Retail Picture Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Picture Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Rochester, Minnesota, United States
Job Type: PART_TIME
Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service
Date Posted: October 02, 2025
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Customer-Centric Sales & Service: Focus on building strong customer relationships by providing memorable and creative framing solutions for their artwork, driving sales and exceeding customer expectations.
• Custom Framing Expertise: Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to timelines, utilizing specialized equipment and techniques to deliver exceptional craftsmanship.
• Store Operations & Merchandising: Maintain a safe, clean, and well-merchandised store environment, including managing the ready-made frame department, ensuring product availability, and supporting inventory management processes.
• Operational Compliance & Efficiency: Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance, safety, and operational efficiency in all aspects of the role, including cash handling and omnichannel processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in a retail environment, the "Picture Framer" title implies a specialized function within retail operations. The core of the role combines direct customer interaction with technical skill in custom framing, requiring an operations mindset focused on process execution, quality control, and sales contribution within a specific department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Needs Assessment: Engage customers proactively, build rapport, and understand their creative vision and framing needs to recommend and design custom framing solutions.
• Design & Sales Consultation: Utilize design principles and product knowledge to guide customers through framing options, matting, glass types, and finishing touches, effectively selling value-added services.
• Order Fulfillment & Production: Accurately measure, cut, assemble, and finish custom framing orders according to design specifications and quality standards, ensuring timely completion.
• Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Safely operate and maintain framing equipment, including mat cutters, frame saws, and assembly tools, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ready-Made Frame Department Management: Organize, stock, and maintain the ready-made frame display area, ensuring it is visually appealing, well-merchandised, and fully stocked.
• Store Operations Support: Assist with general store duties, including truck un-loads, stocking, operating the cash register, executing cash handling procedures, and maintaining a clean and organized sales floor.
• Omnichannel Support: Participate in and support omnichannel processes, such as order pickup and online order fulfillment, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all channels.
• Shrink & Safety Program Participation: Actively support and comply with all company shrink reduction and safety programs, reporting any potential hazards or security concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct customer interaction and specialized craft execution. For an operations-minded individual, the emphasis on SOPs, quality control, on-time fulfillment, and equipment maintenance is key. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" mention suggests a specific sales methodology that candidates should research.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions, providing a foundation for understanding instructions and basic concepts.

Experience:

• Required: Demonstrated ability to perform basic computer tasks and basic measuring tasks. Proficiency in safely operating framing equipment and glass cutters is essential.
• Preferred: Previous experience in a retail sales environment is highly desirable. Prior experience selling products or services directly to customers will be advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to build rapport, understand customer needs, and provide positive and helpful interactions.
• Basic Measuring & Calculation: Accurate measurement skills are critical for custom framing, ensuring precise cuts and fittings.
• Framing Equipment Operation: Competency in using framing tools and machinery safely and effectively.
• Cash Handling & POS Operation: Proficiency in operating a cash register and accurately managing financial transactions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in order execution, design specifications, and quality control for custom framing.
• Positive Attitude & Professionalism: Maintaining a respectful, positive, and approachable demeanor with customers and colleagues.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Acumen: Proven ability to engage customers, identify needs, and close sales.
• Artistic Aptitude/Design Sense: An eye for aesthetics and design principles to assist customers with framing choices.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer concerns or production challenges efficiently and effectively.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple orders, and meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "basic" nature of required skills suggests that while foundational knowledge is needed, significant on-the-job training will be provided for the specialized framing tasks. The preferred skills lean towards commercial and interpersonal competencies that enhance sales performance and customer satisfaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Customization: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly mentioned, candidates should be prepared to discuss instances where they've created tailored solutions for customers, highlighting their ability to understand unique needs and deliver bespoke results.
• Quality & Efficiency Metrics: Be ready to speak to projects where you ensured high-quality output and met production deadlines, demonstrating an understanding of operational efficiency in a craft setting.
• System Usage Examples: While specific systems aren't detailed, having examples of how you've used basic computer skills or point-of-sale systems to manage orders or customer information will be beneficial.
• Value Demonstration: Prepare to articulate how your contributions (e.g., creating a beautiful frame, providing excellent service) directly added value to the customer and the business.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Adherence: Demonstrate an understanding of following established processes for order taking, design consultation, production, and fulfillment as per SOPs.
• Quality Control Steps: Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work, from initial measurements to final product assembly.
• Performance Measurement: While not a data-heavy role, think about how you contribute to sales targets and customer satisfaction metrics, and how you would track your own performance in these areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature and retail focus, a traditional operations portfolio might not be expected. However, candidates with prior experience in customer service, sales, or craft-based roles can leverage descriptions of successful projects, customer satisfaction achievements, and process adherence to showcase relevant operational capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Part-Time Retail Picture Framer position in Rochester, Minnesota, with entry-level experience, the estimated hourly wage typically falls between $14.00 - $18.00 per hour. This range is based on current market data for similar retail roles in the region, considering the specialized framing skill set.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options are available, contributing to overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued PTO provides opportunities for rest and personal time.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for ongoing education and professional development.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products, encouraging personal creativity and saving.
• Potential for Other Benefits: Depending on specific eligibility and company policy, other benefits may include retirement savings plans, employee assistance programs, and more.

Working Hours:

• This is a PART_TIME position, with an estimated 40 hours per week if the role were full-time, but actual hours will vary based on operational needs and scheduling. Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on national averages for part-time retail roles with a specialized skill component in a mid-sized city. The benefits listed are explicitly mentioned in the job description and are often key differentiators for part-time roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading North American retailer dedicated to providing a wide range of creative products and services. Company Size: Large; Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, indicating a substantial corporate structure and significant operational footprint. Founded: 1973. With decades of experience, Michaels has established itself as a stable and recognized brand in the creative retail space.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Teams: This role is part of a local store team, likely including a Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, Team Leads, and fellow Team Members specializing in different departments (e.g., framing, general merchandise, seasonal).
• Reporting: Direct reporting is expected to a store management representative (e.g., Framing Manager or Store Manager), with potential indirect oversight from regional or corporate operations leads.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration is essential with other store associates to ensure smooth operations, customer assistance, and efficient stock management. The role also interacts with customers directly, making them a key point of contact.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes "fueling the joy of creativity" and building customer relationships as a core tenet.
• Process-Driven Operations: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is highlighted, indicating a structured approach to store management and customer service.
• Data Utilization (Implied): While this specific role isn't data-analytics heavy, the broader company likely uses sales data, inventory management systems, and customer feedback to inform operations and merchandising decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around creativity and customer engagement, which translates into a retail environment that values helpfulness, product knowledge, and a positive attitude. The "fuel the joy of creativity" slogan is a key indicator of their brand mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is an entry-level role within retail operations, specifically focused on a specialized department (Custom Framing). It requires foundational customer service skills and a willingness to learn technical craft skills. Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or a designated department lead (e.g., Framing Supervisor or Manager), with clear lines of communication for tasks, performance, and issue resolution. Operations Impact: The Retail Picture Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall customer satisfaction by providing high-quality products and excellent service. Efficient operations in the framing department also support inventory turnover and space utilization within the store.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced custom framing techniques, design consultation skills, and proficiency with specialized equipment.
• Retail Leadership: Progress into roles such as Framing Supervisor, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager, taking on greater responsibility for team management, sales performance, and operational oversight.
• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gain experience in other areas of store operations, potentially leading to broader retail management opportunities.
• Training & Development: Access to company-provided training programs, including potential for tuition assistance, to enhance skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role can be a stepping stone into more complex retail management or specialized operational roles. The emphasis on customer interaction and sales drives the operational impact, while the growth path points towards leadership within the retail environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. This involves direct interaction with customers in a public-facing environment. Office Location(s): Rochester, MN - 60 25th St SE. This specific retail location serves the local community.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Zone: The primary workspace is the retail floor and the custom framing counter/area, which needs to be inviting, organized, and conducive to customer consultations.
• Production Area: A dedicated space within the store for operating framing equipment, cutting materials, and assembling orders. This area requires organization, safety protocols, and accessibility to tools and supplies.
• Stock Room & Receiving: May involve working in stock rooms, which can vary in climate control, and participating in truck un-loads, which may have outdoor components.
• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment, glass cutters, cash registers, basic computer systems for order processing, and potentially inventory management tools.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is flexible and includes nights, weekends, and early mornings to align with retail operating hours. As a part-time role, specific hours will be determined by store needs and scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending customer-facing service with hands-on production work. The mention of varying climate control in stock rooms and potential outdoor work during truck unloads indicates typical retail operational conditions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• In-Person Interview: Typically involves a conversation with the hiring manager (Store Manager or department lead). This will likely focus on customer service experience, problem-solving abilities, motivation for the role, and understanding of basic framing concepts.
• Skills Assessment: Practical demonstration of basic measuring skills, computer operation, and potentially a brief overview of how you would approach a customer consultation.
• Team Interaction: May involve meeting other team members to assess cultural fit and teamwork potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Customer Success Stories: Prepare to share specific examples of excellent customer service you've provided, focusing on how you resolved issues or exceeded expectations.
• Showcase Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss a time you encountered a challenge (e.g., a difficult customer request, a production issue) and how you successfully navigated it.
• Demonstrate Technical Aptitude: While a formal portfolio isn't required, verbally walk through how you would approach a custom framing order from start to finish, emphasizing accuracy and quality.
• Emphasize Sales Contributions: If you have sales experience, be prepared to discuss how you met or exceeded sales targets and contributed to revenue growth.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Consultation Simulation: You may be asked to role-play a customer interaction where you need to understand their needs and propose framing solutions.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle common retail issues like inventory discrepancies, difficult customer complaints, or operational bottlenecks.
• Process Adherence Questions: Expect questions about your understanding of and commitment to following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the "portfolio" is more about articulated experience and demonstrated soft skills during the interview. Candidates should focus on storytelling through STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and clearly articulating their problem-solving approach and customer-centric mindset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Mat cutters, frame saws, assembly tools, glass cutters, heat presses (mentioning specific types if known would be beneficial).
• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and handling cash.
• Basic Computer Systems: For accessing order information, company portals, and potentially basic inventory lookup.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting (Basic): Understanding of how individual sales contribute to store targets and department performance.
• Inventory Tracking (Basic): Familiarity with tracking stock levels for framing materials and ready-made frames.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) (Implied): The role involves building customer relationships, suggesting that a system may track customer purchase history or preferences, though direct CRM tool proficiency is unlikely required.
• Order Management Systems: Used for creating, tracking, and managing custom framing orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing tools and point-of-sale systems is crucial. While advanced analytics or CRM skills aren't explicitly listed, an understanding of how these tools support retail operations and customer engagement is valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: Embracing and fostering a creative environment, helping customers bring their artistic visions to life through framing.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service, expert advice, and high-quality products.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: Dedication to producing well-crafted framing solutions that meet high standards of quality and durability.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to support store operations, share knowledge, and create a positive work environment.
• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, SOPs, and safety guidelines, taking responsibility for individual actions and contributions.

Collaboration Style:

• Customer-Centric Collaboration: Working with customers to co-create framing solutions, acting as a design partner.
• Internal Support: Assisting fellow team members with store duties, customer service, and framing tasks as needed to ensure smooth store operations.
• Process Adherence: Collaborating to ensure all operational processes, from order taking to inventory management, are followed consistently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply tied to its mission of fostering creativity and customer engagement. For operations, this means executing tasks with an eye for detail and customer satisfaction, while maintaining a collaborative and positive team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales & Production: Effectively managing time to engage with customers for sales consultations while also meeting production deadlines for custom framing orders.
• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of artistic styles, budgets, and framing requirements, often requiring creative problem-solving.
• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently delivering high-quality framing work across all orders, especially during busy periods.
• Adapting to Retail Demands: Thriving in a fast-paced retail environment that requires flexibility with work hours and multitasking.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunity to master advanced framing methods, design principles, and material knowledge.
• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Develop expertise in consultative selling and customer relationship management within a creative retail context.
• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gain practical experience in store management, inventory control, visual merchandising, and cash handling.
• Company-Specific Training: Access to training modules and resources provided by Michaels to enhance job performance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a specialized retail role that requires both technical skill and customer-facing acumen. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing expertise within the framing department and broader retail management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to customer service, how you build rapport, and how you handle difficult customer situations. Use examples from past retail or service roles.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Expect questions like, "A customer wants a frame for a very unusual item, what steps do you take?" or "How would you handle a situation where a framing order is delayed?" Focus on your thought process and how you would ensure customer satisfaction.
• Sales Approach: Discuss how you identify customer needs and recommend products. If you have sales experience, highlight instances where you successfully upsold or met sales targets.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Michaels: Explain why you are interested in working for Michaels and specifically in the Retail Picture Framer role. Connect your interest to creativity, customer service, or specific skills.
• Teamwork Experience: Share examples of how you have collaborated effectively with team members in previous roles.
• Understanding of "Fueling the Joy of Creativity": Reflect on what this company slogan means to you and how you would embody it in your role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Case Studies: Since a formal portfolio may not be required, be ready to verbally present 1-2 brief case studies of successful customer interactions or challenging projects you've managed. Focus on the situation, your actions, and the positive outcome (e.g., happy customer, successful sale, quality product).
• Demonstrate Understanding of Process: Clearly articulate how you would follow the steps for taking a custom framing order, from initial consultation to completion.
• Highlight Skills: Emphasize your measuring accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess a blend of customer service skills, technical aptitude for framing, and alignment with Michaels' creative and customer-centric culture. Demonstrating a proactive and detail-oriented approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant customer service, sales, and any practical/craft skills. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "framing," "sales," "cash handling," and "attention to detail."
• Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions related to customer interactions, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Research Michaels' products and services, particularly their custom framing offerings, to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview.
• Practice articulating your approach to a custom framing consultation and order fulfillment process.

⚠️ 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.

---