Part Time Framer at Michaels Stores

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part Time Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Sarasota-127 N Cattleman Rd, Sarasota, FL, United States Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service Date Posted: 2025-07-23 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer service within a retail environment, specifically in the custom framing department.
Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, creating memorable framing solutions, and driving sales within the framing category.
The position involves hands-on work with framing equipment, ensuring high-quality custom framing orders are completed on time.
A significant aspect of the role is maintaining the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department and contributing to overall store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input suggests a "Part Time Framer" title, the responsibilities clearly indicate a customer-facing retail role with a specialization in custom framing services. This is not a traditional construction framing role, but rather a service-oriented position within a retail setting. The category has been adjusted to reflect this customer service and retail operations focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Build and nurture customer relationships by leveraging elevated design consultation techniques to create custom framing solutions that meet customer needs and drive sales.
Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of craftsmanship, ensuring quality standards and timely delivery to meet customer expectations.
Maintain the ready-made frame department, ensuring it is well-organized, visually appealing, and fully stocked through adherence to SISO (Ship-In-Stock-Out) and Directed Replenishment processes.
Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive in-store experience.
Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, adhering to all cash handling procedures and standards to minimize shrink.
Support store operations by participating in truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and company budgets.
Acknowledge and engage with customers promptly, assist with product location, and proactively offer solutions to enhance their shopping experience.
Assist with and support Omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all sales channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Major Activities" section from the raw data has been expanded and rephrased to highlight the customer engagement, sales, and operational efficiency aspects crucial for success in a retail framing role. Emphasis is placed on proactive customer interaction and quality execution of framing services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in building customer relationships and providing excellent customer service in a retail or service-oriented environment.
Experience in a sales-focused role, with a proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets, is preferred.
Previous experience with framing, art, or a related creative field is advantageous but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers positively, understand their needs, and provide solutions that enhance their shopping experience.
Basic Measuring Skills: Proficiency in accurately measuring items for framing projects, ensuring precision and quality.
Framing Equipment Operation: Competency in operating framing equipment, including glass cutters, mat cutters, and assembly tools, safely and effectively.
Cash Handling: Accuracy and reliability in processing transactions through the cash register, managing cash, and adhering to financial procedures.
Basic Computer Skills: Familiarity with basic computer operations for point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and potentially design software.

Preferred Skills:

Retail Sales Experience: Proven track record in retail sales, with an understanding of sales techniques and customer engagement strategies.
Custom Framing Knowledge: Familiarity with different framing materials, matting techniques, and aesthetic principles for custom framing.
Visual Merchandising: Ability to maintain and present retail displays, particularly in the ready-made frame department, to attract customers and drive sales.
Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying and resolving customer issues or operational challenges efficiently and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" and "Preferred Type of experience" have been detailed into specific skills and qualifications, aligning them with common retail operations and customer service roles. The "ai_key_skills" have been integrated and expanded upon to provide a more comprehensive view of required and preferred competencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

While a formal portfolio is not typically required for this entry-level retail role, candidates with previous framing or design experience may optionally showcase examples of their work.
Demonstrations of customer engagement and problem-solving scenarios are highly valued during the interview process, acting as a proxy for a portfolio.
Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to understanding customer needs for custom framing projects.
Highlighting any experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems or inventory management software can demonstrate system proficiency.

Process Documentation:

Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all framing, sales, and customer service processes.
Familiarity with workflow for custom framing orders, from initial consultation and design to production and final delivery.
Knowledge of inventory management processes, including stocking, replenishment, and visual merchandising standards for the frame department.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section acknowledges that a traditional "portfolio" in the sense of design or technical roles is not a primary requirement. Instead, the focus is on demonstrating process understanding and customer interaction skills, which are key indicators of success in this retail operations context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For a Part-Time Framer position in Sarasota, FL, with entry-level experience, the estimated hourly wage typically ranges from $12.00 to $15.00 per hour.
This estimate is based on prevailing retail wages in the Sarasota area for similar roles, considering the part-time nature and the specific skill set required for custom framing services. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's experience and specific qualifications.

Benefits:

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options are available, contributing to overall team member well-being.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off allows for work-life balance and personal time away.
Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development through tuition reimbursement programs.
Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, encouraging engagement with the company's creative offerings.
401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company matching contributions.
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 15-25 hours per week.
Work hours will include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, aligning with retail operational needs and customer traffic patterns. Flexibility in scheduling is often appreciated.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated based on common retail part-time wages in the specified geographic location. The benefits listed are directly from the provided company information and are detailed to highlight their value to potential employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading creative destination in North America, offering a wide range of supplies for various crafts, hobbies, and home decor. Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, indicating a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale. Founded: Founded in 1973, Michaels has a long history in the retail sector, fostering a culture centered around creativity, customer engagement, and community.

Team Structure:

The framing department is typically integrated within the larger store team, working alongside sales associates and management.
The framing specialist or framer often reports directly to the Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager responsible for department operations.
Collaboration occurs daily with fellow sales associates on customer service, store maintenance, and sales initiatives.

Methodology:

Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing personalized solutions, particularly in the custom framing department.
Process Adherence: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical for ensuring consistency in sales, service, production, and operational tasks.
Data-Driven Insights (Store Level): While not as analytical as corporate roles, store performance is monitored through sales data, customer feedback, and operational metrics to drive improvements.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team structure have been inferred from the provided company description and general knowledge of large retail organizations. The emphasis on creativity, customer service, and process adherence is a key takeaway for operations-minded candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level position within the retail operations framework, specifically focused on customer service and specialized product/service delivery (custom framing). Reporting Structure: The Part-Time Framer typically reports to the Store Manager or an Assistant Manager overseeing the framing department and sales floor operations. Operations Impact: This role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer loyalty by providing expert service and quality products. It also contributes to operational efficiency by maintaining departmental standards and supporting overall store functions.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Potential to become a go-to expert for custom framing, mastering advanced techniques and customer consultation skills.
Retail Leadership Path: Opportunity to advance into roles such as Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, taking on broader operational and team leadership responsibilities.
Cross-Functional Training: Possibility to gain experience in other store departments, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or customer relations.
Corporate Opportunities: With sufficient experience and demonstrated aptitude, potential pathways exist into corporate roles within merchandising, operations, or training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression within a retail environment like Michaels is detailed, highlighting how this entry-level role can serve as a foundation for growth into leadership or specialized operational positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is a climate-controlled retail store, with specific areas like the framing shop housing specialized equipment. Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Michaels store at 127 N Cattleman Rd, Sarasota, FL.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Atmosphere: The role requires frequent interaction with customers and team members, fostering a collaborative and service-oriented environment.
Tools & Technology: Access to point-of-sale (POS) systems, framing equipment (glass cutter, heat press), measuring tools, and potentially basic computer systems for inventory or order management.
Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with other sales associates and management on daily tasks, customer support, and store presentation.

Work Schedule:

Part-time schedule, typically involving a mix of day, evening, and weekend shifts. Flexibility is key to accommodate customer traffic and operational needs, including participation in truck unloads and stocking which may occur early mornings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described to provide context on the physical and social aspects of the job, emphasizing the blend of customer interaction and operational tasks within a retail setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of the application and resume to assess basic qualifications and customer service experience.
First Interview: Typically a one-on-one interview with a hiring manager (e.g., Store Manager or Assistant Manager) to discuss experience, customer service philosophy, and basic framing knowledge. Expect behavioral questions related to customer interaction and problem-solving.
Skills Assessment/Demonstration: May involve a practical demonstration of measuring skills or a discussion about how they would handle specific customer framing requests.
Final Interview (if applicable): May involve meeting with additional management or team members to assess cultural fit and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

For this role, a formal portfolio is less critical than demonstrating relevant skills and experience.
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of excellent customer service you have provided.
If you have prior framing or art experience, be ready to talk about projects you've worked on, materials used, and the process you followed.
Highlight any experience where you successfully sold a product or service, explaining your approach to understanding customer needs and closing the sale.

Challenge Preparation:

Be ready to answer scenario-based questions, such as: "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their custom framing order?" or "How would you approach a customer interested in framing a valuable piece of art?"
Practice articulating your understanding of basic measuring and framing processes, and how you would ensure quality.
Prepare to discuss your availability and flexibility, as part-time retail roles often require varied schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is outlined with specific advice tailored to a retail framing role, focusing on customer service, sales aptitude, and basic technical skills relevant to framing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing customer transactions, managing sales, and potentially accessing customer order history.
Framing Equipment:
- Glass Cutter: For precise cutting of glass or acrylic glazing.
- Mat Cutter: For cutting custom mats to fit artwork.
- Assembly Tools: Such as staple guns, gluing stations, and framing hardware for assembling frames.
- Heat Press: May be used for certain mounting or finishing techniques.
Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and possibly specialized framing rulers for accurate project specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

Sales Reporting: While direct analysis is limited, understanding store sales performance and departmental contributions is part of the operational awareness.
Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels of frames, mats, glass, and supplies, and for managing replenishment.

CRM & Automation:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Functionality (within POS): May track customer purchase history and preferences, aiding in personalized service and sales efforts.
Order Management System: For tracking custom framing orders from placement to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The key tools and technologies relevant to a retail framing role are detailed, providing candidates with insight into the on-the-job technical requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Customer Focus: A primary value is prioritizing the customer experience, ensuring satisfaction through personalized service and quality framing solutions.
Creativity: Encouraging and supporting creativity in both staff and customers, aligning with the company's core purpose.
Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where team members support each other to achieve store goals and provide seamless customer service.
Efficiency & Quality: Valuing the timely and high-quality completion of tasks, from customer transactions to custom framing production.
Integrity: Upholding high standards in cash handling, customer interactions, and operational processes.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with other store associates to ensure smooth operations, shared customer support, and consistent store presentation.
Process Review: Adhering to established processes and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement by following SOPs and providing feedback where appropriate.
Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices in customer service, framing techniques, and operational efficiency with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are described to help candidates understand the expected behaviors and team dynamics, emphasizing customer-centricity and collaborative operational execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Multiple Priorities: Juggling customer service, custom framing production, sales, and general store upkeep simultaneously.
Customer Expectations Management: Meeting diverse customer needs and expectations for custom framing, which can range from simple to complex artistic requirements.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Adapting to varying customer traffic and demand, particularly during holidays and peak crafting seasons.
Technical Skill Development: Continuously honing framing skills and staying updated on materials and techniques to maintain high-quality output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

In-depth Framing Expertise: Opportunity to develop specialized skills in custom framing design, material selection, and production techniques.
Retail Operations Management: Potential to learn about broader retail management, including inventory control, visual merchandising, and staff supervision.
Customer Relationship Management: Enhancing skills in sales, consultation, and building long-term customer loyalty.
Industry Certifications: While not typically provided by the company, opportunities exist for individuals to pursue external certifications in custom framing or related arts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Potential challenges and growth opportunities are outlined to provide a realistic perspective on the role's demands and rewards, highlighting areas for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Customer Service Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you've handled difficult customers, resolved service issues, or gone the extra mile for a customer. Focus on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Sales Approach: Explain how you would sell custom framing services. Think about understanding the customer's needs, recommending appropriate materials, and highlighting the value of custom framing.
Problem Solving: Discuss a time you faced a challenge in a retail or team environment and how you overcame it. For framing, consider how you'd handle a mistake in an order or a customer complaint.

Company & Culture Questions:

Research Michaels' mission ("fuel the joy of creativity") and values. Be ready to articulate how your approach to customer service and work aligns with these.
Understand the company's position as a leading creative destination.
Prepare to talk about what you know about custom framing and why you are interested in this specific area of retail.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

If you have prior framing or design work, prepare to briefly showcase 1-2 examples. Focus on the process, materials used, and the outcome.
For customer service examples, structure your answers to highlight your communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
Emphasize your understanding of quality and attention to detail, crucial for custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific interview preparation advice is provided, focusing on common retail behavioral questions, company alignment, and how to effectively communicate relevant skills and experiences for a framing role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any retail sales achievements, and any specific framing or art-related skills or interests. Use keywords like "customer engagement," "sales," "custom framing," "visual merchandising," and "cash handling."
Portfolio Preparation (Optional but Recommended): If you have relevant examples of custom framing work or projects that demonstrate your eye for detail and creative problem-solving, have them ready to discuss.
Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your customer service, problem-solving, and reliability.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, product offerings, and company culture. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

⚠️ 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.

Part Time Framer