Part Time Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part Time Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Columbia-244 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on building strong customer relationships by providing exceptional custom framing solutions and personalized design consultations.

• Drive sales and production targets within the custom framing department, ensuring high-quality and timely order fulfillment.

• Maintain visual merchandising standards for the ready-made frame department and other assigned store areas, including effective stock management.

• Uphold operational excellence by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and company policies to ensure compliance and minimize shrink.

• Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and ensuring a well-stocked and organized store environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of a Part-Time Framer at Michaels is primarily a customer-facing position with a strong emphasis on sales and service within the custom framing department. While the title suggests a focus on framing, the responsibilities extend to general retail operations, including merchandising, inventory, and customer assistance across the store. The "part-time" nature indicates flexibility in hours, likely requiring availability during peak retail times, including evenings, weekends, and potentially early mornings.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Actively engage customers using the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to build rapport and understand their custom framing needs.
  • Consult with customers to design and recommend custom framing solutions that meet their artistic vision and budget.
  • Drive custom framing sales and production targets through effective consultation and upselling.
  • Acknowledge customers promptly, assist with product location, and offer solutions to enhance their shopping experience.

• Custom Framing Operations:

  • Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality, precision, and adherence to specified timelines.
  • Operate and maintain framing equipment, including glass cutters and heat presses, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
  • Accurately measure materials and artwork for framing projects.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, ensuring they are well-merchandised, in-stock, and visually appealing.
  • Participate in truck unloading and stocking processes, adhering to established standards and timelines.
  • Support inventory management through accurate receiving, stocking, and replenishment activities.
  • Assist with Omni-channel processes, such as fulfilling online orders or assisting with in-store pickup.

• Operational Compliance & Standards:

  • Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and requirements.
  • Support company shrink and safety programs by following established guidelines and reporting any potential issues.
  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures to company standards.

• Teamwork & Culture:

  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, customers, and management, remaining composed in challenging situations.

  • Promote commitment to the organization's vision and values, serving as a positive role model.

  • Participate in cross-functional team efforts as needed, contributing to a collaborative work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of specialized custom framing skills and general retail operational duties. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales approach focused on customer relationship building. Responsibilities like truck unloading and stocking indicate that this role may involve physically demanding tasks and require an understanding of inventory flow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing retail environment.

• Experience in custom framing or a related art/craft field is a strong asset.

• Previous experience in sales or consultative selling is beneficial. Required Skills:

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

• Measuring Skills: Accurate and precise measurement capabilities for custom framing projects.

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

• Customer Service Excellence: Demonstrated ability to provide friendly, helpful, and solutions-oriented customer service.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication for customer consultations and team interactions.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for understanding customer needs and recommending suitable products/services.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven track record in retail sales, particularly in consultative or design-oriented environments.

• Custom Framing Expertise: Hands-on experience with various framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Visual Merchandising: Understanding of retail display principles and ability to maintain attractive store presentations.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with stock management processes, including receiving, stocking, and replenishment.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Experience with cash register operation and accurate cash management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are foundational for a retail associate, with specific emphasis on the technical aspects of framing (measuring, equipment operation). The preferred skills indicate that candidates with direct custom framing or retail sales experience will be more competitive. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests a willingness to train candidates with strong foundational skills and a good attitude.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio may not be strictly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples that demonstrate their skills and experience.

• Framing Design Examples: If available, showcase examples of custom framing projects, highlighting design choices, material selection, and finished product quality. This can be in the form of photos or a brief description.

• Customer Service Success Stories: Be ready to discuss specific instances where you went above and beyond to assist a customer or resolve an issue, demonstrating your customer-centric approach.

• Sales Achievements: If applicable, be prepared to share examples of meeting or exceeding sales targets or successfully upselling products/services.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding of SOPs: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency, quality, and safety in retail environments.

• Workflow Awareness: Be able to articulate how you would approach a custom framing order from initial customer consultation through to final production and delivery, highlighting key steps and considerations.

• Measurement & Accuracy: Emphasize your commitment to accuracy in all tasks, particularly in measuring and production, to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize errors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level part-time role, a formal portfolio is less critical than demonstrating relevant skills and a strong work ethic. The emphasis should be on preparedness to discuss past experiences and understanding of core retail and framing processes. Applicants should focus on illustrating their ability to learn and apply company procedures effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $12.00 - $15.00 per hour (USD)

• Methodology: This estimate is based on general retail associate wages for part-time roles in the Columbia, South Carolina area, considering the entry-level experience requirement and the specific duties of a Framer. Local job market data for similar retail positions and the cost of living in Columbia, SC were factored into this estimation. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, skills, and the specific needs of the store.

Benefits:

• For eligible part-time team members:

  • 401(k) with employer match: Opportunity to save for retirement with company contributions.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health insurance options to support well-being.
  • Telemedicine Services: Convenient access to healthcare professionals remotely.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs.
  • Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.
  • Adoption Assistance: Financial support for team members building their families.
  • Various Voluntary Insurance Options: Supplemental insurance policies for added protection.
  • Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services.
  • Access to Partner Discount Programs: Additional savings through affiliated companies.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, with hours varying based on business needs.

• Availability is required during evenings, weekends, and potentially early mornings.

• The role may involve shifts that contribute to a standard 40-hour work week for the store, with individual schedules allocated based on part-time status.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate for entry-level part-time retail roles in the specified location. The comprehensive list of benefits suggests that Michaels aims to provide a robust package, even for part-time employees, which is a significant draw for potential candidates. The flexibility in working hours is typical for retail, requiring candidates to confirm their availability during the application process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the largest specialty arts and crafts retail chain in North America, offering a wide array of products for creative pursuits, including custom framing.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores in the US and Canada. This indicates a large, established retail organization with structured processes and a significant market presence.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has developed established operational procedures and a recognized brand identity in the creative industry.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: The Part-Time Framer will be part of a local store team, likely reporting to a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a Framing Department Lead.

• Departmental Focus: While integrated into the overall store operations, there's a specific focus on the custom framing department, requiring collaboration with other sales associates and potentially department specialists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role involves interaction with various store functions, including sales floor associates, cashiers, and potentially stockroom personnel, especially during truck unloads and stocking. Collaboration is also needed for Omni-channel processes.

Methodology:

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

• Process Adherence: A strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensures consistency, quality, and compliance across all stores.

• Data-Driven Operations: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the retail industry, especially at Michaels' scale, relies on data for sales, inventory, and customer behavior analysis to inform operational decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates within a highly competitive retail landscape, emphasizing customer experience and product variety. The company culture likely values creativity, customer service, and adherence to established operational frameworks. The scale of the company suggests opportunities for learning standardized retail practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Retail Associate. This position serves as a foundational role within the retail operations framework, focusing on direct customer interaction, sales, and in-store operational tasks. It's an opportunity to develop core retail competencies.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with direct supervision from a Framing Department Lead or Supervisor if applicable. The structure is hierarchical within the store setting.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and overall customer satisfaction by maintaining store standards and providing excellent service. Their efficiency in framing production and order fulfillment contributes to operational throughput and customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Within Framing: Potential to advance to a Lead Framer or Framing Specialist role, taking on more complex projects, training new team members, and managing department operations.

• Retail Management: Progression into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, requiring broader leadership, operational oversight, and P&L responsibility.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into specialized areas like visual merchandising, inventory control, or corporate roles within operations, merchandising, or HR, depending on aptitude and company needs.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through on-the-job training, product knowledge expansion, and potential access to company-sponsored training programs for sales, customer service, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, Michaels, as a large retail chain, offers structured pathways for career advancement. The emphasis on custom framing provides a specialized skill set that can be a differentiator, while the broader retail operations experience opens doors to general management or specialized retail functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. This environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves direct interaction with the public.

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 244 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC. This is a typical retail location, likely in a shopping center or commercial district.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Zone: The primary workspace is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing area, requiring constant engagement with customers.

• Production Area: The frame shop is a specialized workspace containing tools like glass cutters and heat presses, necessitating adherence to safety protocols.

• Stockroom: May involve time in stockrooms for receiving and stocking, which may or may not be climate-controlled.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The environment encourages teamwork among store associates to ensure smooth operations and excellent customer service.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible Hours: Part-time role with variable hours.

• Weekend/Evening Availability: Must be available to work nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating hours.

• Climate Control: Most public areas are climate-controlled, but stockrooms may vary. Some outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloads.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a retail setting, demanding adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The frame shop environment requires attention to detail and safety. The schedule flexibility is a key characteristic of part-time retail roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and applications will be screened for basic qualifications, including relevant experience and skills.

• Phone Screen/Initial Interview: A brief conversation to assess general qualifications, availability, and cultural fit. Expect questions about customer service experience and interest in custom framing.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve a more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (Store Manager or Assistant Manager).

  • Situational Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle specific customer service scenarios, sales opportunities, or operational challenges (e.g., "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing order?" or "How would you approach a customer looking for framing advice?").
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion of your measuring skills, comfort with equipment, and any prior framing experience.
  • Company Values Alignment: Questions to gauge your understanding and alignment with Michaels' values of creativity, customer service, and teamwork.

• Practical Assessment (Potential): You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss your approach to a framing design scenario.

• Final Interview/Offer: Following successful interviews, a job offer may be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Even without a formal portfolio, prepare to discuss specific examples from past roles that demonstrate your customer service, sales, problem-solving, and any relevant technical skills (measuring, crafting, design).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your impact (e.g., "Exceeded sales targets by 15%," "Handled an average of 20 customer inquiries per shift").

• Showcase Design Sensibility: For framing, be ready to talk about your understanding of aesthetics, color, and composition. If you have personal craft projects, be prepared to mention them to showcase your creative aptitude.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Discuss instances where you resolved a customer issue effectively or improved a process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Practice responding to common retail customer service situations, focusing on empathy, problem-solving, and finding solutions.

• Sales Approach: Be ready to articulate how you would engage a customer in the framing department, identify their needs, and guide them towards a purchase.

• Operational Understanding: Think about the flow of a custom framing order and how you would ensure accuracy and quality at each step.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role emphasizes practical skills, customer service aptitude, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare specific examples to illustrate their capabilities, focusing on how they can contribute to both the custom framing department and the overall store's success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for customer transactions, sales processing, and potentially inventory lookups. Proficiency with retail POS systems is expected.

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Glass Cutter: Essential for cutting various types of glass or acrylic used in framing.
  • Framing Equipment: May include mat cutters, jointers, saws, and assembly tools specific to creating custom frames.
  • Heat Press: Used for specific mounting or finishing processes in custom framing.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing rulers for precise measurements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Inventory Management Systems: Used to track stock levels, manage replenishment, and monitor product movement.

• Sales Reporting Tools: Basic reporting capabilities within the POS system to track individual and departmental sales performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) (Basic): While not a dedicated CRM role, understanding customer preferences and past purchases (if tracked) can enhance the consultative sales approach.

• Order Management System: Used to track custom framing orders from creation to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with standard retail POS systems is crucial. The specific framing equipment requires hands-on training, but an understanding of precision tools and their safe operation is beneficial. The role involves basic data entry and adherence to system-driven processes for inventory and sales.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value at Michaels, encouraging team members to embrace and foster creativity in themselves and customers.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service is paramount, driving sales and loyalty.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together effectively to achieve store goals, support colleagues, and create a positive work environment.

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, ethical standards, and taking responsibility for one's actions and contributions.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for accuracy and high standards in all tasks, from framing production to customer service and store presentation.

Collaboration Style:

• Service-Oriented: Associates are expected to assist each other in serving customers, whether it's finding a product, processing a transaction, or providing framing advice.

• Process-Driven: Collaboration often involves following established SOPs to ensure consistency and efficiency in tasks like truck unloading, stocking, and order fulfillment.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about customer needs, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels likely blends a creative, artistic atmosphere with the structured demands of retail operations. Team members are expected to be both creatively inclined and operationally diligent, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Responsibilities: Juggling custom framing consultations and production with general store duties, merchandising, and customer service demands.

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

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of customer expectations, from simple framing needs to complex artistic projects.

• Physical Demands: The role involves standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and working with tools, which can be physically demanding.

• Learning Curve for Framing: Mastering the technical skills and design principles of custom framing requires dedicated training and practice.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Comprehensive training on custom framing techniques, equipment operation, design principles, and POS systems.

• Product Knowledge: Continuous learning about art supplies, framing materials, and current design trends.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Development of consultative selling techniques and advanced customer service strategies.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles within the store or specialized departments.

• Company Resources: Access to Michaels' internal training modules and resources to enhance skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a good opportunity for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in custom framing and develop a strong foundation in retail operations. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing retail role, with the added technicality of framing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer. How did you resolve the situation?" or "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about what kind of frame they want for their artwork?"

• Sales Approach: "What steps would you take to sell a custom framing package to a customer?" or "How would you upsell accessories or premium materials for a framing order?"

• Operational Problem-Solving: "Imagine a custom framing order was completed incorrectly. What would you do?" or "How would you ensure accuracy when measuring for a frame?"

• Teamwork & Culture: "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?" or "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team."

• Motivation & Fit: "What do you know about custom framing?" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses related to this role?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Michaels' mission, values, and recent initiatives.

• Understand the importance of creativity and customer service in their brand identity.

• Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company's. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Examples: Since a formal portfolio might not be required, prepare to verbally walk through specific examples of your past experiences that showcase:

  • Customer Interaction: How you’ve helped customers find solutions.
  • Problem-Solving: Instances where you resolved issues effectively.
  • Sales Success: Any achievements in meeting sales goals or persuading customers.
  • Technical Aptitude: If you have crafting or measuring experience, describe it.

• Visual Aids (Optional): If you have photos of personal craft projects or framing work you've done, bring them to show your creative aptitude and attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, a proactive sales attitude, an understanding of operational processes, and a genuine interest in Michaels and the art of framing. Quantifiable examples and a positive, collaborative demeanor will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Part Time Framer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any experience in retail, customer service, sales, or creative arts/crafts. Emphasize skills such as measuring, basic computer proficiency, and a strong work ethic. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common retail interview questions, focusing on customer service scenarios, sales approaches, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your availability and interest in custom framing.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, products, and company values. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer satisfaction.

• Gather Examples: Think of specific examples from previous roles (even non-retail) that demonstrate your customer service skills, ability to learn quickly, attention to detail, and any creative inclinations.

⚠️ 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.