Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Palm Desert, California, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: August 26, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered around providing exceptional customer service and sales within the custom framing department of a retail environment.

• Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, designing custom framing solutions, and ensuring timely, high-quality production of framing orders.

• The position also involves maintaining store presentation, assisting with inventory, and supporting general retail operations.

• Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate specialized equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Framer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a hybrid role combining direct customer sales, design consultation, production, and general retail operations. The emphasis on "personal designer" and "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a focus on consultative selling and relationship building within the framing service.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Design Consultation:

  • Build strong customer relationships by acting as a "personal designer" using the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to understand customer needs and preferences.
  • Guide customers through custom framing options, offering expert advice on matting, framing materials, and presentation to create memorable solutions for their art and memorabilia.
  • Actively assist customers in locating products within the store, providing solutions that meet their creative and framing needs.

• Sales & Production Execution:

  • Drive sales and production results by effectively converting customer consultations into completed framing orders.
  • Execute framing orders with a high degree of quality, ensuring they are completed accurately and on time according to customer specifications and company standards.
  • Operate specialized framing equipment and tools, including glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, ensuring they are well-merchandised, organized, and in-stock to enhance the customer shopping experience.
  • Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs for inventory management, including SISO (Store-Initiated Stock Orders) and Directed Replenishment processes.
  • Participate actively in truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and timely completion within budget.

• Transaction & General Support:

  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures accurately and according to company standards.

  • Support and adhere to all company shrink and safety programs, contributing to a secure and safe working environment for both team members and customers.

  • Assist with Omni channel processes, such as fulfilling online orders or assisting with in-store pickup, to ensure a seamless customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, sales, and operational tasks. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" suggests a consultative sales approach is critical, requiring candidates to not only understand framing but also to effectively communicate value and build rapport.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for this role, with a focus on practical skills rather than formal academic degrees.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing environment.

• Experience in sales, particularly consultative selling or solution-based selling, is highly beneficial.

• Prior experience in custom framing, art handling, or a related creative field is a strong advantage. Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, build rapport, and provide outstanding service that leads to sales and customer satisfaction.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Accurate measurement is critical for custom framing orders.

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to navigate point-of-sale (POS) systems and potentially other basic computer applications.

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency or ability to quickly learn to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Visual Merchandising: Ability to maintain an appealing and well-organized retail display.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication for customer interactions and team collaboration.

• Attention to Detail: Crucial for accurate order taking, production, and maintaining store standards.

• Adherence to SOPs: Ability to follow established procedures for sales, production, safety, and inventory management.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

• Product/Service Sales Experience: Experience in selling products or services directly to customers, particularly in a consultative manner.

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Familiarity with different framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Inventory Management: Experience with stock management, replenishment, and loss prevention strategies.

• POS System Proficiency: Experience with retail point-of-sale systems for transactions and order management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2" years of experience level suggests this role is geared towards individuals starting their careers or transitioning into a retail/crafts environment. The emphasis on "basic" skills indicates a willingness to train on specific equipment and processes, but a foundational understanding of customer service and a willingness to learn are paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for an entry-level Framer role, candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples of their work or projects that demonstrate relevant skills.

• Visual Examples: If possible, bring photos or a digital presentation showcasing custom framing projects, design concepts, or even well-executed retail displays you have contributed to.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Be prepared to discuss any ideas you have for improving the framing process, customer experience, or store operations based on your observations or previous experiences.

• Customer Interaction Scenarios: Think through how you would handle common customer interactions, such as a customer unsure about design choices or a request for a rush order.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their ability to learn and follow established workflows for:
  • Sales and Order Entry: How to accurately capture customer requirements and enter them into the system.
  • Production Workflow: The steps involved in creating a custom frame from start to finish.
  • Inventory Management: Procedures for stocking, replenishment, and managing the ready-made frame department.
  • Cash Handling and Transactions: Ensuring accuracy and security in all financial transactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, a traditional "operations portfolio" with complex process diagrams or ROI analyses is unlikely to be expected. The emphasis should be on demonstrating practical skills, customer-centricity, and an understanding of retail processes through tangible examples or well-articulated scenarios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this position is $17.50 - $20.60 per hour.

• This range is competitive for part-time retail positions in the Palm Desert, California area, reflecting the entry-level nature of the role and the specialized skills involved in custom framing. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (eligibility may vary based on hours worked and employment status).
  • Telemedicine services for convenient healthcare access.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Financial Security:

  • 401(k) plan with employer match, supporting long-term financial goals.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs.

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance to support continued education and skill development.
  • Adoption assistance to support team members growing their families.

• Additional Perks:

  • Voluntary insurance options for enhanced coverage.

  • Significant employee discounts on Michaels products, fostering a connection with the brand.

  • Access to partner discount programs for additional savings. Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position. The specific number of hours per week will vary based on business needs, but may approach up to 40 hours during peak seasons.

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined and falls within typical hourly rates for skilled retail associates, especially those handling custom services. The comprehensive list of benefits, even for a part-time role, indicates Michaels' commitment to supporting its team members. It's important for candidates to verify specific eligibility requirements for benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

• Michaels operates within the highly competitive arts and crafts retail sector, positioning itself as a destination for creativity, DIY projects, and home decor. The custom framing service is a key differentiator, offering a specialized, high-margin service that requires skilled personnel and a consultative sales approach.

Company Size: Large (Over 1,300 stores across North America)

• As a large retail organization, Michaels offers a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for growth. The size of the company means there are likely dedicated teams for operations, HR, and marketing, supporting store-level functions. For operations professionals, this can mean robust training programs and clear career paths, but also a need to adapt to company-wide initiatives.

Founded: 1973, Headquarters in Irving, Texas.

• With a long history, Michaels has established brand recognition and a deep understanding of its customer base. This longevity suggests stability and a commitment to evolving with market trends, such as the increasing importance of Omni channel retail and personalized customer experiences. Team Structure:

• Store Level: The Framer will be part of a store team typically led by a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, and potentially department specialists.

• Reporting: This role will report to store management, likely the Store Manager or a designated department lead.

• Collaboration: The Framer will collaborate closely with other sales associates, stock associates, and potentially other department specialists to ensure smooth store operations and a positive customer experience. Cross-functional collaboration will also involve understanding how the framing department integrates with overall store sales and inventory management.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing solutions, as seen in the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology for framing.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in sales, production, safety, and inventory management.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly detailed for this role, larger retail organizations like Michaels often use sales data, inventory metrics, and customer feedback to inform operational decisions and merchandising strategies.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on creativity and its large retail footprint are key aspects. For an operations professional, understanding how a large retail chain standardizes processes across numerous locations, while also allowing for localized customer service, is crucial. The emphasis on "joy of creativity" suggests a culture that values passion and engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry Level / Specialist

• This role is positioned at the entry-level within the retail operations and customer service spectrum. It serves as a foundation for developing skills in customer engagement, sales, technical production (framing), and retail operations. For those interested in operations, it's an opportunity to understand the front-line customer experience and the direct impact of service and product quality on revenue. Reporting Structure:

• The Framer typically reports to the Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager. This direct line of reporting provides exposure to store-level management and decision-making processes. The Framer will work as part of the broader store team, collaborating with peers in sales and operations. Operations Impact:

• The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and by contributing to overall store sales through excellent customer service and merchandising.

• By ensuring high-quality custom framing and timely order fulfillment, the role contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are critical for repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

• Efficient execution of store operations responsibilities, such as stocking and maintaining displays, directly supports the overall shopping experience and sales performance. Growth Opportunities:

• Within the Framing Department: Potential to advance to a lead or specialist role within the custom framing department, taking on more complex projects, training new team members, or managing department inventory more autonomously.

• Retail Management Track: Progression into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, requiring development in leadership, operational oversight, P&L management, and team development.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into other areas of retail operations, such as visual merchandising, inventory control, or loss prevention, within Michaels or other retail organizations.

• Skills Development: Continuous learning in sales techniques, design principles, customer relationship management, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this entry-level role is a stepping stone. It provides foundational experience in customer-facing operations, sales execution, and process adherence within a large retail framework. The growth paths suggest opportunities to specialize in operational areas or move into broader retail management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public Retail Store Setting

• The primary work environment is the retail floor and the dedicated custom framing shop within a Michaels store. This involves direct interaction with the public in a dynamic, customer-focused setting. Office Location(s):

• Palm Desert, California (specifically 44150 Town Center Way Ste B-3).

• The store is located in a retail center, suggesting accessibility and visibility. Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Space: The store floor and framing consultation area are designed to be welcoming and conducive to customer engagement, product discovery, and design discussions.

• Production Area: The frame shop is a specialized workspace containing tools and equipment necessary for custom framing, including a glass cutter and heat press. Safety protocols are paramount in this area.

• Stock Room: Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled, indicating potential variations in working conditions.

• Team Collaboration: The environment fosters collaboration among team members to ensure smooth store operations, efficient customer service, and effective merchandising.

Work Schedule:

• This is a part-time position with varied hours.

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating hours to serve customer needs throughout the week. Flexibility in scheduling is often a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for retail, emphasizing customer interaction and operational efficiency. For operations professionals, understanding the nuances of a physical retail space—including managing inventory, customer flow, and specialized production areas—is key to appreciating the challenges and opportunities in such roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by an HR representative or store management to assess basic qualifications, availability, and cultural fit.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve a conversation with the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. Expect questions focused on:

  • Customer Service Philosophy: How you handle customer interactions, resolve issues, and build relationships.
  • Sales Aptitude: Your approach to selling products and services, understanding customer needs, and closing sales.
  • Problem-Solving: Scenarios related to customer requests, production challenges, or store operations.
  • Teamwork: How you collaborate with colleagues.
  • Motivation: Why you are interested in Michaels and the Framer role.

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

• Final Interview (Possible): For some roles or if moving into a lead position, a final interview with a district manager or higher might occur.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Since this is an entry-level role, a formal portfolio is less critical than demonstrating relevant skills.

• Showcase Practical Skills: If you have examples of custom framing projects, design sketches, or even well-organized retail displays you've created or contributed to, have photos or a digital format ready.

• Highlight Customer Service/Sales Successes: Be ready to discuss specific instances where you excelled in customer service, solved a customer's problem, or contributed to sales growth. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Be prepared to talk about how you would approach learning and implementing company SOPs for framing, sales, and store operations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Framing Consultation Scenario: Practice how you would greet a customer, ask probing questions about their artwork, discuss design options (matting, frame styles, glass types), and present a solution with pricing.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with a framing order, or if a production deadline is at risk.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Be ready to articulate the value of Michaels' custom framing services and why a customer should choose them.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, the "portfolio" is more about showcasing practical skills and a customer-centric mindset rather than complex operations documentation. Candidates should focus on preparing concrete examples of customer service, sales aptitude, and basic design/production capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Framing Mat Cutter: Essential for precise cutting of mats to fit artwork.
  • Glass Cutter: For custom sizing of glass or acrylic.
  • Heat Press: Used for applying adhesives or laminates in certain framing processes.
  • Miter Saw/Chopper: For cutting frame mouldings to size.
  • Assembly Tools: Staplers, jointers, wiring tools for assembling frames.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Michaels' proprietary system for processing sales, managing orders, and handling customer transactions. Proficiency in cash handling and basic computer operations is key.

• Basic Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers for accurate order specification.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While this role doesn't directly manage reporting, understanding that the POS system generates sales data is important. This data is used for:
  • Sales Performance Tracking: Monitoring framing sales, average order value, and conversion rates.
  • Inventory Management: Tracking stock levels for mouldings, mats, and hardware.
  • Customer Data: Capturing customer contact information for follow-up and marketing.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Elements: The POS system likely incorporates basic CRM functionalities, allowing for customer profile creation, order history, and potentially marketing opt-ins.

• Order Management System: Integrated within the POS, this system tracks framing orders from placement through production to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on specialized production equipment and standard retail POS systems. For operations professionals, understanding how these systems interface and contribute to overall business metrics (sales, inventory, customer satisfaction) is crucial, even at an entry-level.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: The paramount value is delivering exceptional customer experiences, from initial consultation to final product delivery. This includes building relationships and providing creative solutions.

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels values the "joy of creativity." Team members are encouraged to be passionate about arts, crafts, and helping customers bring their creative visions to life.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: For the framing department, a commitment to high-quality workmanship and attention to detail in custom framing is essential.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to ensure smooth store operations, efficient customer service, and a positive work environment.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards, treating all customers and team members with respect, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Framer works closely with all other store associates to ensure a seamless customer journey, whether it's directing customers to products, assisting with Omni channel orders, or supporting general store tasks.

• Process-Oriented Communication: Collaboration often revolves around ensuring SOPs are followed, orders are processed correctly, and customer needs are met efficiently.

• Feedback Exchange: An open environment where team members can share feedback on processes, customer interactions, and operational improvements to enhance overall store performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity, customer service, and teamwork. For operations professionals, understanding how these values translate into daily tasks—such as problem-solving customer issues with creativity or collaborating to ensure efficient workflow—is key to cultural alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales, Production, and Service: Effectively managing time to consult with customers, produce high-quality custom frames, and maintain store presentation can be demanding.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Customers will have a wide range of artistic styles, budgets, and expectations, requiring adaptability and strong consultative skills.

• Managing Production Deadlines: Ensuring custom framing orders are completed on time, especially during peak seasons or for rush requests.

• Learning Specialized Equipment: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and tools safely and efficiently.

• Adapting to Retail Schedules: Working nights, weekends, and holidays as required by retail operational needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Deepen knowledge of framing techniques, materials, design principles, and advanced production methods.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhance consultative selling abilities, customer relationship management, and conflict resolution techniques.

• Retail Operations Management: Gain experience in inventory control, visual merchandising, POS system operations, and loss prevention.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into supervisory or management roles within the store, focusing on team leadership, operational efficiency, and strategic planning.

• Company Training Programs: Access to Michaels' internal training resources for product knowledge, sales techniques, and operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a hands-on retail role with a service component. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for skill development and career advancement within the retail operations and management tracks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

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

• Sales Approach: "How do you approach selling a premium service like custom framing?" "What questions would you ask a customer to understand their framing needs?" "How do you handle objections?"

• Problem-Solving & Operations: "Imagine you have three framing orders due today, but a customer needs immediate help designing a complex piece. How do you prioritize?" "What steps would you take to ensure the framing shop is organized and safe?"

• Motivation & Fit: "Why Michaels?" "What interests you about custom framing?" "How do you handle repetitive tasks?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels' commitment to creativity?"

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

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

• "How do you stay updated on trends in art and home decor?" (Demonstrates interest in the industry) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Practical Skills: If you have examples of framing projects, bring photos. If not, be ready to describe a project you're proud of or how you would approach a specific framing challenge.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to describe your successes (e.g., "Increased sales in X category by Y%," "Handled Z customer inquiries per day").

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Be prepared to walk through your understanding of the framing process, from customer consultation to order fulfillment, highlighting key steps and quality checks.

• Showcase Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for creativity, customer service, and the craft of framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on behavioral questions, scenario-based problem-solving, and demonstrating a clear understanding of the role's blend of sales, service, and production. Emphasize the consultative selling aspect of custom framing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, any technical or craft skills, and familiarity with retail operations. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "custom framing," "merchandising," and "inventory."

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather any visual examples of custom framing work, design projects, or even well-presented retail displays you've been involved with. Be ready to discuss your approach to customer consultations and problem-solving.

• Interview Practice: Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your customer service philosophy, sales aptitude, and ability to learn specialized skills. Practice articulating the value of custom framing.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, products, and commitment to creativity. Understand their approach to customer service and retail operations.

⚠️ 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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