Framer(Retail)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer (Retail)

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Waldorf, Maryland, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level/Associate (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a customer-facing retail role focused on delivering exceptional service and sales in a custom framing environment.

• Responsibilities include building customer relationships, driving sales through personalized framing solutions, and ensuring high-quality production of custom orders.

• The role requires maintaining store standards, including merchandising, stock management, and a clean, safe environment for both customers and team members.

• It involves operating specialized framing equipment, handling transactions, and contributing to overall store operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations position, it involves direct customer interaction that drives revenue through consultative selling and product expertise. The operational aspects focus on in-store processes, inventory management, and production efficiency within a retail setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build strong customer relationships by actively engaging with shoppers and understanding their needs for custom framing solutions.
  • Act as a design consultant, guiding customers through material selection, design options, and framing techniques to create memorable solutions for their art and memorabilia.
  • Drive sales by effectively presenting framing options, upselling complementary products, and meeting personal sales and production targets.

• Production & Quality Assurance:

  • Accurately complete custom framing orders to the highest quality standards, ensuring timely delivery to customers.
  • Operate framing equipment, including glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all framing processes to ensure consistency and quality.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, ensuring they are well-merchandised and in stock.
  • Support inventory management through effective stocking, replenishment, and participation in truck un-load processes, adhering to truck standards.
  • Contribute to a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment for customers and team members.

• Customer Service & Omni-Channel Support:

  • Provide friendly and helpful customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions.
  • Operate the cash register, execute cash handling procedures accurately, and maintain all cash handling standards.
  • Assist with and support Omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store initiatives.

• Team Collaboration & Compliance:

  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, promoting a collaborative and supportive team environment.

  • Adhere to all company policies, programs, safety regulations, and shrink reduction initiatives.

  • Participate in team efforts, including stocking and operational tasks, as assigned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blended role of sales, production, and customer service within a specialized retail department. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to consultative selling and relationship building, crucial for driving higher-value custom framing sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in a customer-facing role, ideally within a retail environment.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions with a positive and helpful attitude.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using basic computer applications for order entry, POS systems, and potentially inventory lookup.

• Measuring & Spatial Reasoning: Accurate basic measuring skills are critical for custom framing order specifications.

• Equipment Operation: Ability to learn and safely operate framing equipment, including glass cutters and potentially heat presses.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for selling products and/or services, with a focus on consultative selling to meet customer needs.

• Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Prior experience or a strong interest in custom framing, art, or design principles.

• Production Skills: Experience with any form of production, assembly, or hands-on crafting is beneficial.

• POS & Cash Handling: Proven experience operating cash registers and managing financial transactions accurately.

• Visual Merchandising: Ability to contribute to maintaining visually appealing and well-stocked retail displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills lean heavily towards customer interaction and basic operational abilities. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that while prior retail or sales experience is preferred, the company is willing to train candidates with the right foundational skills and a positive attitude, particularly in areas like equipment operation and consultative selling.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Interaction Examples: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to discuss instances where they successfully built customer relationships and provided effective solutions in past roles.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Be ready to share examples of sales targets met or exceeded, demonstrating an understanding of sales performance metrics.

• Process Adherence: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of following established procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss situations where you encountered customer challenges and how you resolved them to achieve a positive outcome.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Candidates should be able to articulate their understanding of a typical retail workflow, from customer engagement and order taking to production and transaction completion.

• Efficiency Mindset: While not requiring formal process optimization documentation, an appreciation for efficiency in tasks like stocking, order fulfillment, and customer throughput is valued.

• Quality Standards: Understanding the importance of adhering to quality standards in production and presentation is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this experience level and in this specific retail function, a formal, extensive portfolio is unlikely to be required. However, candidates should be ready to verbally demonstrate their experience and understanding of key processes through interview discussions and by providing concrete examples from previous roles, focusing on customer interaction, sales success, and adherence to operational procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $15.25 - $17.90 per hour.

• Methodology: This range is directly provided in the job description. It reflects an entry-level to associate hourly wage for a part-time retail position in the Waldorf, Maryland area. This range aligns with typical retail associate wages, factoring in location and the specialized nature of custom framing, which often commands slightly higher compensation than general sales associate roles.

Benefits:

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for rest and personal needs.

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

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products, encouraging personal creativity and savings.

• Other Benefits: The company website (mikbenefits.com) indicates a broad range of benefits are available to team members, suggesting potential for retirement savings plans, wellness programs, and other perks.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position.

• Working hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail store. The job description states "40" for ai_working_hours, which likely represents the maximum potential weekly hours for a full-time equivalent role, but this specific position is advertised as PART_TIME.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions in the specified location. The benefits package is robust for a part-time role, particularly the tuition assistance and employee discounts, which align well with the company's focus on creativity and employee development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail / Home Decor / Custom Framing. Michaels is the leading specialty retailer of arts, crafts, and framing products in North America.

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees). Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, with a significant corporate and manufacturing presence.

Founded: 1973. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail sector, evolving to meet the needs of creative consumers.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: This role is part of a store team, reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager, with direct supervision from a Framing Department Manager or Lead Framer.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on the framing department, team members collaborate with other store associates for general customer service, stocking, and operational support. They also interact with customers from various backgrounds and with diverse creative projects.

• Department Specialization: The framing department operates with a degree of specialization, requiring specific skills and product knowledge distinct from general merchandise associates.

Methodology:

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

• Process Adherence: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical for maintaining consistency in sales, production, and store operations.

• Data-Informed Operations: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the company likely uses sales data, inventory metrics, and customer feedback to inform operational decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels fosters a culture centered on creativity, customer engagement, and operational efficiency within a retail context. The emphasis on "fueling the joy of creativity" suggests a work environment that values passion for arts and crafts, alongside a commitment to service and sales excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the entry-level to associate level within a retail operations framework. It requires foundational skills in customer service, sales, and basic production/operational tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a Framing Department Manager or Lead Framer, and indirectly to the Store Manager. This structure provides clear lines of communication and supervision for daily tasks and performance.

Operations Impact:

• Revenue Generation: Directly contributes to store revenue through consultative sales of custom framing solutions, which are often high-margin items.

• Customer Loyalty: Building strong customer relationships enhances repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals for the framing services.

• Operational Efficiency: Efficient production and accurate order fulfillment contribute to overall store throughput and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become proficient in advanced framing techniques, design principles, and consultative sales through on-the-job training and potentially company resources.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into a Lead Framer, Framing Department Manager, or even move into other retail management roles within Michaels stores.

• Specialized Expertise: Develop deep expertise in custom framing, art preservation, and design, becoming a go-to resource for customers and colleagues.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a solid entry point into the retail operations and sales environment at Michaels. The growth path emphasizes developing specialized skills within the framing department, with clear avenues for advancement into leadership roles within the store structure.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): Waldorf, Maryland (3026 Festival Way).

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Hub: The framing counter and sales floor are dynamic environments with constant customer engagement.

• Specialized Production Area: The frame shop is equipped with specialized tools and machinery (glass cutter, heat press), requiring safe and efficient operation.

• Team Collaboration: The environment fosters interaction with fellow store associates, contributing to a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Climate Control: While public areas are climate-controlled, some stock rooms might not be, and outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloading.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time hours.

• Requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail store, requiring an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-centric setting with hands-on production elements. The need for flexibility in scheduling is a key characteristic of this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an online application and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Store Interview: Expect an in-person interview at the Waldorf store. This will likely include:

  • Behavioral Questions: Focused on customer service, sales experience, teamwork, and problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss past experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Situational Questions: Scenarios related to handling difficult customers, upselling framing options, or managing production timelines.
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion around your ability to learn and operate framing equipment, basic computer skills, and measuring accuracy.
  • Cultural Fit: Assessment of your attitude, enthusiasm for creativity, and alignment with Michaels' values.

• Potential Second Interview: Depending on the store's hiring process, there might be a follow-up interview with the Store Manager or a more senior team member.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Verbal Demonstrations: Since a formal portfolio isn't standard, focus on preparing strong verbal examples of your sales achievements, customer service successes, and any experience with production or detailed work.

• Case Study Preparation: While not a formal case study, be ready to walk through how you would approach a customer seeking custom framing advice, from initial consultation to recommending solutions and closing the sale.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your measuring accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to learn technical equipment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be prepared for a role-playing exercise where you interact with a "customer" (interviewer) to understand their framing needs and propose solutions.

• Operational Task: You might be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or explain how you would prioritize tasks in a busy store environment.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with a framing order or if there's a delay in production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely focus on practical skills, customer interaction ability, and a proactive attitude. Candidates should prepare to showcase their experience through concrete examples and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the creative aspects of the job.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Glass Cutter: Essential for precision cutting of glass or acrylic to fit custom frames.
  • Heat Press: Used for applying adhesive or heat-activated materials in the framing process.
  • Frame Moulding Cutters/Joiners: Specialized tools for cutting and assembling frame components.
  • Mat Cutters: Equipment for precision cutting of mat boards to complement artwork.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing customer transactions, managing sales, and potentially inventory lookup.

• Basic Computer Applications: For order entry, communication, and potentially accessing training materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Order Management System: Integrated within the POS or a dedicated framing software to track custom orders from creation to completion.

• Inventory Management System: Used for tracking stock levels of moulding, mat board, glass, and hardware.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing equipment is a core technical requirement. While advanced software skills aren't typically expected at this level, familiarity with POS systems and basic computer operations is essential for daily tasks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value is fostering creativity and encouraging passion for arts and crafts among team members and customers.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through exceptional service, personalized solutions, and building lasting relationships.

• Teamwork & Respect: Promoting a collaborative environment where team members support each other, communicate effectively, and treat everyone with respect.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company standards, adhering to procedures, and taking responsibility for individual contributions to store success.

• Safety & Well-being: Maintaining a safe work environment for all team members and customers, and promoting personal well-being through available resources.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Support: Associates are expected to assist each other across different store functions to ensure smooth operations and excellent customer experiences.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about customer needs, production challenges, and operational improvements.

• Service-Oriented: A shared goal of providing a positive and helpful experience for every customer who enters the store.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture that blends a passion for creative pursuits with professional retail operations. Team members are expected to be collaborative, customer-centric, and committed to upholding the company's standards for service and product quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time between engaging customers for sales consultations and completing custom framing orders accurately and on time.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Meeting the unique and sometimes complex framing requirements of a wide range of customers, from art collectors to individuals framing personal memorabilia.

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently delivering high-quality framing work that meets customer expectations and company standards, especially during busy periods.

• Adapting to New Products/Techniques: Staying current with evolving framing materials, design trends, and production techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Craft Skills: Deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, material selection, and design principles.

• Consultative Sales Training: Develop advanced skills in understanding customer needs, presenting solutions, and closing sales, particularly for higher-value custom services.

• Retail Operations Exposure: Gain hands-on experience in merchandising, inventory management, cash handling, and Omni-channel support.

• Potential for Advancement: Opportunities to move into leadership roles within the store, such as Framing Department Manager or Assistant Store Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for skill development in both a craft and a sales capacity. The challenges are inherent to a customer-facing retail environment that also involves specialized production, providing a well-rounded learning experience.

💡 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 their framing order?"

• Sales Approach: "How would you approach a customer interested in custom framing?" "What techniques would you use to upsell framing options or complementary products?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you have multiple framing orders due today and a new, complex customer request arrives. How would you prioritize?"

• Teamwork: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a colleague to achieve a goal."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?"

• "What do you know about custom framing or the arts and crafts industry?"

• "How do you stay motivated in a retail environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbalize Successes: Prepare specific examples of times you excelled in customer service, made a significant sale, or managed a detail-oriented task effectively.

• Demonstrate Understanding: Explain your thought process for approaching a framing consultation, highlighting how you'd assess customer needs and recommend solutions.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your accuracy with measurements and your ability to learn and operate technical equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strong customer service skills, a consultative sales mindset, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in the creative aspects of Michaels' business. Be ready to provide specific examples from past experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Michaels Careers portal (link provided in the job posting).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any sales achievements, attention to detail, and any experience with tools or hands-on tasks. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "merchandising," "measuring skills," and "equipment operation."

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on examples of excellent customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services (especially custom framing), and company values. Understand their mission to "fuel the joy of creativity."

• Practice Interview Scenarios: Be ready to role-play customer interactions and discuss how you would approach sales and production tasks.

⚠️ 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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