Closing Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Closing Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Torrance, California, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales & Service

Date Posted: March 28, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating custom framing solutions for customers, driving sales through personalized consultations and high-quality execution.

• It involves direct customer interaction, acting as a brand ambassador to build relationships and ensure customer satisfaction with framing services.

• The position requires adherence to operational standards, including sales targets, production timelines, and store maintenance.

• Responsibilities extend to supporting broader store operations, such as merchandising, stocking, and efficient cash handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Closing Framer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a sales and customer service-driven role within the custom framing department, rather than a purely operational closing role. The emphasis is on consultative selling and production execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Consultation & Sales: Engage customers to understand their framing needs, provide expert design advice, and guide them through custom framing options to close sales.

• Production & Quality Execution: Accurately measure, cut, assemble, and finish custom framing orders to meet high-quality standards and strict production deadlines.

• Sales & Production Target Achievement: Consistently meet or exceed personal sales goals and production targets for the custom framing department.

• Store Operations Support: Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, including SISO (Ship-from-Store) and directed replenishment.

• Customer Service Excellence: Deliver friendly and helpful customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, providing solutions, and ensuring a positive store experience.

• Operational Adherence: Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Company programs, and policies related to sales, production, safety, and shrink reduction.

• Inventory & Merchandising: Participate actively in truck un-loads, stocking processes, and maintaining well-merchandised displays to ensure product availability and appeal.

• Point of Sale (POS) Operations: Accurately operate the cash register, execute cash handling procedures, and manage transactions according to company standards.

• Omni-channel Support: Assist with and fulfill online orders for in-store pickup or ship-from-store processes as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities blend direct sales, skilled production, and general retail operations. The "Closing Framer" title suggests a focus on finalizing sales and production, but the broader duties indicate a need for a well-rounded retail associate with specialized framing skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

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

Required Skills:

• Customer Engagement: Ability to build rapport with customers, understand their needs, and offer solutions.

• Basic Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic computer skills for POS and order entry.

• Measurement & Fabrication: Competence in basic measuring skills and the ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter safely and effectively.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for selling products and services, with a focus on consultative selling within the framing department.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in measuring, cutting, and assembling framing orders to ensure quality and accuracy.

• Customer Service: Strong interpersonal skills to provide a positive and helpful shopping experience.

• Adaptability: Willingness to participate in various store operational tasks, including stocking and general maintenance.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a retail sales environment, particularly in custom or specialized product sales.

• Framing Expertise: Previous experience specifically within a custom framing department or with similar fabrication tasks.

• Visual Merchandising: Familiarity with merchandising standards and maintaining attractive product displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is entry-level, suggesting that training will be provided for specific framing equipment and processes. The emphasis on "basic" skills implies that a strong foundation in customer service and a willingness to learn are more critical than extensive prior technical expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• N/A: This role is primarily customer-facing and production-oriented within a retail store setting. A formal portfolio of past projects is not typically required for this entry-level position. Instead, candidates will demonstrate skills through interviews and practical assessments.

Process Documentation:

• N/A: While adherence to SOPs is crucial, candidates are not expected to provide documentation of their own process optimization efforts for this role. The focus is on learning and executing established company processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For entry-level retail roles focused on direct customer interaction and production, a formal portfolio is generally not expected. Demonstrating learned skills and adherence to company processes during the interview and assessment phase is the standard.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.75 - $20.90 per hour. This range reflects the current compensation for the Closing Framer position at Michaels Stores in Torrance, California, based on the provided job description.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

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

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

• Other Benefits: Additional benefits may be available, as detailed on mikbenefits.com.

Working Hours: Part-time employment. Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by store operational needs. The standard full-time workweek is generally considered 40 hours, but this is a part-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions requiring specialized skills like custom framing. The benefits package is robust for a part-time role, indicating that Michaels values its team members and invests in their well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels Stores is a leading North American retailer focused on providing a wide range of arts, crafts, and home decor products.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across North America. This indicates a large, established retail organization with a significant operational footprint.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history suggests stability and deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• Departmental: The role operates within a specific store location, likely as part of a smaller, dedicated framing department team, reporting to a store manager or department lead.

• Cross-functional: Collaboration will occur with other store associates across various departments (e.g., general merchandise, customer service desk) and potentially with distribution center personnel for inventory.

• Reporting: Reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with direct oversight from a Framing Department Lead if applicable.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric: The company emphasizes a customer-first approach, focusing on building relationships and providing solutions.

• Process-Driven: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is critical for consistency, quality, and compliance across all locations.

• Data-Informed: While not explicitly detailed for this role, larger retail organizations like Michaels utilize sales data, inventory management, and customer feedback to drive operational decisions and merchandising strategies.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates on a model that balances centralized operational standards with local store execution. The culture likely emphasizes creativity, customer engagement, and teamwork within a structured retail environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Closing Framer" role is positioned at an entry-level to associate level within the retail operations spectrum. It involves specific technical skills (framing) and customer-facing responsibilities, serving as a foundational role in retail operations.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with potential direct supervision from a designated department lead within the framing area. This structure allows for direct operational oversight and guidance.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer satisfaction. High-quality framing services can drive repeat business and positive word-of-mouth, contributing to overall store performance and brand loyalty. Efficient production also impacts inventory turnover and operational costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialist: Advance to a senior or lead framer position, taking on more complex projects or supervising junior staff.

• Cross-Training: Develop skills in other store departments, potentially leading to roles in visual merchandising, inventory management, or customer service leadership.

• Store Management: Progress into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, requiring broader leadership, operational, and P&L management skills.

• Corporate Opportunities: For exceptional performers, potential pathways exist into corporate roles related to merchandising, operations, or training within Michaels Stores.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals starting in retail operations, Michaels offers a clear path for growth from a specialized role like Framing to broader retail management responsibilities. The emphasis on skill development and performance can lead to significant career advancement within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a public retail store setting. The work environment includes the main retail floor, the custom framing shop area, and potentially stock rooms.

Office Location(s): Torrance, California - 4240 Pacific Coast Hwy. This is a specific, physical retail location.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The primary workspace involves direct customer engagement on the retail floor and within the framing consultation area.

• Production Area: The framing shop is a specialized workspace equipped with tools like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful adherence to safety protocols.

• Team Collaboration: Opportunities for interaction and support with fellow store associates during daily operations, stocking, and customer assistance.

• Tools & Technology: Access to POS systems, basic computer terminals, and specialized framing equipment.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with hours that include nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility is required to cover store operational needs across various shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and customer-focused. It requires individuals who can manage multiple tasks, from creative design and production to customer service and operational support, within a typical retail setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves a conversation with the Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager to discuss experience, customer service approach, and interest in the role.

• Skills Assessment: May include a practical demonstration of measuring skills, basic tool operation (if feasible and safe), or a role-playing scenario to assess customer interaction and problem-solving abilities.

• Cultural Fit: Evaluation of how well the candidate aligns with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• N/A: A formal portfolio is not typically required for this role.

Instead, candidates should be prepared to discuss past experiences where they demonstrated relevant skills.

• Prepare Examples: Be ready to share specific examples of:
  • Customer interactions where you successfully resolved an issue or exceeded expectations.
  • Projects or tasks where you paid close attention to detail and ensured high quality.
  • Situations where you worked effectively as part of a team.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present hypothetical customer situations (e.g., "A customer wants a framing solution for a valuable piece of art but has a limited budget. How would you approach this?").

• Process Adherence: Be prepared to discuss why following store procedures and SOPs is important in a retail environment.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would handle common retail challenges, such as stock shortages, difficult customers, or production delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely focus on assessing practical skills, customer service aptitude, and a willingness to learn and adhere to established retail processes. Demonstrating enthusiasm for creativity and customer satisfaction will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Glass cutter, mat cutters, assembly tools, heat press (for specific applications).

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales, and customer data entry.

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

• Basic Computer Skills: For order entry, email communication, and accessing company systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting: Access to sales data and performance metrics relevant to the framing department and store overall.

• Inventory Management Systems: Tools used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and processing incoming inventory.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Data: Basic customer information captured through the POS system for sales and service purposes.

• Omni-channel Fulfillment Systems: Software supporting the processing and management of online orders for pickup or ship-from-store.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing tools and standard retail POS systems is essential. While advanced analytics tools are typically used at a corporate or management level, associates will interact with systems that provide access to sales and inventory data.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Michaels fosters an environment that celebrates creativity and encourages team members to be passionate about arts and crafts.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on providing exceptional customer service, building relationships, and creating memorable experiences.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Encouraging associates to support each other, share knowledge, and work together to achieve store goals.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards, treating everyone with respect, and fostering an inclusive environment.

• Efficiency & Quality: Commitment to executing tasks with a high degree of accuracy and quality, especially in production and customer service.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Support: Associates are expected to assist in various store functions and collaborate with colleagues from different departments to ensure smooth operations.

• Feedback Exchange: An open environment for sharing feedback on processes, customer interactions, and operational improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share expertise, particularly in areas like framing techniques or customer engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels is geared towards a positive, creative, and customer-oriented retail experience. Teamwork and a commitment to quality are likely highly valued, especially within specialized departments like custom framing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales & Production: Effectively managing time between customer consultations, sales closing, and detailed framing production to meet deadlines.

• Customer Expectations: Handling diverse customer needs, budgets, and design preferences while ensuring satisfaction.

• Technical Skill Development: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and fabrication techniques to produce high-quality results consistently.

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Adapting to varying customer traffic and demand throughout different seasons and holidays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Certification: Potential for training and certification in advanced framing techniques and design.

• Sales Training: Development in consultative selling, upselling, and customer relationship management.

• Retail Operations Skills: Gaining experience in visual merchandising, inventory control, and team leadership.

• Industry Trends: Staying updated on art, design, and framing trends to better serve customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers hands-on experience in a specialized craft within a retail setting, providing opportunities to develop both technical and customer-facing skills. The challenges are typical for a retail production role, with clear pathways for skill enhancement and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Approach: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer. How did you handle a difficult customer situation?"

• Sales Experience: "Tell me about your experience selling products or services. How do you approach persuading a customer to make a purchase?"

• Problem-Solving: "A customer is unhappy with their framing order. What steps would you take to resolve the issue?"

• Attention to Detail: "How do you ensure accuracy when working with precise measurements or detailed tasks?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Michaels, specifically in the custom framing department?"

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

• "What does 'creativity' mean to you in a retail context?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• N/A: Since a formal portfolio isn't required, focus on preparing strong verbal examples of your skills and experiences.

• STAR Method: For behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in the craft of framing, customer service, and contributing to the Michaels brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing customer service skills, a knack for sales, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn the technical aspects of custom framing. Be ready with specific examples from past experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant customer service, sales, or hands-on fabrication experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "production," "detail-oriented," and "framing" if applicable.

• Prepare for Interview: Review common retail interview questions, especially those related to customer interaction, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Be ready to discuss your interest in creativity and Michaels.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels Stores' mission, values, and product offerings, particularly their custom framing services, to demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Scenarios: Mentally (or with a friend) rehearse responses to potential scenarios involving customer interactions, design consultations, and production challenges.

⚠️ 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.