Framer - Custom Framing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer - Custom Framing

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Spanish Fort, Alabama, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Sales

Date Posted: June 13, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide exceptional customer service and build strong customer relationships by offering expert custom framing solutions.

• Execute sales and production targets for custom framing orders, ensuring high quality and on-time delivery.

• Maintain store standards, including merchandising, inventory management, and a clean, safe, and clutter-free environment.

• Operate the cash register, handle transactions accurately, and support omni-channel processes.

• Participate in store operational tasks such as truck unloading and stocking to ensure efficient inventory flow.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers to understand their framing needs, offering creative solutions and product recommendations.

• Design and execute custom framing orders with precision, adhering to quality standards and production timelines.

• Manage inventory for the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Shop In, Ship Out) and directed replenishment.

• Maintain visual merchandising standards across assigned areas to enhance the shopping experience and drive sales.

• Operate framing equipment, including a glass cutter and heat press, safely and efficiently.

• Process customer transactions accurately using the cash register and adhere to cash handling procedures.

• Assist customers with locating products and provide solutions to meet their creative needs.

• Support company-wide shrink and safety programs to maintain a secure and accident-free workplace.

• Participate in the efficient unloading and stocking of merchandise from trucks, adhering to established standards.

• Contribute to a positive and respectful work environment, upholding company values and serving as a role model.

• Assist with omni-channel fulfillment processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across online and in-store channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is described as a "Framer - Custom Framing" and is part-time, indicating a focus on direct customer interaction and hands-on production within a retail environment. The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales, customer service, and operational duties, typical of a specialized retail associate role. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific customer engagement methodology that candidates should research.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred, demonstrating foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing role is ideal, with a willingness to learn and develop specialized skills.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for point-of-sale systems and potential inventory management software.

• Basic measuring skills essential for accurate custom framing design and production.

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

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and reaching.

• Proficiency in cash handling and operating a cash register accurately. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail experience, particularly in a sales or specialized department role.

• Proven experience selling products and/or services, demonstrating an ability to understand customer needs and close sales.

• Familiarity with design principles or art appreciation can be beneficial for custom framing consultations.

• Experience with inventory management or merchandising practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on skills directly related to the framing process and customer interaction. While formal education isn't a primary requirement, the inclusion of "basic computer skills" and "basic measuring skills" points to the need for foundational competencies. The preference for retail sales experience highlights the importance of consultative selling in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any past projects or experiences demonstrating attention to detail, precision, and creative problem-solving, especially if related to custom work or design.

• Examples of projects where organization, accuracy, and adherence to specifications were critical.

• Documentation of customer service scenarios where you successfully met or exceeded client expectations.

• Evidence of ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality control measures. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of following established processes for order taking, production, and customer service.

• Ability to articulate how they would learn and adhere to Michaels' specific SOPs for framing and retail operations.

• Understanding of how to maintain a clean and organized workspace as part of a daily operational process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level, part-time role focused on custom framing, a traditional operations portfolio is unlikely to be required. However, the "process documentation" aspect can be interpreted as the candidate's ability to understand and articulate their approach to learning and executing established procedures, which is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality in a retail operational setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a part-time, entry-level retail position, the salary is expected to be at or slightly above the local minimum wage. For Spanish Fort, Alabama, this would typically range from $10.00 to $14.00 per hour, depending on experience and specific store policies.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision) - Eligibility may depend on hours worked and employment status.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - Accrued based on hours worked.

• Tuition Assistance - Support for continuing education.

• Generous Employee Discounts - On Michaels products and services.

• Other benefits as detailed by The Michaels Companies Inc.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Standard retail hours apply, which include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings. The advertised 40 hours may represent the maximum available hours or a typical full-time equivalent for comparison, but actual hours will be part-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical part-time retail associate wages in Alabama and the entry-level nature of the role. Benefits are listed as provided by the company and may have eligibility requirements for part-time employees. The "working hours" indicate flexibility is required, common in retail.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading specialty provider of arts, crafts, and framing products and services in North America.

Company Size: Large. Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across North America and employs a significant number of individuals, indicating a robust corporate structure and established operational frameworks.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has developed a strong brand presence and a comprehensive understanding of the arts and crafts market, influencing its operational strategies and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a store-level team, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Manager).

• Collaboration is expected with fellow sales associates, framers, and potentially visual merchandisers.

• Cross-functional interaction is primarily within the store environment, focusing on customer service and operational efficiency. Methodology:

• Michaels emphasizes customer-centric approaches, focusing on building relationships and providing solutions ("Elevated ABC Deliver").

• Operational methodology centers on adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in sales, production, and store upkeep.

• Data-driven insights are likely used for inventory management, sales forecasting, and performance tracking, though direct involvement for this role may be limited to reporting metrics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity, customer engagement, and operational consistency. The large size and long history suggest established processes and a structured environment. The focus on "customer relationships" and "elevated delivery" points towards a service-oriented culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level position within the retail operations and sales spectrum. It's a hands-on, customer-facing role that serves as a foundation for understanding retail operations, product knowledge, and customer service within a specialized department.

Reporting Structure: The Framer reports to immediate store management, such as the Framing Department Manager or Assistant Store Manager, who oversee daily operations and team performance.

Operations Impact: Although a part-time role, the Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer satisfaction by providing quality products and excellent service. Efficient operations in the framing department contribute to overall store profitability and customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become a highly skilled custom framer, mastering techniques and design consultation.

• Retail Advancement: Potential to move into roles like Senior Framer, Sales Associate, Key Holder, or Assistant Department Manager within Michaels stores.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gain exposure to other areas of store operations, such as merchandising or inventory management.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated performance and commitment, opportunities for leadership roles in other Michaels locations or corporate functions may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry point into specialized retail operations. Growth is likely to occur within the store structure, focusing on mastering the craft of framing and customer sales, with potential to move into supervisory or broader retail management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail store environment, specifically a Michaels store, which includes a customer-facing retail floor and a dedicated custom framing shop area.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Spanish Fort, Alabama, at 10200 Eastern Shore Blvd Ste 120. This is a typical retail plaza setting.

Workspace Context:

• The framing shop is a specialized workspace requiring meticulous attention to detail and safety protocols due to equipment like glass cutters and heat presses.

• The retail floor offers a dynamic environment with constant customer interaction and visual merchandising demands.

• Workspace is climate-controlled for customer areas, with some stock rooms potentially not being climate-controlled.

• Opportunities for collaboration with other team members occur frequently during daily operations, customer assistance, and task completion.

Work Schedule: The position is part-time, requiring flexibility to work nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings. The schedule will vary based on store needs and customer traffic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a blend of a production/craft space (framing shop) and a customer-facing retail floor. The need for flexibility in scheduling is a key characteristic of this on-site retail role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online application review to assess basic qualifications and availability.

• In-Person Interview: Expect a one-on-one interview with the store manager or department lead. This will focus on customer service skills, understanding of the role, and basic aptitude for framing and sales.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical demonstration of basic measuring skills or a discussion about how you would approach a customer framing consultation. Be prepared to discuss your experience with tools or technical tasks.

• Final Assessment: Evaluation of cultural fit, enthusiasm for the brand, and overall suitability for the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a formal portfolio isn't expected. However, be prepared to discuss any relevant projects or experiences.

• If you have any personal framing projects, artistic endeavors, or examples of detailed work, be ready to describe them and the process you followed.

• Highlight instances where you've demonstrated excellent customer service, problem-solving, or creative solutions in previous roles.

• Prepare to talk about your understanding of quality and precision in your work. Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenario: Be ready to role-play a customer interaction, from greeting to providing solutions and closing a sale or completing a service.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would handle a challenging customer request or a situation where a standard solution isn't immediately apparent.

• Process Adherence: Discuss your approach to learning and following detailed procedures and safety guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this entry-level retail role will focus on practical skills, customer service aptitude, and cultural fit rather than extensive operational documentation. Emphasize your ability to learn, follow instructions, and engage positively with customers.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Includes specialized machinery for cutting mats, assembling frames, and securing artwork (e.g., mat cutters, frame joiners, heat presses).

• Glass Cutter: Essential tool for precisely cutting glass or acrylic to size for frames.

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

• Computer Skills: Basic proficiency for using point-of-sale (POS) systems, potentially inventory management software, and internal communication tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: Used for processing transactions, tracking sales, and generating basic sales reports.

• Inventory Management Software: Likely used for tracking stock levels, managing orders, and ensuring product availability in the framing department and on the sales floor.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicitly stated, the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a system or approach to tracking customer interactions and preferences to build relationships.

• Omni-Channel Fulfillment Systems: Tools and processes to manage online orders for in-store pickup or shipping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on specialized framing equipment and standard retail operational tools like POS systems. The emphasis is on practical application and accuracy rather than complex data analytics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Artistry: Encouraging and supporting customers in their creative endeavors through custom framing.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to providing exceptional service and creating memorable customer experiences.

• Quality & Precision: Commitment to high standards in custom framing production and overall store presentation.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals and support each other in a dynamic retail environment.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding company values, acting ethically, and treating all individuals with respect.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-on Support: Team members are expected to assist each other with tasks, customer inquiries, and operational duties.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often involves working together to ensure SOPs are followed and tasks are completed efficiently.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and clear communication to resolve issues and improve performance.

• Customer-Centric Teamwork: Aligning efforts to ensure a positive and seamless customer journey from browsing to purchase and beyond.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Michaels appears to be a blend of creative passion and operational discipline, driven by a strong customer-centric ethos. Collaboration is key to managing the diverse tasks within a retail store environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production and Sales: Effectively managing custom framing orders while also providing excellent customer service on the sales floor requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Customers may have unique artistic visions or budget constraints, requiring creative problem-solving and consultative sales approaches.

• Physical Demands: The role involves standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and working with specialized equipment, which can be physically demanding.

• Maintaining High Quality Standards: Consistently producing high-quality framing work that meets customer expectations and company standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Framing Techniques: Comprehensive training on custom framing design, material selection, and production processes.

• Sales and Customer Engagement: Developing consultative sales skills to effectively guide customers and drive revenue.

• Retail Operations Fundamentals: Gaining experience in inventory management, merchandising, and POS operations.

• Product Knowledge: Becoming an expert on various framing materials, art conservation techniques, and design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a specialized retail role that combines production and customer interaction. Growth opportunities focus on developing expertise in framing and advancing within the retail management structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs." (Focus on consultative selling and problem-solving).

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about framing options for their artwork?" (Showcase your ability to guide and advise).

• "Imagine a customer needs a frame for a valuable piece of art. What steps would you take to ensure its safety and proper framing?" (Demonstrate attention to detail and understanding of quality).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple customer requests and production deadlines?" (Highlight time management and organizational skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working at Michaels, specifically in the custom framing department?" (Show enthusiasm for the brand and the craft).

• "What does 'customer service' mean to you in a retail environment?" (Align with Michaels' customer-centric values).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your work?" (Demonstrate coachability). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• While a formal portfolio isn't required, be ready to discuss any relevant personal projects or past work experiences that showcase your attention to detail, creativity, or problem-solving abilities.

• Prepare to talk about your understanding of quality, precision, and customer satisfaction in the context of custom work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of the hands-on nature of the role. Emphasize your ability to follow processes and contribute positively to a team environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any customer service, sales, crafting, or detail-oriented experiences. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "retail operations."

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Practice answering behavioral questions related to customer interaction, problem-solving, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your interest in custom framing and Michaels.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, products, and customer base. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Be prepared to discuss your basic computer skills, measuring abilities, and any experience with tools or equipment. If you have prior retail experience, be ready to share specific achievements.

⚠️ 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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