Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Riverdale, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on driving sales and production within the custom framing department by building strong customer relationships.

• Responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service, assisting shoppers in finding products, and ensuring a well-merchandised and safe store environment.

• Key activities involve completing framing orders to high-quality standards and on time, while also managing inventory in assigned areas.

• The position requires adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the core responsibilities and emphasis on sales, customer relationships, and store operations indicate a hybrid role that blends skilled craft with customer-facing retail duties. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a structured approach to sales and customer engagement within the framing service.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Foster strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations, utilizing the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to understand needs and create memorable framing solutions.

• Drive custom framing sales and production targets by effectively communicating product value, design options, and timely order completion.

• Execute the full lifecycle of custom framing orders with a high degree of quality, ensuring on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, as well as other assigned areas, including SISO (Ship-from-Store) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Deliver friendly and proactive customer service, assisting customers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

• Uphold and execute all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure operational consistency and compliance.

• Actively participate in shrink prevention and safety programs, maintaining a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment for both customers and team members.

• Engage positively with colleagues, promoting respect, teamwork, and commitment to organizational values and vision.

• Participate in inventory management processes, including truck unloads and stocking, adhering to established standards and timelines.

• Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, executing cash handling procedures to company standards.

• Proactively acknowledge customers, assist in product location, and provide tailored solutions to meet their needs.

• Support and execute Omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a sales-driven approach within a specialized retail environment. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" suggests a consultative sales process where understanding customer needs and providing expert solutions is paramount, directly impacting revenue generation for the custom framing service.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of basic math and measurement is essential for custom framing.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within a retail or service-oriented environment.

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and engage with customers to understand their needs.

• Experience with sales and upselling techniques is advantageous. Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for order processing and system navigation.

• Fundamental measuring skills with precision and accuracy.

• Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal communication abilities.

• Proficiency in cash register operation and accurate cash handling procedures.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and follow instructions.

• Basic understanding of inventory management and stocking procedures.

• Adherence to safety protocols and ability to maintain a clean workspace. Preferred Skills:

• Prior retail sales experience, particularly in a commission or performance-driven environment.

• Experience selling custom products or services, demonstrating an ability to guide customers through complex options.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes, materials, or design principles.

• Experience with heat press operation for framing applications.

• Knowledge of merchandising techniques to enhance product presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level indicates that this role is suitable for individuals beginning their careers or transitioning into retail operations. The emphasis on "basic" skills suggests that comprehensive training will be provided for specialized framing equipment and processes, but a foundational aptitude for measurement, customer interaction, and operational adherence is expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any past projects or experiences demonstrating attention to detail, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction in their resume or during the interview.

• Examples of successful customer interactions or sales achievements that showcase relationship-building and solution-oriented approaches are highly valuable.

• Any experience with creative projects, design, or craftsmanship that demonstrates an eye for aesthetics and precision can be a strong addition. Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is critical, particularly concerning framing order processing, customer interaction protocols, and safety guidelines.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to following established workflows to ensure consistency and quality in framing services.

• Familiarity with basic inventory management processes, including stocking and maintaining visual standards, is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level "Framer" role, a traditional operations portfolio is less likely to be a strict requirement. The focus will be more on demonstrating foundational skills and a willingness to learn and adhere to established processes. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their approach to following instructions and maintaining quality standards, rather than presenting complex process maps or system implementations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on entry-level retail positions in the Riverdale, Illinois area for part-time roles, the estimated hourly wage is likely between $12.00 - $16.00 per hour. This range is influenced by factors such as local cost of living, minimum wage laws, and the specific demands of the custom framing service.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match: Financial planning support for long-term savings.

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

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health benefits for eligible team members.

• Telemedicine Services: Convenient access to healthcare professionals remotely.

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

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with public transportation costs.

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

• Adoption Assistance: Financial aid for employees growing their families through adoption.

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

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

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While specific hours will vary based on store needs and scheduling, typical part-time roles involve approximately 20-30 hours per week. Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational demands of a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general retail part-time positions in the Chicago metropolitan area, considering the typical pay scales for roles involving specialized customer service and sales. The benefits listed are comprehensive for a part-time role, indicating Michaels' commitment to employee well-being and development. The "40 hours" listed in the input ai_working_hours likely refers to a standard full-time work week, but the employment_type explicitly states "Part time," so the estimated hours reflect that.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Michaels operates within the Arts and Crafts Retail industry, serving as a leading destination for creative supplies, custom framing, and seasonal decor. The company is a significant player in North America, with a broad customer base seeking inspiration and materials for hobbies, DIY projects, and celebrations.

Company Size: Michaels Stores is a large retail organization, operating over 1,300 stores across North America. This scale means that while individual stores have a close-knit team feel, the company has established corporate structures, standardized processes, and robust operational frameworks.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail landscape, evolving to meet changing consumer trends and market demands, particularly in the online and omni-channel space.

Team Structure:

• The store team typically includes a Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, and various specialized roles such as Framers, Cashiers, and Sales Associates.

• The Framer role often reports to a Framing Department Manager or an Assistant Store Manager responsible for that section.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with Framers interacting with sales associates for customer referrals, cashiers for transactions, and management for operational guidance and inventory support. Methodology:

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

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensures consistency in service delivery, operational execution, and compliance across all locations.

• Data-Driven Merchandising: While not explicitly detailed for framing, retail operations generally involve data analysis for inventory management, sales trends, and visual merchandising to optimize store performance.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels is geared towards fostering creativity and customer engagement within a structured retail environment. For a Framer, this means balancing the artistic aspect of custom work with the operational demands and sales targets of a large retail chain. The emphasis on SOPs and compliance is a hallmark of large retail operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Framer" position is classified as an Entry-Level Retail Operations role. It serves as a foundational position within the store's operational structure, focusing on a specific department (Custom Framing) but requiring broader retail support functions. It's an excellent starting point for individuals interested in retail, customer service, or specialized craft services.

Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a departmental manager (e.g., Framing Department Manager) or directly to an Assistant Store Manager who oversees sales floor operations. This structure provides direct supervision and guidance on daily tasks, performance, and skill development.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall store operational efficiency by maintaining departments, assisting with stocking, and ensuring a positive customer experience. Their ability to provide high-quality custom solutions and excellent service is a key differentiator for Michaels' service offering.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunity to become a highly skilled custom framer, mastering design, material selection, and framing techniques.

• Retail Sales Advancement: Potential to move into roles with greater sales responsibility, such as Sales Lead or Key Holder, within the store.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in other store departments (e.g., cashier, sales floor) to gain broader retail experience.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated performance and leadership qualities, opportunities may arise for Assistant Management roles within the store or specialized roles in larger corporate functions if pursued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Framer is primarily within the retail store environment. While it's an entry-level position, consistent performance, customer service excellence, and a proactive approach to learning can open doors to further responsibilities and advancement within Michaels Stores. The company's size offers a broad landscape for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based in a public retail store setting. The work environment includes customer-facing areas (sales floor, framing counter) and back-of-house areas (stock rooms, framing workshop). The main retail spaces are climate-controlled, but stock rooms might not be, and some outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloading.

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 4125 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale, IL 60827. This location is within a retail corridor, likely accessible by public transportation and car, with adequate parking for team members and customers.

Workspace Context:

• The framing shop area is a specialized workspace containing equipment such as a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• The sales floor environment requires constant interaction with customers and other team members, necessitating good communication and collaborative skills.

• Opportunities exist for learning from experienced colleagues and supervisors, fostering a supportive team atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible and part-time, accommodating the operational needs of the store. This includes working nights, weekends, and early mornings. While this offers flexibility, it requires adaptability from the team member to cover various shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and requires adaptability. Framers will spend time at a dedicated workstation with specialized tools, as well as on the general sales floor interacting with a broad customer base. The combination of skilled craft and customer service in a retail setting defines the workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically an online application followed by a brief phone screen with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely be the primary interview stage, conducted at the store. It will involve meeting with the store manager or department supervisor. Expect questions about customer service experience, problem-solving scenarios, and your interest in custom framing.

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

• Onboarding: If successful, you will proceed with background checks and onboarding processes.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: For this role, your resume is your primary "portfolio." Ensure it clearly highlights any customer service, sales, or hands-on/craftsmanship experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of X customers per shift," "Contributed to Y% sales growth in previous role").

• Showcase Relevant Skills: Explicitly list skills like "Basic Measuring," "Customer Relationship Building," "Problem-Solving," and any experience with tools or crafts.

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Express genuine interest in custom framing, design, and helping customers bring their creative visions to life. This can be conveyed in a cover letter or during the interview.

• Process Adherence: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of following instructions and SOPs to ensure quality and consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenarios: Think about how you would handle common retail customer service situations: a customer who is undecided, a customer with a complaint, or a customer looking for a specific, hard-to-find item.

• Sales Approach: Consider how you would engage a customer in the framing department, identify their needs, and present solutions. Practice articulating the value of custom framing.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to describe a time you encountered a challenge at work and how you resolved it, focusing on practicality and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Framer role will likely be more focused on assessing soft skills, customer service aptitude, and a willingness to learn specialized craft skills, rather than formal portfolio presentations. Highlighting transferable skills and demonstrating a positive, customer-focused attitude will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Glass Cutter: Essential for precise cutting of glass or acrylic to fit various frame sizes.
  • Framing Mats/Mount Cutters: Tools for cutting mat boards to specification.
  • Heat Press: Used for applying adhesives or specific finishes in the framing process.
  • Molding Cutters/Saws: Equipment for precisely cutting framing materials to size.
  • Assembly Tools: Including fasteners, joiners, and adhesives for constructing frames.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Michaels uses a POS system for processing transactions, managing sales, and potentially tracking customer orders. This requires proficiency in cash handling and basic computer navigation.

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing order details, company communications, and potentially inventory management systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managed by a Framer, understanding that the store operates with sales reporting and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. The Framer's role contributes data to these systems through sales and order completion. CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a CRM-like approach to customer interactions, focusing on building and maintaining relationships. While a dedicated CRM system might not be directly used by the Framer, the principles of customer data and relationship management are applied.

• Order Management System: Likely integrated with the POS, this system tracks custom framing orders from creation to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Framer is heavily weighted towards specialized craft tools and standard retail POS systems. The emphasis is on the practical application of these tools to produce custom framing solutions and process sales efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Craftsmanship: Michaels values creativity and the art of custom framing, encouraging team members to help customers bring their visions to life.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on delivering exceptional customer service, building relationships, and ensuring customer satisfaction is paramount.

• Teamwork & Respect: Fostering a positive and respectful work environment where team members collaborate and support each other is a core value.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adhering to company policies, SOPs, and safety standards ensures ethical operations and a safe workplace.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for high-quality workmanship in framing while maintaining efficient operational processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Framers collaborate with sales associates for customer referrals and with cashiers for transaction processing. They also work with management on inventory and operational tasks.

• Service-Oriented: The team culture is built around serving customers, whether through direct sales, assistance on the floor, or specialized craft services.

• Learning & Development: Encouragement of continuous learning, both in framing techniques and customer service, is often part of the culture, supported by training programs and peer guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels blends a passion for creative arts with the structured demands of retail operations. Team members are expected to be both skilled craftspeople and customer-focused service providers, working collaboratively to achieve store goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Craftsmanship and Volume: A key challenge is maintaining the high quality of custom framing work while meeting production demands and sales targets in a busy retail environment.

• Customer Expectations: Managing diverse customer expectations, from simple framing needs to complex artistic visions, requires strong communication and problem-solving skills.

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

• Adapting to Trends: Staying current with framing trends, materials, and design aesthetics to effectively advise customers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn specialized framing methods, conservation framing, and advanced design principles.

• Sales & Customer Service Training: Continuous development in consultative selling, customer relationship management, and conflict resolution.

• Product Knowledge: Deepening understanding of various framing materials, artwork preservation, and display techniques.

• Retail Operations: Gaining experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, and store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role stem from the duality of being a skilled artisan and a retail service provider. Growth opportunities are geared towards both deepening craft expertise and expanding general retail operational and sales capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult customer. What was the situation, and how did you resolve it?" (Focus on de-escalation, active listening, and finding solutions.)

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about framing options for a valuable piece of art?" (Highlight your consultative sales process: understanding needs, offering options, explaining value.)

• "Imagine a customer wants a framing solution that is outside of our standard offerings or budget. How would you respond?" (Emphasize problem-solving, offering alternatives, and managing expectations.)

• "What interests you about custom framing specifically, and why Michaels?" (Connect your skills/interests to the role and the company's mission.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels Stores and our commitment to creativity?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Discuss teamwork, respect, and proactive communication.)

• "How do you ensure quality and accuracy in your work, especially when dealing with multiple tasks?" (Focus on attention to detail, process adherence, and time management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume as Portfolio: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting specific experiences and skills relevant to framing, customer service, and sales.

• Quantify Achievements: For any past roles, be ready to provide examples of your impact using numbers where possible (e.g., "increased sales by X%," "handled Y customer inquiries daily").

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Have a specific example ready of a time you solved a problem for a customer or improved a process.

• Enthusiasm & Aptitude: Convey your eagerness to learn the craft of framing and your natural aptitude for detail and customer care.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, a proactive sales mindset, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine interest in the craft of custom framing. Be ready to articulate how your existing skills translate to this specific role and how you would embody Michaels' values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in customer service, sales, hands-on work, or any creative/craftsmanship skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for In-Person Interview: Research Michaels' mission, values, and custom framing services. Be ready to discuss your customer service approach, problem-solving skills, and why you're a good fit for a creative retail environment.

• Highlight Transferable Skills: If you have limited direct framing experience, emphasize transferable skills like attention to detail, precision, problem-solving, and strong interpersonal communication.

• Express Enthusiasm: Clearly articulate your interest in the craft of framing and your desire to help customers create memorable pieces.

⚠️ 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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