Retail Custom Art Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Custom Art Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Onalaska, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales / Customer Service

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and customer engagement through expert custom framing solutions and exceptional retail service.

• Manage daily store operations, including merchandising, inventory, and point-of-sale transactions, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

• Uphold company standards for operational efficiency, safety, and visual presentation within the retail environment.

• Foster strong customer relationships by providing personalized consultations and delivering high-quality framing services that meet client expectations.

• Support omni-channel initiatives by assisting with online order fulfillment and in-store pickup processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on a specialized retail function (custom art framing) that requires a blend of sales, customer service, and technical/craft skills. While not a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role, the emphasis on driving sales, managing store operations, and adhering to SOPs aligns with operational excellence principles within a retail context. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a structured approach to customer interaction and sales, crucial for operations professionals to understand.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute the "Elevated ABC Deliver" personal designer methodology to build strong customer relationships and drive custom framing sales.

• Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and within established production timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, SISO (Shop In Store Out), and directed replenishment areas.

• Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions to meet their needs.

• Operate the cash register, execute cash handling procedures, and process transactions accurately according to company standards.

• Participate actively in truck un-load and stocking processes, adhering to company standards and timelines for efficient inventory management.

• Support and adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), company programs, and policies to ensure compliance and operational consistency.

• Contribute to shrink and safety programs by following established protocols and maintaining a secure and hazard-free store environment.

• Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues and customers, promoting a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Assist with omni-channel processes, including online order fulfillment and customer pick-ups, to support integrated sales channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on operational role. For operations professionals, understanding how these customer-facing tasks translate into store-level operational efficiency, sales performance metrics, and inventory control is key. The mention of SOPs and compliance is critical for any operations-minded individual.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing role.

• Demonstrated ability to learn and operate specialized equipment. Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for POS system operation and potential online order management.

• Basic measuring skills essential for accurate custom framing consultations and production.

• Ability to operate framing equipment (e.g., mat cutters, jointers, presses) and a glass cutter safely and effectively.

• Strong customer service orientation with a focus on building rapport and addressing customer needs.

• Proficiency in cash handling and point-of-sale (POS) transaction processing.

• Ability to understand and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.

• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods, lift heavy items, and perform bending/reaching tasks. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, with a proven track record of meeting sales targets.

• Experience in selling products and/or services, particularly in a consultative or design-oriented capacity.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes or art display techniques.

• Basic visual merchandising skills to maintain appealing store and department displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "basic" skills suggests an entry-level to early-career operations focus. For candidates with a deeper operations background, highlighting transferable skills in process adherence, customer flow management, and efficiency in task completion would be beneficial. The "selling products and/or services" preference points to a sales-operations linkage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples that demonstrate:
  • Process Adherence: Instances where you followed specific procedures or SOPs to achieve a desired outcome or maintain quality.
  • Customer Interaction & Problem-Solving: Examples of how you managed customer requests, resolved issues, or provided tailored solutions.
  • Efficiency in Task Completion: Demonstrations of how you managed multiple tasks or completed work within time constraints.
  • Quality Output: If applicable, any examples of work where precision and attention to detail were critical.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of and experience with:

  • Following documented workflows for customer order processing and production.

  • Understanding and executing SOPs for framing equipment operation, safety, and customer transactions.

  • Contributing to inventory management processes, such as receiving, stocking, and maintaining displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail role, a "portfolio" is less about formal documents and more about the ability to articulate past experiences demonstrating key operational competencies. Candidates should think about how their past work, even in non-operations roles, showcases process adherence, efficiency, and quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As this is a part-time retail position, specific salary ranges can vary significantly based on local market conditions, prior experience, and the specific store's needs. Based on industry benchmarks for similar part-time retail associate roles in Onalaska, Wisconsin, the estimated hourly wage range is likely between $12.00 - $16.00 per hour.

Benefits:

As a part-time team member at Michaels, benefits may include:

• Employee discounts on Michaels products.

• Access to partner discount programs.

• Participation in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Eligibility for a 401(k) savings plan with employer match (subject to specific eligibility requirements and hours worked).

• Potential for tuition assistance and adoption assistance based on specific eligibility criteria.

• Access to telemedicine services.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Commuter benefits. Working Hours:

This is a part-time position. While the standard full-time work week is 40 hours, part-time schedules will vary and are typically less than 30 hours per week. Employees are expected to be available to work nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by business needs. Flexibility in scheduling is often a key requirement for retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general retail part-time associate roles in the specified region. Actual compensation will be determined by Michaels Stores. The benefits listed are a combination of those explicitly mentioned in the job description and common offerings for part-time retail employees at large companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels Stores is a leading North American retailer specializing in arts, crafts, DIY projects, and home decor.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across North America and employs a significant workforce, indicating a structured corporate environment with established operational frameworks.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has developed robust operational processes and a deep understanding of its customer base and market.

Team Structure:

• The "Retail Custom Art Framer" role operates within a store-level team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with fellow store associates, including those in customer service, sales, and stockroom roles.

• Cross-functional interaction is implied with potential support from regional operations or corporate teams for specific programs (e.g., merchandising directives, IT support). Methodology:

• Emphasis on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent execution of tasks and compliance.

• Use of "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology for customer engagement, focusing on building relationships and driving sales.

• Data-driven decision-making is likely at a store level, focusing on sales performance, inventory turnover, and customer satisfaction metrics.

• Focus on process optimization through adherence to company programs and efficient workflow execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Michaels' operational structure as a large retail chain is crucial. Operations professionals can infer that established processes, performance metrics, and a structured approach to customer service and inventory management are integral to the company's success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to early-career stage within retail operations, focusing on front-line execution and customer interaction. It's a foundational role for understanding retail store operations.

Reporting Structure: The Retail Custom Art Framer typically reports to the Store Manager or a designated department lead within the store. This structure allows for direct oversight and feedback on performance and adherence to operational standards.

Operations Impact: While an individual contributor role, the Framer's impact is measured through direct sales generation, customer satisfaction metrics, the quality and timeliness of custom framing orders, and the overall efficiency of store operations they contribute to. Their role directly influences the customer's perception of the store's capabilities and service quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, materials, and design consultation, potentially leading to more senior framing roles or specialized positions.

• Retail Management Path: Progress to roles like Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager by demonstrating strong operational leadership, sales performance, and team management skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: With experience, opportunities may arise to move into roles focused on visual merchandising, inventory management, or even corporate support functions related to store operations or customer experience.

• Training & Development: Access to company-provided training programs that enhance sales, customer service, and operational skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role represents a potential entry point into a large retail organization. Highlighting how skills developed here (process adherence, efficiency, customer flow) can be leveraged for advancement into more strategic operations roles is key for career progression analysis.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary work environment is customer-facing within a retail store, with dedicated areas for customer consultations and production (framing shop).

Office Location(s): Onalaska, Wisconsin, at 9348 State Rd 16, Ste 100. This is a specific retail store location.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Areas: Climate-controlled, designed for customer interaction, product display, and sales.

• Framing Shop: A specialized area equipped with framing equipment, including a glass cutter and heat press, which requires careful handling and adherence to safety protocols.

• Stock Rooms: May not always be climate-controlled, requiring adaptability during receiving and stocking duties.

• Collaborative Environment: Close interaction with fellow store associates is expected, fostering a team-oriented approach to store operations.

Work Schedule:

The role involves working nights, weekends, and early mornings, which is standard for retail operations. Flexibility in scheduling is crucial to meet business demands and ensure continuous coverage of customer service and operational tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a dynamic, hands-on environment. For operations professionals, this means an understanding of how physical store layout, equipment, and varied work zones (customer floor, stockroom, production area) impact workflow and efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for this role typically involves:

1. Application Submission: Completing and submitting the online application.

2. Initial Screening: A brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications, interest, and availability.

3. In-Person Interview: A one-on-one interview with the Store Manager or a designated interviewer. This will likely focus on:

• Customer Service Philosophy: How you approach customer interactions and problem-solving.
• Operational Aptitude: Your ability to learn new processes, follow instructions, and handle tasks efficiently.
• Sales Acumen: Your comfort and approach to sales and upselling.
• Teamwork: Your ability to collaborate with colleagues.
• Availability: Confirming your ability to work required shifts.

1. Skills Assessment (Potential): You might be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would handle a customer scenario.

2. Offer: If successful, a job offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

For this role, a formal portfolio isn't typically required. However, be prepared to discuss:

• Past Achievements: Highlight instances where you excelled in customer service, met sales goals, or improved efficiency in a previous role.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to describe how you've handled challenging customer situations or operational hurdles.

• Learning Agility: Emphasize your ability and eagerness to learn new skills, especially operating machinery and following precise procedures.

Challenge Preparation:

While formal "challenges" are unlikely, be prepared for interview questions that simulate real-world scenarios:

• "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing order?"

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple tasks with competing priorities."

• "How would you approach a customer to offer custom framing services?"

• "What steps would you take to ensure the framing area is always ready for customers?"

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, the interview process emphasizes practical application of skills, adherence to procedures, and customer-centric problem-solving, all critical aspects of retail operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer accounts, and potentially order entry.

• Framing Equipment:

  • Mat Cutter: For precise cutting of mats to custom sizes.
  • Glass Cutter: For sizing glass or acrylic panes.
  • Jointers/V-Nailers: For assembling frame corners.
  • Heat Press: For mounting artwork or applying finishes.

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing training modules, company communications, and potentially inventory lookup.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While the Framer may not directly use advanced analytics tools, they contribute to data collection through POS transactions. Awareness of how sales data, order volume, and customer feedback are tracked is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• The POS system likely integrates with a basic CRM to track customer purchase history and preferences, aiding in personalized sales consultations.

• SOPs and structured workflows serve as the primary "automation" in terms of process standardization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with retail POS systems and an understanding of how specialized equipment contributes to the overall operational process are valuable. For operations professionals, highlighting any experience with workflow management or process standardization, even if not explicitly software-based, is relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction through excellent service and quality products.

• Creativity & Passion: Embracing the joy of creativity and celebration, as reflected in the company's purpose.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing solutions.

• Teamwork & Respect: Fostering a positive and inclusive environment where colleagues support each other.

• Efficiency & Compliance: Adhering to SOPs and company programs to ensure operational excellence and safety.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store associates to ensure smooth customer flow and operational coverage.

• Process-Oriented: Following established procedures and contributing to a culture of consistent execution.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual and team performance.

• Shared Goals: Working collaboratively towards store sales targets, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated purpose and values should inform how operations are executed. For candidates, demonstrating alignment with these values through their past experiences will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling customer consultations, production tasks, stock replenishment, and POS transactions simultaneously requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Customer Expectations Management: Meeting diverse customer needs for custom framing, from simple requests to complex design challenges, while adhering to production capabilities and timelines.

• Learning Specialized Skills: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and understanding material properties requires dedicated learning and practice.

• Maintaining Quality Under Pressure: Ensuring high-quality output even during busy periods or when facing tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Comprehensive training on custom framing techniques, materials, design principles, and equipment operation.

• Sales & Customer Engagement: Development of consultative selling skills and customer relationship-building strategies through the "Elevated ABC Deliver" program.

• Retail Operations Fundamentals: Gaining practical experience in merchandising, inventory management, cash handling, and store operations.

• Career Advancement: Potential pathways into retail management, specialized design roles, or other operational support functions within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges and opportunities allows operations candidates to frame their skills and aspirations in the context of the role's demands and potential for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service & Sales: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer. How would you approach a customer who seems hesitant about custom framing?" (Focus on consultative selling and problem-solving.)

• Process & Operations: "How do you ensure accuracy when taking measurements or completing detailed tasks? How would you handle a situation where you have multiple framing orders due at the same time?" (Highlight attention to detail, time management, and prioritization.)

• Teamwork & Adaptability: "Tell me about a time you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal. How do you handle working in a fast-paced retail environment with changing priorities?" (Demonstrate collaboration and resilience.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels and our commitment to creativity?"

• "Why are you interested in custom art framing specifically?"

• "How do you align with our company values of customer focus and quality?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate:

  • Quality of Work: Instances where precision and attention to detail were critical.
  • Customer Interaction: Examples of successful customer consultations or problem resolutions.
  • Process Adherence: Times you followed specific instructions or SOPs to ensure consistent results.
  • Learning and Adaptability: How you've learned new skills or adapted to new environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, framing answers to highlight process adherence, efficiency, quality control, and customer flow management will resonate well, even in a retail context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any sales achievements, technical aptitude (even basic), and your ability to follow procedures. Use keywords like "customer service," "sales," "detail-oriented," "process-driven," and "team player."

• Prepare for Interview Scenarios: Think through specific examples of how you've handled customer requests, managed your time effectively, worked as part of a team, and learned new skills. Be ready to articulate your understanding of quality and precision.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' product offerings, especially custom framing services, and understand their stated company values and mission. This demonstrates genuine interest and alignment with their operational culture.

• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly and concisely explain your experience and how it relates to the responsibilities of a Retail Custom Art Framer, focusing on your ability to learn and execute operational tasks.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.