "How do you ensure accuracy and quality when performing repetitive tasks or working with precise measurements?" (Highlight attention to detail, adherence to SOPs, and double-checking).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation & Fit: "Why are you interested in Michaels and this Framer position specifically?" (Connect your passion for art/craft with the company's mission and the role's responsibilities).

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it." (Emphasize collaboration, positive attitude, and support for colleagues).

• Passion for Creativity: "What inspires your creativity? How do you stay updated on design trends?" (Demonstrate genuine interest in the arts and crafts industry).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: If you have a portfolio, use it to tell the story of your projects. Explain the customer's initial request, your design approach, the materials chosen, and the final successful outcome.

• Quantify Achievements: For sales-related experiences, try to quantify your impact (e.g., "Successfully upsold framing packages on X% of custom orders").

• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through the steps of a typical framing order, from taking measurements to final inspection, demonstrating your understanding of the workflow.

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Let your passion for framing and art shine through. Enthusiasm is often as important as technical skill for customer-facing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of artistic sensibility, customer service skills, and operational diligence. The interviewer will be looking for someone who can both create beautiful custom pieces and manage the retail operations associated with them effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers website.

• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant experience in custom framing, art, design, retail sales, customer service, or operational tasks. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "cash handling."

• Prepare Your "Portfolio": Gather any examples of framing work, design projects, or customer service success stories. Be ready to discuss these during an interview. If you don't have formal framing experience, focus on transferable skills from other retail or craft-related roles.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your skills in customer interaction, problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, product offerings, and their approach to customer service ("Elevated ABC Deliver"). Understand their position in the arts and crafts retail market.

⚠️ 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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