Framer-1

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: April 09, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level to 2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a customer-facing position focused on providing exceptional service and expertise in custom framing solutions within a retail environment.

• Responsibilities include building strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations and ensuring high-quality, timely completion of framing orders.

• The position involves maintaining store standards, including merchandising, stock management, and a safe, clean shopping and workspace.

• Key operational duties include operating point-of-sale systems, managing inventory, and participating in store operational processes like truck unloading and stocking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Framer," encompasses broader retail operations responsibilities beyond just the specialized framing function. It requires a blend of sales, customer service, and operational execution within a Michaels store. The "Framer-1" designation likely indicates an entry-level or specific tier within their framing specialist roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Consultation & Sales:

  • Engage customers to understand their framing needs and preferences for artwork, photos, and memorabilia.
  • Utilize Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to build rapport and drive sales of custom framing solutions.
  • Provide expert advice on design, matting, framing materials, and preservation techniques to create memorable customer experiences.
  • Achieve individual sales and production targets for the custom framing department.

• Production & Quality Control:

  • Accurately measure, cut, and assemble custom framing orders according to design specifications and quality standards.
  • Operate specialized framing equipment, including mat cutters and potentially heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure all framing orders are completed on time and meet Michaels' high-quality production benchmarks.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the visual presentation of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas to enhance customer shopping experience.
  • Execute directed replenishment and planogram adherence for assigned product categories.
  • Assist with truck unloading, stocking of merchandise, and inventory management processes to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize shrink.

• Customer Service & Transaction Management:

  • Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions.
  • Operate the cash register accurately, handling cash, credit, and other payment methods according to company standards.
  • Support omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store, as required.

• Store Maintenance & Safety:

  • Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment for both customers and team members in all store areas, including the framing shop.

  • Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs related to safety, shrink reduction, and operational compliance.

  • Maintain positive and respectful interactions with colleagues, promoting teamwork and a supportive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a dual focus on specialized custom framing sales and production, alongside general retail operational duties. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales approach focused on building customer relationships and delivering personalized solutions, a key aspect for operations professionals in customer-facing roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a preference for retail environments.

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic software applications, and potentially inventory management systems.

• Measuring & Design Aptitude: Accurate measuring skills are critical for custom framing, along with an eye for design and aesthetics.

• Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment, including mat cutters and glass cutters.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, build rapport, and provide solutions that meet their needs.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for understanding customer needs and recommending appropriate products and services to drive sales.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness required for accurate order fulfillment and quality production.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience in a retail setting, understanding store operations, merchandising, and customer flow.

• Sales Experience: Proven track record of selling products or services, ideally with consultative selling techniques.

• Art/Design Background: Familiarity with art, framing techniques, or design principles can be advantageous.

• Inventory Management: Experience with stock counts, receiving, and maintaining inventory accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are foundational, suggesting that Michaels is willing to train candidates on specific framing techniques and advanced operational procedures. The emphasis on basic computer and measuring skills, coupled with the preference for retail and sales experience, points to a role that values practical application and customer interaction over formal education.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant project experience in their resume or during interviews. This may include:
  • Custom Framing Projects: Examples of successful framing projects, detailing the consultation process, design choices, and final product.
  • Sales Achievements: Quantifiable results from previous sales roles, demonstrating ability to meet or exceed targets.
  • Process Improvement Contributions: Any instances where a candidate identified and implemented a more efficient or effective process in a previous role.
  • System Usage: Examples of proficiency with POS systems, inventory tracking, or customer relationship management (CRM) tools, if applicable.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Experience with or ability to learn and document workflow processes for custom framing production and retail operations is beneficial.

• Familiarity with how to measure and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales, production, and customer satisfaction is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this entry-level to mid-level retail operations role, a formal portfolio showcasing complex process documentation is unlikely to be required. However, demonstrating an understanding of process adherence, quality control, and an ability to articulate past achievements in a structured manner (akin to mini case studies) will be highly advantageous. Emphasis should be on practical examples of how they've applied skills in previous roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the Part-Time employment type, location in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and entry-level to 2 years of experience, the estimated hourly wage for this role typically falls within the range of CAD $16.00 to CAD $20.00 per hour.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is derived from research into part-time retail associate positions in Lethbridge, Alberta, considering the specific responsibilities of a framer role that includes both sales and specialized production. Factors influencing the final offer include the candidate's specific experience, demonstrated skills, and the store's operational needs.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.

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

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

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, a significant perk for creative individuals.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for employer-matched contributions or a company-sponsored savings program.

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

Working Hours:

• This is a Part-Time position, with expected hours likely ranging from 15-30 hours per week, depending on store needs and seasonal demand.

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, requiring flexibility to cover various shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust for a part-time retail position, reflecting Michaels' commitment to employee well-being. The inclusion of tuition assistance and significant employee discounts are particularly attractive for individuals looking to grow within the company or pursue creative interests.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels operates as the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, offering a wide array of craft supplies, home décor, and custom framing services.

Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across 49 states in the U.S. and Canada, employing a significant workforce. This large scale offers stability and opportunities for advancement.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long-standing history and established presence in the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: The Framer will be part of a store team led by a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, and potentially department leads (e.g., Framing Manager if applicable).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires close collaboration with other store associates, including cashiers, sales floor associates, and potentially visual merchandisers, to ensure seamless store operations and customer experience.

• Departmental Focus: While part of the broader store team, the Framer will have a dedicated focus on the custom framing department, working closely with any other framing specialists or supervisors.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing personalized solutions, as highlighted by the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all store functions.

• Data-Driven Merchandising: Utilizing sales data and customer insights to maintain a well-merchandised and stocked store environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture is rooted in creativity, community, and customer engagement. The large store footprint implies standardized operational procedures and a structured approach to retail management. The emphasis on "creating and celebrating" suggests a positive and engaging work environment for individuals passionate about arts and crafts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Framer-1" position represents an entry-level to early-career role within the retail operations and specialized services segment of Michaels. It's a foundational position for individuals interested in customer-facing sales and production roles within the arts and crafts industry.

Reporting Structure: The Framer will report directly to the Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager, and potentially a dedicated Framing Department Manager, depending on the store's organizational structure.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and by contributing to overall store sales via excellent customer service and merchandising. Their attention to detail in production and order fulfillment contributes to customer satisfaction and repeat business, a key metric in retail operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become a highly skilled custom framer, mastering advanced techniques and design principles.

• Sales Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level sales roles or become a lead in the framing department, mentoring new framers.

• Store Management Track: With demonstrated leadership and operational proficiency, progression into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles is a viable career path within Michaels.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gaining experience in other store departments can lead to broader retail management opportunities.

• Corporate Opportunities: For individuals with strong analytical or operational skills, there may be opportunities within Michaels' corporate office in areas like merchandising, supply chain, or operations support.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels offers a clear career progression path within its retail operations, particularly for individuals who excel in customer service, sales, and operational execution. The company's size and multi-faceted business model (including manufacturing like Artistree) provide diverse avenues for growth beyond the store floor.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail store environment. The primary workspace will be the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing shop within the Lethbridge store.

Office Location(s): Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, specifically at the 501 1st Ave S Ste Y07 location.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: A significant portion of time will be spent interacting with customers on the sales floor and in the framing consultation area.

• Production Area: The framing shop is a specialized workspace equipped with tools and machinery for cutting, assembling, and finishing frames. This area requires adherence to safety protocols due to the use of cutting tools and heat presses.

• Stockroom: Access to stockrooms for receiving, organizing, and retrieving merchandise will be necessary. Some stockrooms may not be climate-controlled.

• Team Environment: Works collaboratively with a team of retail associates to achieve store goals and maintain operational standards.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time hours, requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and potentially early mornings.

• The schedule will be based on store operating hours and departmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending customer-facing sales with hands-on production. Candidates should be comfortable with a fast-paced retail setting, standing for extended periods, and working with tools and materials in a dedicated production space.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an online application followed by a brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Store Interview: A more in-depth interview conducted at the Lethbridge store, potentially with the Store Manager or Framing Department Lead. This may include:

  • Behavioral questions assessing customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
  • Situational questions related to handling customer inquiries, design challenges, or operational issues.
  • A practical demonstration or discussion about basic measuring and computer skills.

• Skills Assessment: For the framing aspect, there might be a brief assessment of measuring accuracy or a discussion about their understanding of basic framing principles.

• Final Interview/Onboarding: If successful, a final discussion and onboarding process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Ensure your resume clearly highlights any relevant customer service, sales, or hands-on production experience. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased custom framing sales by X%," "Consistently met/exceeded sales targets").

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, ability to follow instructions, and basic computer proficiency.

• Framing Interest: Express genuine interest in custom framing and the creative process. If you have personal projects or examples of framing you've done, be prepared to discuss them.

• Company Knowledge: Research Michaels' commitment to creativity, its product offerings, and its customer service philosophy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be ready to role-play a customer interaction, from initial greeting to recommending framing solutions.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult customer situations or resolved operational issues in previous roles.

• Process Understanding: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach learning new processes (like SOPs) and ensure accuracy in your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should prepare to demonstrate their capabilities through their resume, interview responses, and potentially a brief practical assessment. Highlighting transferable skills and a genuine interest in the creative aspect of the role will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Proficiency with retail POS systems for processing transactions, returns, and special orders.

• Custom Framing Software/Tools: Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn software used for designing and pricing custom framing orders.

• Measuring Tools: Essential for accurate order specifications (e.g., tape measures, rulers).

• Cutting Equipment: Mat cutters, glass cutters, and potentially specialized framing assembly tools.

• Heat Press: May be used for specific framing applications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Reporting: Ability to access and understand basic sales reports or production metrics generated by the POS system or store management software.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not a dedicated CRM role, understanding how customer interactions are logged and utilized for repeat business is beneficial.

• Inventory Management Systems: Familiarity with systems used for tracking stock levels, receiving orders, and managing inventory accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is typical for a retail environment with a specialized service department. The emphasis is on practical, hands-on tools and standard retail software. The company likely provides training on their specific systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels values individuals who are passionate about arts, crafts, and the creative process, fostering an environment where creativity is celebrated.

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to providing excellent customer service and building lasting relationships through personalized solutions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Encouraging a supportive and respectful team environment where associates work together to achieve store goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company policies, ethical standards, and taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Efficiency & Quality: Delivering high-quality work in both custom framing production and daily store operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Associates are expected to support each other across different departments and tasks to ensure smooth store operations.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and respectful communication to resolve issues, share information, and improve processes.

• Customer-Centric Problem Solving: Collaborating to find the best solutions for customer needs and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is designed to be inspiring and customer-focused, leveraging the passion for creativity that draws both customers and employees to the brand. Teamwork and a commitment to quality are essential for success in this operational role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Roles: Effectively managing time between customer consultations, custom framing production, and general store operational duties.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the demands of a busy retail setting, especially during peak seasons.

• Technical Skill Acquisition: Learning to operate specialized framing equipment safely and efficiently.

• Sales Pressure: Meeting individual and departmental sales targets for custom framing.

• Customer Expectations: Managing diverse customer needs and design preferences to deliver satisfactory framing solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Mastery: Opportunities to develop advanced skills in design, materials, and production techniques through on-the-job training and potentially specialized workshops.

• Sales Training: Development in consultative selling, relationship building, and product knowledge to enhance sales performance.

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

• Leadership Potential: For high performers, opportunities to take on more responsibility, potentially leading to supervisory or management roles.

• Creative Skill Enhancement: Exposure to a wide range of art and craft supplies can inspire personal creative development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a solid opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience in a specialized retail service, combining creative application with operational execution. The challenges are typical of a retail environment but are balanced by clear pathways for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer. How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with a framing design choice?"

• Sales Approach: "How would you approach a customer who is browsing the framing section? What questions would you ask to understand their needs?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a customer needs a frame for an unusually sized piece of art. How would you tackle this challenge?"

• Process Adherence: "How do you ensure accuracy when following detailed instructions or procedures? Tell me about a time you had to learn a new system or piece of equipment."

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working at Michaels, specifically in a framing role?"

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?"

• Creative Interest: "What interests you about arts, crafts, or custom framing?"

• Company Values: "How do you see yourself embodying Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting experiences that demonstrate customer service, sales, attention to detail, and any relevant technical or hands-on skills.

• Scenario-Based Examples: Instead of a formal portfolio, use specific examples from past experiences to illustrate your skills. For instance, when discussing sales, describe a challenging sale you made and how you achieved it. When discussing attention to detail, describe a situation where accuracy was critical.

• Enthusiasm for Framing: Clearly articulate your interest in custom framing and how you envision contributing to the department's success. If you have personal examples of framing projects, be ready to discuss them briefly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus on behavioral and situational questions designed to assess your customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, sales aptitude, and how well you align with Michaels' culture. Be ready to share concrete examples from your experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Michaels Careers portal via the provided URL.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, attention to detail, and any experience with tools, equipment, or creative processes. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation (Informal): Compile specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to handle customer interactions, drive sales, maintain accuracy, and learn new processes or equipment. Be ready to discuss these examples confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, product range, and commitment to creativity. Understand their customer service philosophy.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral and situational scenarios relevant to sales, customer service, and operational tasks. Be prepared to articulate your interest in custom framing.

⚠️ 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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