Retail Custom Framer

Michaels Stores
Full-timeGreensboro, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Greensboro-1206 Bridford Pkwy Ste C, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations & Sales Support

Date Posted: March 17, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is centered around providing exceptional customer experiences within a retail environment, specifically focusing on custom framing services.

  • Key responsibilities include building strong customer relationships, driving sales through personalized design consultations, and ensuring timely, high-quality production of custom framing orders.

  • The position requires adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to maintain operational efficiency and compliance.

  • A critical aspect of the role involves maintaining store presentation, including merchandising, stocking, and ensuring a safe, clean, and clutter-free shopping environment for customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Retail Custom Framer," the core functions align with a hybrid retail associate and specialized craftsperson role. The "Revenue Operations" and "Sales Operations" focus here is on the direct sales, customer relationship management, and production efficiency aspects within a retail context, rather than traditional back-office operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and nurture customer relationships by understanding their needs and providing tailored custom framing solutions that enhance their art and memorabilia.

  • Execute sales and production targets for the custom framing department, ensuring a high degree of quality and on-time completion for all orders.

  • Maintain the visual presentation and inventory levels of the ready-made frame department, as well as other assigned areas, including SISO (Ship-from-Store) and directed replenishment processes.

  • Deliver friendly and proactive customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive in-store experience.

  • Operate the cash register and manage cash handling transactions accurately and efficiently, adhering to all company standards.

  • Support and implement company-wide shrink and safety programs to minimize loss and ensure a secure working environment.

  • Participate actively in truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient inventory management.

  • Assist with and support Omni channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store, to enhance customer convenience and reach.

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment within the store and framing areas, ensuring all tools and equipment are properly maintained and stored.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize direct customer interaction, sales generation, and hands-on production. For operations professionals, the emphasis is on process adherence, efficiency in production, and customer satisfaction metrics, which are key drivers of retail revenue.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific educational degree is listed as a minimum requirement. However, a strong foundation in basic math and measurement is implied.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience is considered entry-level, with a preference for candidates with prior retail or sales experience.

Required Skills:

  • Basic computer skills for POS operations and potential system navigation.

  • Basic measuring skills essential for accurate custom framing.

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

  • Strong interpersonal skills for building customer relationships and providing excellent service.

Preferred Skills:

  • Previous retail sales experience, demonstrating an ability to engage with customers and drive sales.

  • Experience selling products and/or services, with a proven track record of understanding customer needs and offering solutions.

  • Familiarity with art, design principles, or custom framing is a plus.

  • Proficiency with a heat press machine or similar finishing equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While "operations" in a traditional sense isn't explicitly stated, the required skills like measuring, equipment operation, and adherence to procedures are foundational to operational excellence in a production and service environment. Candidates with a background in process improvement or efficiency within any field will find transferable skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstration of Quality Craftsmanship: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss or visually represent examples of their custom framing work, highlighting attention to detail and aesthetic quality.

  • Process Adherence: Be ready to articulate how you follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company guidelines in your work, ensuring consistency and compliance.

  • Customer Interaction Examples: Prepare to share instances where you successfully built customer relationships and provided solutions that met or exceeded expectations.

  • Efficiency in Production: If possible, provide examples where you managed your time effectively to complete tasks or orders within deadlines.

Process Documentation:

  • Candidates are expected to understand and follow established framing processes and workflows as outlined by Michaels.

  • Familiarity with how to document and report on production progress or any deviations from standard procedures may be beneficial.

  • Understanding how to measure success through customer satisfaction and timely order fulfillment is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the "portfolio" is less about formal documents and more about demonstrating practical skills and customer-centric processes during the interview. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to execute established operational procedures for custom framing and customer service.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a PART_TIME role with entry-level requirements, the salary is expected to be at or slightly above the local minimum wage for North Carolina, likely in the range of $12 - $15 per hour. This is an estimate based on industry standards for similar retail positions in the Greensboro area.

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision) - eligibility may vary based on hours worked and tenure.

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

  • Tuition Assistance - support for continuing education.

  • Generous Employee Discounts on Michaels products.

  • Opportunities for professional development and on-the-job training.

  • Potential for advancement within the company.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. Specific hours will vary and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with retail operational needs. The provided working_hours data suggests a standard full-time equivalent of 40 hours, but for a part-time role, actual weekly hours will be less and determined by scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general retail industry benchmarks for part-time, entry-level positions in the specified geographic region. Actual compensation will be determined by the hiring manager based on experience, performance, and local market conditions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and home decor, with a significant custom framing service.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across North America and employs a vast workforce.

Founded: 1973. Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail sector, known for its focus on creativity and customer inspiration.

Team Structure:

  • The store team typically includes a Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, Team Leads, and individual Team Members specializing in various departments (e.g., framing, general merchandise, cash wrap).

  • The Custom Framing team operates as a specialized unit within the store, often with a dedicated Framer or Custom Frame Specialist leading the department, reporting to store management.

Methodology:

  • Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes a strong focus on customer satisfaction, relationship building, and providing solutions that meet individual needs.

  • Process-Oriented Operations: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs is critical for ensuring consistency, quality, and safety across all store functions.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a positive and supportive environment where team members work together to achieve store goals and create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes creativity, customer engagement, and operational consistency. For individuals in operations roles, this means understanding how to balance creative output with efficient, repeatable processes and excellent customer service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level Retail Associate position with a specialization in Custom Framing. It serves as a foundational role for individuals interested in retail operations, customer service, and skilled craft.

Reporting Structure: The Retail Custom Framer typically reports to a Custom Frame Manager, Sales Team Lead, or directly to the Store Manager, depending on the store's organizational structure.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall store performance by enhancing customer experience, driving traffic, and supporting merchandising efforts. Efficient production and quality framing directly influence customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

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

  • Retail Advancement: Potential to move into roles like Custom Frame Manager, Team Lead, or Assistant Store Manager, progressing into leadership and operational management positions.

  • Cross-Training: Possibility to gain experience in other store departments, broadening retail operational knowledge.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in framing, potentially leading to opportunities in corporate roles related to product development or visual merchandising.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, the principles of driving revenue, managing production efficiency, and ensuring customer satisfaction are directly applicable. Growth paths are clearly defined within the retail operational hierarchy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a public retail store setting. The work environment is customer-facing, with dedicated areas for custom framing production and general retail sales floors.

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 1206 Bridford Pkwy Ste C, Greensboro, NC. The company operates over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada.

Workspace Context:

  • The framing shop is a dedicated workspace where intricate custom framing work is performed, involving specialized tools and materials. This area requires precision and adherence to safety protocols.

  • The retail floor requires constant interaction with customers, maintaining visual standards, and supporting sales initiatives.

  • Collaboration occurs daily with fellow store team members to ensure smooth operations, customer assistance, and efficient task completion.

Work Schedule: This is a PART_TIME role. Working hours will vary based on business needs and scheduling, typically including nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings. Flexibility in scheduling is often required in retail environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment blends hands-on production with direct customer service, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of operational flow within a retail setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

  • In-Person Interview: Typically involves a discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Store Manager or Custom Frame Manager). This will likely include behavioral questions assessing customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and fit with company culture.

  • Skills Demonstration: Candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss their approach to operating framing equipment.

  • Case Study/Scenario Questions: You might be presented with customer scenarios to gauge your approach to problem-solving, sales, and customer satisfaction.

  • Final Assessment: Review of qualifications, interview performance, and assessment of potential for growth and contribution to the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Visual Examples: While a formal portfolio isn't expected, bring photos or physical examples of custom framing projects you've completed if possible. Highlight variety in materials, techniques, and complexity.

  • Process Explanation: Be prepared to describe your framing process from consultation to completion, emphasizing quality control and attention to detail.

  • Customer Success Stories: Share specific instances where you built rapport with a customer, understood their vision, and delivered a framing solution that delighted them. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "This sale was X% of my daily target").

  • Problem-Solving Examples: Discuss how you handled challenging customer requests or production issues, focusing on solutions and positive outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Customer Service Scenarios: Practice responses to common retail challenges like handling complaints, upselling, or assisting indecisive customers.

  • Operational Efficiency: Think about how you would organize your workflow to manage multiple framing orders, stock inventory, and assist customers simultaneously.

  • Company Knowledge: Research Michaels' mission, values, and current promotions to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess practical skills, customer interaction abilities, and adherence to operational standards within a retail context. Demonstrating a proactive, customer-focused, and detail-oriented approach will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Custom Framing Equipment: Standard professional framing tools, including mat cutters, saws, staple guns, and potentially specialized mounting equipment.

  • Glass Cutting Tools: Proficiency with hand-held glass cutters is a requirement.

  • Heat Press: May be used for specific mounting or finishing techniques.

  • Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and potentially digital measuring devices.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially accessing basic sales data.

  • Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and processing incoming shipments.

CRM & Automation:

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Aspects: While not a dedicated CRM role, building customer relationships and tracking preferences is part of the job. This is often managed through the POS system or basic customer databases.

  • Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., email, word processing) for communication and potential administrative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on retail operations and production tools. Understanding how these systems contribute to sales, inventory management, and customer service efficiency is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creativity & Inspiration: Fostering an environment where creativity is encouraged, and team members help customers bring their artistic visions to life.

  • Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction through engaging service and quality product delivery.

  • Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company standards, being reliable, and taking ownership of responsibilities.

  • Teamwork & Respect: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, supporting one another, and maintaining a positive and respectful work atmosphere.

  • Efficiency & Quality: Striving for operational excellence by completing tasks accurately, on time, and to high-quality standards.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Support: Team members are expected to assist each other across departments to ensure smooth store operations and excellent customer service.

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

  • Shared Goals: Working together towards common store objectives, such as sales targets, customer satisfaction scores, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a blend of creative expression and operational discipline. Team members are expected to contribute to a positive, collaborative environment while maintaining high standards of service and production.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Production and Customer Service: Effectively managing custom framing orders while simultaneously attending to walk-in customers and other retail tasks.

  • Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving custom framing sales goals in a competitive retail environment.

  • Complex Custom Orders: Handling intricate or demanding framing requests that require specialized knowledge and problem-solving.

  • Physical Demands: The role requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and performing repetitive tasks, which can be physically demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Framing Expertise: Develop advanced skills in custom framing design, materials, and techniques.

  • Sales & Customer Relationship Management: Enhance abilities in consultative selling and building lasting customer loyalty.

  • Retail Operations Knowledge: Gain comprehensive understanding of retail store management, inventory control, and merchandising.

  • Leadership Potential: Opportunities to take on more responsibility, potentially leading to supervisory or management roles within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for hands-on skill development and progression within the retail sector, with a direct impact on revenue and customer experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Customer Service & Sales: "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs." "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing choice?" "What steps do you take to ensure a high-quality custom framing order?"

  • Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "How would you prioritize tasks if you had multiple framing orders due and several customers waiting for assistance?" "Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a change in procedure or process."

  • Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your experience with framing equipment or your understanding of basic measuring techniques.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?" "What does 'customer-centric' mean to you in a retail environment?" "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Showcase Your Skills: If you have examples of custom framing work, be ready to discuss the project, the materials used, the customer's needs, and the final outcome.

  • Process Walkthrough: Clearly articulate your step-by-step process for completing a custom framing order, from initial consultation to final product delivery. Emphasize quality control at each stage.

  • Quantify Achievements: When discussing past experiences, try to use numbers. For example, "I consistently met X% of my sales targets" or "I was able to complete an average of Y framing orders per day."

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical skills, a strong customer service orientation, and an understanding of retail operational demands. Highlighting any experience with precision work or creative problem-solving will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills such as customer service, sales experience, attention to detail, basic technical skills (computer, measuring), and any experience with crafts or production. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Portfolio Preparation: Gather any visual examples of custom framing work or relevant projects. Be ready to discuss your process and the outcomes.

  • Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships, solve problems, and work efficiently. Practice articulating your understanding of quality and customer satisfaction.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, values, and commitment to creativity. Understand their position in the market and what makes their custom framing service unique.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Minimum requirements include basic computer skills, basic measuring skills, and the ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter, with retail experience and sales experience being preferred. Physical requirements involve regular bending, lifting, standing for long periods, and handling heavy items.