Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Midlothian-11647 Midlothian Tpke, Ste A, Midlothian, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: 2026-09-05

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing exceptional customer service within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department.

• Responsibilities include building customer relationships, understanding their needs for framing solutions, and translating those needs into quality, custom-made products.

• The position requires operational excellence in maintaining store standards, managing inventory, and executing sales and production processes efficiently.

• A key aspect is contributing to a positive and safe shopping experience for all customers, while also supporting broader store operations and team objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the core responsibilities and required skills indicate a strong customer-facing and sales-oriented retail operations role with a specialization in custom framing. The role demands both product knowledge and a service-oriented approach to drive sales and customer satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships by actively engaging them in the framing department.
  • Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to understand customer needs and propose tailored custom framing solutions.
  • Drive sales and production results by effectively selling framing products and services.
  • Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and provide comprehensive solutions to their needs.

• Custom Framing Operations:

  • Accurately complete framing orders, ensuring high standards of quality and timely delivery.
  • Operate framing equipment, including glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, including SISO (Shop In Store Out) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Store Operations & Standards:

  • Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance and operational consistency.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, particularly within the framing area.
  • Assist with the truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget.
  • Support shrink and safety programs through diligent execution of company policies.

• Customer Experience & Teamwork:

  • Deliver friendly and helpful customer service, assisting customers in finding products and providing solutions.
  • Ensure the store is well-merchandised and adequately stocked to enhance the customer shopping experience.
  • Participate in Omni channel processes as required, supporting integrated customer experiences.
  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, promoting a collaborative and committed team environment.

• Transaction Management:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct customer interaction, sales acumen, technical framing skills, and general retail operational duties. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a structured approach to customer consultation and sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is generally expected for entry-level retail positions, though not explicitly stated, it's a common prerequisite for operating equipment and handling transactions.

Experience:

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

• Experience in custom framing or art-related fields is a significant advantage but not strictly required. Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, understand needs, and provide solutions.

• Basic Computer Skills: For POS operations, order entry, and potentially system lookups.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Essential for accurate custom framing measurements.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Proficiency or ability to learn to operate framing equipment and glass cutters.

• Cash Handling: Experience with POS systems and accurate cash management.

• Merchandising: Ability to maintain an appealing and organized display of products.

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

• Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer issues and operational challenges.

• Adherence to SOPs: Commitment to following established procedures and policies.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven ability to sell products and/or services to customers.

• Custom Framing Experience: Prior experience in a framing environment, including knowledge of matting, framing techniques, and materials.

• Art/Design Aptitude: An understanding or appreciation for art and design principles can enhance customer consultations.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with stock rotation, replenishment, and basic inventory control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" section clearly outlines the essential skills, while "Preferred Type of experience" indicates areas that would make a candidate stand out. The emphasis on basic skills suggests a role designed for individuals early in their careers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Interaction Examples: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific instances where they successfully built customer relationships and provided solutions, particularly in a sales or service context.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to describe situations where you encountered a customer challenge or an operational issue and how you resolved it effectively, demonstrating process adherence and problem-solving skills.

• Sales/Production Examples: If applicable, be prepared to discuss instances where you met or exceeded sales targets or completed production tasks efficiently and to a high standard. This could involve discussing approaches to upselling or cross-selling framing services.

• Process Adherence: Demonstrate understanding and commitment to following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs, perhaps by describing how you've applied SOPs in previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: The role requires understanding and executing established workflows for customer consultations, order placement, framing production, and point-of-sale transactions.

• Quality Control: Demonstrate an awareness of quality standards in production and customer service, ensuring that all work meets company specifications and customer expectations.

• Efficiency in Execution: Highlight the ability to perform tasks efficiently, from customer greeting to order completion, while maintaining accuracy and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail role like this, a formal, extensive portfolio is unlikely. However, candidates should prepare to speak to their experiences and skills using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate their capabilities in customer service, sales, and operational execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $13.00 - $15.30 per hour.

Explanation of Range: This range is based on the provided information and typical retail entry-level wages in the United States. The specific rate within this range will likely depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and the specific market conditions in Midlothian, VA.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match: Retirement savings plan.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related issues.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance options.

• Telemedicine Services: Convenient remote medical consultations.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax accounts for healthcare or dependent care expenses.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs.

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

• Adoption Assistance: Financial support for employees building their families.

• Voluntary Insurance Options: Additional insurance coverage choices.

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

• Partner Discount Programs: Access to discounts with other companies.

• Overtime Compensation: Eligibility for overtime pay in accordance with state and local laws.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. The provided information states "working hours include nights, weekends and early mornings," indicating a flexible schedule requirement common in retail. The AI-derived "40" for working hours likely refers to the standard full-time work week, but as this is a part-time role, actual hours will be less than 40.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is quite comprehensive for a part-time retail role, particularly the tuition and adoption assistance. The salary range is competitive for entry-level retail positions in many areas of the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts & Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading retailer for arts and crafts in North America.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, indicating a large, established retail organization. This scale means established processes and a structured operational environment.

Founded: 1973, with headquarters in Irving, Texas. This long history signifies stability and deep experience in the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a retail store environment, meaning direct collaboration with store management (Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager) and fellow team members (Sales Associates, Framers, etc.).

• The Framer will likely work closely with other sales associates to support overall store operations and customer service.

• Reporting is to store leadership, who oversee day-to-day operations and team performance. Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes "fueling the joy of creativity and celebration," indicating a culture focused on customer satisfaction and enabling creative pursuits.

• Process-Driven Operations: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is highlighted, suggesting a structured and consistent approach to store management and execution.

• Sales and Production Focus: The role is directly tied to sales performance and the quality of custom framing production, indicating a results-oriented operational framework.

• Team Collaboration: The culture values positive and respectful interactions, emphasizing teamwork to achieve store goals.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels positions itself as a place for creativity and celebration, suggesting a supportive and engaging work environment. The emphasis on SOPs and structured processes is typical of large retail chains aiming for consistent customer experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time retail operations role focused on customer service and custom framing. It serves as a foundational position within the retail operational structure.

Reporting Structure: The Framer reports to store management, likely a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, who oversee daily operations and team performance.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the store's revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing quality products and excellent service. Efficient store operations, including merchandising and stock management, also support the broader business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become proficient in custom framing techniques, sales consultation, and retail operations.

• Advancement within Store: Potential to move into roles with greater responsibility, such as Lead Framer, Key Holder, or Assistant Store Manager, by demonstrating strong performance, leadership potential, and operational knowledge.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in other store departments to gain broader retail experience.

• Company-Wide Opportunities: For successful and dedicated team members, there may be opportunities in other areas of Michaels Stores, Inc., including corporate roles, as the company also owns Artistree, a framing manufacturer.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level position, Michaels provides clear pathways for growth within the retail environment, encouraging employees to develop skills and advance their careers within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): Midlothian-11647 Midlothian Tpke, Ste A, Midlothian, VA. This is a specific retail store location.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Zone: The sales floor and framing counter are areas of high customer traffic and interaction.

• Production Area: The framing shop is a specialized area where tools and equipment are used for custom order fulfillment. This area requires attention to safety and organization.

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

• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, and POS systems.

Work Schedule: Part-time with a schedule that includes nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility is key, as retail operations require coverage during peak shopping hours and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, typical of a retail setting. It involves both direct customer engagement and hands-on production work, requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and applications for basic qualifications and relevant experience.

• Phone Screen/Initial Interview: A brief interview, potentially with a hiring manager or HR representative, to discuss experience, availability, and basic suitability for the role.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the store manager or assistant manager. It may include:

  • Behavioral Questions: To assess customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and reliability (e.g., "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer").
  • Situational Questions: To understand how you would handle specific scenarios related to framing, sales, or store operations (e.g., "How would you help a customer choose the right frame for their artwork?").
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion about your experience with framing equipment, measuring, and POS systems.
  • Tour of the Framing Area: A brief look at the workspace and potentially a demonstration of basic skills if appropriate.

• Final Offer: Based on the interview and assessment of qualifications.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Experience: Since a formal portfolio is unlikely, prepare to verbally showcase your experience.

• STAR Method: For behavioral and situational questions, structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This provides concrete examples of your capabilities.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your customer service achievements, any sales successes, and your comfort level with technical tasks like measuring and operating equipment.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in art, creativity, and helping customers bring their vision to life through framing.

• Discuss Problem-Solving: Be ready to share examples of how you've overcome challenges in previous roles, demonstrating resourcefulness and adherence to procedures.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario Practice: Think through how you would approach various customer interactions, from initial greeting to closing a sale or resolving a complaint.

• Framing Knowledge (if any): If you have prior framing experience, be ready to discuss basic concepts. If not, express eagerness to learn.

• Operational Awareness: Understand the importance of store standards, safety, and inventory management in a retail setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is geared towards assessing customer service aptitude, operational reliability, and the ability to learn specific framing skills. Candidates should prepare to talk about their past experiences in a structured and compelling way.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Frame Cutting Tools: Including glass cutters and specialized framing saws/cutters for matting and framing materials.
  • Assembly Tools: Such as mat cutters, staple guns, framing joiners, and potentially heat presses for specific applications.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and handling payments.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing rulers for accurate measurements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting: Basic reporting may be available through the POS system to track individual and department sales performance.

• Inventory Management Systems: Potentially used for tracking stock levels of framing materials and ready-made frames.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Features (within POS): The POS system may have basic CRM capabilities to track customer orders, preferences, and contact information for repeat business and personalized service.

• Omni Channel Support: Systems and processes to support online orders, in-store pickups, and other integrated shopping experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on practical tools for custom framing production and retail sales transactions. Proficiency with POS systems is essential, and the ability to learn specialized framing equipment is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and creating positive experiences is paramount, as evidenced by the emphasis on "building customer relationships" and "delivering friendly customer service."

• Creativity & Craftsmanship: As a company dedicated to arts and crafts, there's an underlying value placed on creativity, quality of work, and attention to detail in custom framing.

• Teamwork & Respect: The company culture promotes positive and respectful interactions among team members, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve store objectives.

• Efficiency & Compliance: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs underscores a value for operational efficiency, safety, and consistent execution.

• Reliability & Accountability: Team members are expected to be reliable, especially given the part-time nature and the need for consistent store coverage and task completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Team members are expected to support each other across various store functions, including sales, stocking, and customer service, especially during busy periods or when specific tasks require additional help.

• Direct Communication: Open and respectful communication is encouraged for effective teamwork and problem-solving within the store.

• Process-Oriented Collaboration: Working together to ensure SOPs are followed and operational goals are met, such as efficient truck unloads or maintaining store presentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances a creative and customer-centric atmosphere with the structured operational demands of a large retail chain. Teamwork and adherence to established procedures are key components.

⚡ 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: Assisting a wide range of customers with varying artistic tastes, budgets, and framing requirements.

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently producing high-quality custom frames while working efficiently under time pressures.

• Adapting to Retail Fluctuations: Managing busy periods, seasonal demands, and evolving customer preferences in a dynamic retail environment.

• Learning New Skills: Quickly mastering the operation of specialized framing equipment and understanding different framing materials and techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

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

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

• Retail Operations Proficiency: Gain experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, and POS system utilization.

• Potential for Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of custom framing, such as shadow boxes, large-format framing, or working with specific types of artwork.

• Leadership Exposure: Opportunities to take on more responsibility within the store structure, potentially leading to supervisory or management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop specialized craft skills alongside core retail competencies, offering a unique blend for career growth within the creative retail sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a customer who is unsure about framing options, a customer with a complaint about a completed order, or how you would proactively engage customers on the sales floor.

  • Preparation Tip: Use the STAR method to detail past experiences. Think about how you'd apply Michaels' "Elevated ABC Deliver" approach.

• Sales Approach: How would you approach selling custom framing services? What strategies would you use to upsell or cross-sell?

  • Preparation Tip: Research common framing options and benefits. Think about how to connect framing to the value of the artwork.

• Operational Execution: How would you ensure accuracy when taking custom framing measurements and orders? What steps would you take to maintain a clean and organized framing area?

  • Preparation Tip: Emphasize attention to detail, adherence to SOPs, and proactive organization.

• Teamwork and Reliability: Describe your approach to working with a team in a retail environment. How do you ensure you are a reliable team member?

  • Preparation Tip: Highlight your communication skills, willingness to help others, and punctuality. Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and specifically in the Framer role?

  • Preparation Tip: Research Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings. Express passion for creativity, art, or customer service.

• Understanding of the Role: What do you understand to be the main responsibilities of a Framer at Michaels?

  • Preparation Tip: Refer to the job description and focus on customer interaction, quality production, and store standards.

• Fit with Values: How do you align with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork?

  • Preparation Tip: Provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these values. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Showcase: Since a physical portfolio is unlikely, prepare to verbally "walk through" your relevant experiences.

• Key Achievements: Highlight specific instances where you excelled in customer service, made a significant sale, resolved a difficult situation, or improved an operational process.

• Demonstrate Learning Aptitude: Express eagerness to learn the specific framing techniques and operational procedures at Michaels.

• Prepared Examples: Have 2-3 detailed examples ready that showcase your skills in customer interaction, problem-solving, or sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews for this role will focus on assessing your customer service skills, your ability to follow procedures, your sales potential, and your enthusiasm for the arts and crafts industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, any experience with tools or crafts, and your ability to follow instructions and work reliably. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation (Verbal): Mentally prepare to discuss specific examples of your customer service successes, problem-solving skills, and any relevant crafting or operational experiences using the STAR method.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, product range, and the importance of the framing department to their business. Understand their focus on creativity and customer experience.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, particularly those related to customer service, handling difficult situations, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings.

⚠️ 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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