Retail Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Bloomington, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: September 02, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level / Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the customer experience by providing expert custom framing solutions and assisting with general retail operations to drive sales and ensure store efficiency.

• The position requires a blend of sales acumen, customer service excellence, and operational execution within a dynamic retail environment.

• Key responsibilities include client consultation for custom framing, production of high-quality framed items, and maintaining visual merchandising standards.

• This role is crucial in building customer loyalty and contributing to the overall success of the retail store through exceptional service and operational support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is in a retail environment, not a traditional corporate operations role. The "operations" aspect pertains to the day-to-day functioning of the retail store, including inventory, merchandising, and customer flow, rather than backend revenue or sales operations. The job description is tailored to reflect this retail operational context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build strong customer relationships by actively engaging with shoppers and understanding their needs, particularly for custom framing projects.
  • Utilize sales techniques and product knowledge to recommend appropriate framing solutions, upsell services, and drive custom framing sales, aiming to meet or exceed sales targets.
  • Guide customers through the design process, offering expert advice on matting, framing materials, and display options to create memorable framing solutions.

• Custom Framing Production:

  • Accurately complete custom framing orders, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to production timelines and standards.
  • Operate and maintain framing equipment, including specialized tools like glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Manage the framing order lifecycle from consultation and design to production and final customer delivery.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department and other assigned retail areas, ensuring they are well-organized, visually appealing, and fully stocked.
  • Execute directed replenishment and "in-stock, out-of-stock" (SISO) processes to optimize inventory levels and product availability.
  • Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking processes, adhering to established standards and timelines to ensure efficient inventory flow.

• Customer Service & Store Maintenance:

  • Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions to their needs.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment throughout the store and the framing area, adhering to all safety and operational procedures.
  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures with accuracy and integrity, following all company standards.

• Omnichannel Support & Team Collaboration:

  • Assist with omnichannel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store, to provide a seamless customer experience.

  • Collaborate effectively with team members, demonstrating a positive and respectful attitude, and contributing to a cohesive work environment.

  • Participate in various store operational tasks as assigned, supporting the overall team effort.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the operational aspects of retail, focusing on process adherence (SOPs), inventory management (SISO, truck unloading), sales execution, and customer flow management, which are critical for store operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, demonstrating foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a focus on sales or service delivery.

• Experience in a retail environment is preferred, demonstrating familiarity with store operations and customer interactions. Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions, fostering positive relationships.

• Basic Measuring & Computer Skills: Proficiency in taking accurate measurements and using basic computer applications for order entry, inventory, or communication.

• Sales Acumen: Ability to identify sales opportunities, recommend products, and drive sales, particularly in a consultative selling environment like custom framing.

• Operational Execution: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including cash handling, merchandising, stocking, and safety protocols.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, contributing to a positive and productive store environment.

• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal communication for customer interactions and internal team coordination.

Preferred Skills:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Prior experience operating framing equipment, using a glass cutter, or knowledge of framing materials and techniques.

• Retail Sales Experience: Demonstrated success in selling products or services directly to customers in a retail setting.

• Visual Merchandising: Ability to maintain attractive and organized product displays, contributing to the store's overall aesthetic and sales effectiveness.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with inventory processes such as stocking, replenishment, and managing stock levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "basic computer skills" are interpreted in the context of a retail environment, likely involving POS systems, inventory software, and potentially basic design software for framing consultations. The emphasis is on practical application rather than advanced IT proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not typically required for this entry-level retail role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of their work or achievements that demonstrate the skills listed.

• Customer Interaction Examples: Be ready to describe instances where you successfully built rapport with a customer, resolved a complex service issue, or exceeded sales expectations.

• Process Adherence Examples: Prepare to discuss how you have followed procedures, maintained organized work areas, or contributed to efficient store operations in previous roles.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Have examples ready of how you have handled challenging customer requests or operational hurdles.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is critical. This includes:
  • Customer Order Processing: Following established steps for taking custom framing orders, from consultation to final sale.
  • Production Workflow: Executing framing tasks according to company quality and time standards.
  • Store Operations: Implementing procedures for stocking, merchandising, cash handling, and safety.
  • Inventory Management: Participating in truck unloads, stock replenishment, and maintaining accurate inventory counts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this retail operations role, a traditional "process and systems portfolio" is less relevant. The emphasis shifts to demonstrating practical application of skills through behavioral examples and understanding of store-level operational processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The total base pay range for this position is $13.25 - $15.60 per hour. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Telemedicine services
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Financial Security:

  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Voluntary insurance options

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance
  • Adoption assistance

• Perks:

  • Employee discounts on Michaels products

  • Access to partner discount programs

  • Commuter benefits Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position.

• Work hours may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by store operational needs.

• The role is expected to be approximately 40 hours per week, but specific scheduling will vary based on business demand and employee availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided based on the input data. The benefits listed are comprehensive and align with typical offerings for retail positions, with specific mention of programs beneficial for team members.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts & Crafts Retail / Home Decor

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1973

Company Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: This role is part of a local store team, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Manager).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Will interact with other store associates, including sales floor staff, cashiers, and stock personnel. Collaboration is essential for maintaining store standards and customer service across all departments.

• Specialization: While part of a broader retail team, this position has a specialized focus on custom framing, requiring specific skills and customer interaction approaches.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes a customer-first mindset, focusing on creating positive experiences and building lasting relationships.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all stores.

• Data-Driven Decisions (Store Level): While not deeply analytical, store operations rely on sales data, inventory reports, and customer feedback to manage performance and optimize operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the provided description, highlighting Michaels' position as a leading arts and crafts retailer and its operational structure at the store level.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is an entry-level position within the retail operations framework. It is designed for individuals starting their career or seeking to gain experience in a customer-facing retail environment with a specialized function. The scope includes direct customer interaction, sales, and hands-on operational tasks. Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a designated Department Manager (e.g., Framing Department Lead). This structure provides direct supervision and guidance on daily tasks and performance expectations. Operations Impact:

• Customer Loyalty: By providing excellent custom framing solutions and service, this role directly contributes to customer satisfaction and repeat business, enhancing the store's reputation.

• Revenue Generation: Custom framing is often a higher-margin service, so successful sales and production directly impact the store's revenue and profitability.

• Store Presentation: Maintaining merchandising standards and a clean environment contributes to an appealing shopping experience, indirectly supporting overall store sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to master custom framing techniques, enhance sales and customer service skills, and gain proficiency in retail operations.

• Advancement within Store: Potential to move into roles such as Key Holder, Assistant Department Manager, or even Assistant Store Manager, with demonstrated performance and leadership potential.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of being cross-trained in other store departments, broadening retail operational experience.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in custom framing and potentially move into lead framing roles or roles with broader design responsibilities within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the typical career progression within a large retail organization like Michaels, emphasizing the foundational nature of this role and potential pathways for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public Retail Store Setting

Office Location(s): Bloomington, Illinois (specific store address: 4240 W 78th St)

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Environment: Primarily works on the sales floor and in the dedicated custom framing area, interacting directly with customers.

• Production Area: The framing shop is a specialized workspace that contains tools and equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring attention to safety protocols.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to collaborate with fellow store associates, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic computer terminals for order management, and specialized framing equipment.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time employment.

• Schedule flexibility is required, including availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings, depending on store operating hours and business needs. This allows for coverage during peak shopping times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the hands-on, customer-interactive nature of the role within a retail store setting, including the specific conditions of the framing shop.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Your resume and application will be screened for basic qualifications and relevant experience.

• Phone/Video Screen: A brief initial conversation with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss your background, interest in the role, and availability.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves meeting with the Store Manager or Department Manager. This stage often includes:

  • Behavioral Questions: Discussing past experiences related to customer service, sales, teamwork, and problem-solving. Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Situational Questions: Posing hypothetical scenarios to gauge your approach to customer interactions, sales challenges, and operational tasks.
  • Skills Assessment: May include a brief demonstration of basic measuring skills or a discussion about your comfort level with operating equipment.
  • Cultural Fit: Assessing your alignment with Michaels' values and teamwork approach.

• Potential Second Interview: For some roles or candidates, a follow-up interview might occur.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• As this is an entry-level retail role, a formal portfolio is not expected. Instead, focus on:
  • Prepared Examples: Have specific examples ready from previous jobs, school projects, or volunteer work that showcase your customer service, sales, problem-solving, or organizational skills.
  • Visual Aids (Optional): If you have examples of creative work or projects you've completed that demonstrate attention to detail or design sense (even outside of framing), you might briefly mention them if relevant.
  • Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to elaborate on any relevant experience listed on your resume, highlighting achievements and responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Practice how you would handle common customer requests or complaints in a retail setting.

• Sales Pitches: Prepare a brief "pitch" for custom framing, highlighting its value and benefits to a customer.

• Operational Tasks: Be ready to discuss your understanding of tasks like stocking shelves, maintaining a clean workspace, or using a cash register.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process description is tailored for a retail role, emphasizing behavioral and situational interviews over a formal portfolio review, and focusing on practical demonstrations of core retail competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing transactions, managing customer accounts, and potentially order entry. Proficiency in cash handling and basic transaction processing is key.

• Custom Framing Software: May be used for design consultation, quoting, and order management. Familiarity with visual design or quoting software is a plus.

• Basic Computer Applications: For internal communication, potential online training modules, and basic data entry.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding basic store metrics such as sales performance, conversion rates, and inventory levels is beneficial.

• Reporting is typically managed by store leadership, but associates contribute data through daily operations. CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The POS system or specific framing software may have CRM capabilities to track customer preferences and purchase history for personalized service and targeted promotions.

• Automation: Limited automation in this role, primarily through the efficiency of POS systems and potentially inventory management software. Focus is on executing manual processes efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is described from the perspective of a retail associate, focusing on tools directly used in daily operations like POS systems and any specific software for the framing department.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service to create positive and memorable experiences.

• Creativity & Passion: Embracing the joy of creativity and celebrating through art and crafting, reflected in the products and services offered.

• Teamwork & Respect: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where team members collaborate, respect each other, and contribute to shared goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all transactions and taking responsibility for individual and team performance.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for operational excellence by adhering to procedures, maintaining high standards of work, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Team members are expected to support each other across different store functions, assisting with sales, stocking, and customer service as needed.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and open dialogue to address customer needs, operational challenges, and team objectives.

• Shared Goals: Working together to achieve store targets for sales, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are inferred from Michaels' stated purpose and typical retail environments, focusing on customer experience, teamwork, and operational execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Juggling customer consultations, framing production, general store duties, and customer service demands simultaneously.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Effectively handling diverse customer needs and expectations for custom framing, including budget constraints and design preferences.

• Technical Skill Development: Quickly learning to operate specialized framing equipment and mastering production techniques to ensure quality and efficiency.

• Pacing in a Retail Environment: Maintaining high energy and productivity throughout long shifts in a fast-paced retail setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of framing materials, techniques, and design principles, potentially leading to specialization.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Developing advanced consultative selling and customer relationship management abilities.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Understanding the broader operational aspects of a retail store, including inventory, merchandising, and loss prevention.

• Potential for Advancement: Opportunities to grow into leadership roles within the store or explore other career paths within the Michaels organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around typical retail and specialized framing duties, while growth opportunities focus on skill acquisition and internal career progression within Michaels.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction.)

• Sales: "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their custom framing needs?" (Highlight your consultative selling approach, understanding needs, and offering solutions.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a customer is unhappy with their completed framing order. How would you handle this situation?" (Emphasize active listening, empathy, and finding a resolution according to company policy.)

• Teamwork: "Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult colleague. How did you manage the situation?" (Focus on professionalism, communication, and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Interest in Michaels: "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, specifically in the Custom Framer role?" (Research Michaels' mission, products, and values; connect your skills and interests to the role and company.)

• Work Environment: "What are your expectations for a retail work environment?" (Show understanding of the fast-paced nature, customer interaction, and teamwork.)

• Values Alignment: "How do you embody our company values of creativity and customer focus?" (Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in previous experiences.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to:
  • Highlight Key Achievements: Select 2-3 strong examples from your resume that demonstrate relevant skills (e.g., a successful sales initiative, a time you improved store presentation, or a complex customer service issue you resolved).
  • Use the STAR Method: Structure your examples clearly: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased sales by X%", "reduced customer wait time").
  • Showcase Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in custom framing and the creative aspects of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a retail custom framer role, focusing on behavioral, situational, and motivational questions relevant to customer service, sales, and operational tasks.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, any retail operations background, and any experience with tools or creative processes. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "custom framing," "merchandising," and "cash handling."

• Prepare Behavioral Examples: Think of specific instances that demonstrate your skills in customer engagement, problem-solving, teamwork, and handling operational tasks. Use the STAR method to structure your responses for potential interview questions.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services (especially custom framing), company mission, and values. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during the interview.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to briefly explain why you are a good fit for the role and what you can bring to the team, focusing on your customer service and creative aptitudes.

⚠️ 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.

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