Retail Framer and Personal Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Framer and Personal Designer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales & Customer Service

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focuses on building strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations and custom framing solutions.

• Drives sales and production targets within the custom framing department, utilizing elevated selling techniques.

• Ensures a visually appealing and well-stocked retail environment through effective merchandising and inventory management.

• Operates as a key point of contact for customers, providing exceptional service and assisting with product discovery and solutions.

• Supports broader store operations, including cash handling, truck un-loads, stocking, and omni-channel processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends direct sales, customer service, and operational tasks within a retail environment, with a specific specialization in custom framing design and production. The emphasis on "Personal Designer" and "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a consultative sales approach focused on understanding customer needs and translating them into high-quality framing solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships by actively engaging them and understanding their framing needs, acting as a Personal Designer.

• Execute the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to drive sales and production results within the custom framing department.

• Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

• Maintain the ready-made frame department and other assigned store areas, including SISO (Sales in Store Out) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting customers with locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a well-merchandised and in-stock store.

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance and uphold company standards.

• Actively participate in shrink and safety programs to maintain a secure and hazard-free work environment.

• Foster positive interactions with colleagues, demonstrating respect, positivity, and commitment to organizational values and vision.

• Participate in truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget.

• Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, executing all cash handling procedures to standard.

• Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and provide relevant solutions to their needs.

• Support and execute omni-channel processes to ensure seamless customer experiences across all channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on specialized custom framing sales and broader retail operational duties. The emphasis on SOPs, shrink/safety programs, and omni-channel support indicates the need for a well-rounded retail professional who can manage both specialized tasks and general store functions effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is generally expected for retail roles of this nature, though not explicitly stated.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing role is suitable, with a strong preference for previous sales or custom framing experience.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for system navigation and order entry.

• Basic measuring skills essential for accurate custom framing.

• Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively.

• Proven customer service skills with a focus on building rapport and providing solutions.

• Cash handling proficiency and accuracy.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment, standing for extended periods.

• Physical ability to perform job duties including lifting, bending, and reaching. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail experience, providing a foundational understanding of store operations and customer interaction.

• Experience selling products and/or services, demonstrating an ability to drive sales and meet targets.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes and design principles.

• Visual merchandising skills to maintain appealing department displays.

• Basic understanding of inventory management and stocking procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on skills related to framing and sales, alongside foundational retail competencies. The "0-2" years experience level suggests that extensive prior experience is not a prerequisite, making it an accessible role for individuals entering the retail or design field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level retail role, candidates who have previously created custom framing projects or designed for clients may wish to highlight these achievements.

• Examples could include documentation of successful framing projects, showcasing problem-solving for unique artwork, or demonstrating design aesthetic.

• For candidates with strong sales backgrounds, demonstrating a track record of exceeding sales targets or implementing customer engagement strategies would be beneficial. Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is critical. Candidates should be able to articulate their ability to follow established workflows for framing production, customer service interactions, and inventory management.

• Familiarity with process improvement concepts, even at a basic level, is a plus. This might include identifying inefficiencies in a workflow and suggesting simple solutions.

• Experience with cash handling procedures and point-of-sale (POS) systems is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail position like this, a formal portfolio is less common. The emphasis will be on demonstrating an understanding of and ability to follow established processes and procedures, particularly those related to customer interaction, sales, and framing production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a part-time, entry-level retail position, the salary is expected to be at or slightly above the local minimum wage for Austin, Texas, likely ranging from $14.00 to $18.00 per hour, depending on prior experience and specific skill set.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match: Opportunity for long-term financial planning.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance options for eligible team members.

• Telemedicine Services: Convenient access to healthcare professionals remotely.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax accounts for healthcare or dependent care expenses.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with commuting costs.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.

• Adoption Assistance: Financial support for team members building their families.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services.

• Partner Discount Programs: Access to discounts from affiliated companies.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Typical working hours will be scheduled based on business needs and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings. The total weekly hours are not specified but are expected to be less than 30-35 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on entry-level retail roles in a major metropolitan area like Austin, TX, and the provided "Part time" employment type. The benefits listed are comprehensive and align with those typically offered by larger retail organizations, providing substantial value beyond hourly wages.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and custom framing, operating over 1,300 stores.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees). This indicates a structured corporate environment with established processes and career development pathways.

Founded: 1973. With decades of experience, Michaels has a stable market presence and a well-defined brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a local store team, reporting to store management (likely a Store Manager or Assistant Manager).

• Collaboration will occur with fellow retail associates, department specialists (like other framers or designers), and potentially visual merchandising teams.

• Cross-functional interaction is expected with various store departments and potentially with corporate support for omni-channel fulfillment. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a data-heavy role, decisions on merchandising and customer service will be influenced by sales data, customer feedback, and inventory levels.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing production, customer service, and store operations. Opportunities for suggesting minor workflow improvements may exist.

• Automation & Efficiency: Utilizing POS systems and potentially other store-level software to streamline transactions and inventory tasks.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture likely emphasizes creativity, customer engagement, and operational efficiency within a structured retail framework. The company's long history and large size suggest a focus on consistent service delivery and employee development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level, individual contributor level within the retail operations and sales domain. It serves as a foundational position for individuals looking to gain experience in customer service, sales, and specialized retail functions like custom framing.

Reporting Structure: The Retail Framer and Personal Designer reports directly to store management, such as a Store Manager or an Assistant Manager. This structure provides direct oversight and guidance.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and by contributing to overall store sales via excellent customer service and product availability. It also influences customer satisfaction and loyalty through personalized design experiences and efficient service.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become an expert in custom framing design, production techniques, and consultative sales. Development of strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Advancement within Store: Potential to move into roles such as Lead Framer, Department Specialist, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager, depending on performance and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

• Specialization: Possibility to focus on advanced framing techniques, art consultation, or visual merchandising within the retail arts and crafts sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent starting point for a career in retail, offering a blend of creative work and customer interaction. The growth path is clearly defined within the retail store hierarchy and specialized departments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a customer-facing role within a busy retail store environment.

Office Location(s): The position is located at the Michaels store at 14028 N Hwy 183, Bldg C, Austin, Texas. This location is a public retail space.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace includes the retail sales floor, customer service areas, and a dedicated custom framing shop.

• The framing shop is equipped with specialized tools like a glass cutter and heat press.

• The environment requires constant interaction with customers and colleagues.

• Access to standard retail technology, including POS systems and basic computer terminals, is provided.

Work Schedule: The schedule involves working nights, weekends, and early mornings as dictated by store operating hours and customer traffic. Flexibility is key for this part-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric, requiring adaptability to various tasks and customer needs throughout the day. The framing shop environment involves specific equipment and safety considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online application review to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: A face-to-face interview with store management to discuss experience, skills, and suitability for the role. This may include situational questions about customer service and sales scenarios.

• Skills Assessment: Practical demonstration of measuring skills, basic computer operation, and potentially a simulated customer interaction. For framing, a brief assessment of comfort with tools might occur.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a final discussion with a higher-level manager or HR representative, followed by a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't mandatory, prepare to discuss any relevant creative projects or previous sales achievements.

• For framing, be ready to describe your approach to design, material selection, and problem-solving for unique art pieces.

• If you have sales experience, prepare to share specific examples of how you've met or exceeded targets and built customer loyalty.

• Highlight any experience with custom work or personalized service. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer behavioral questions about how you handle difficult customers, manage multiple tasks, and work as part of a team.

• Prepare for scenarios related to upselling, cross-selling, and providing solutions to customer needs.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Michaels brand and its commitment to creativity and customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this retail role is likely to be practical and focused on assessing customer service aptitude, sales potential, and basic technical skills related to framing and store operations. Emphasis will be on a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Framing machines, mat cutters, glass cutters, heat presses, and other specialized tools for custom framing production.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and other precision instruments for accurate framing.

• Cash Register/POS System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer accounts, and handling cash.

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing company systems, order entry, and potentially basic digital design tools if applicable.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managing analytics, the role will utilize sales reports and inventory data to inform daily tasks and merchandising decisions.

• Understanding of stock levels and sales trends is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a focus on building and managing customer relationships, likely supported by store-level CRM functionalities within the POS system.

• Omni-channel Support: Utilizing systems that integrate online orders with in-store fulfillment, such as buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on operational efficiency within a retail setting, with specialized tools for the framing department. Proficiency with POS systems and an aptitude for learning new operational software are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Encouraging a love for arts, crafts, and creative expression in both products and customer interactions.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing exceptional customer service, building relationships, and creating memorable experiences.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together effectively to achieve store goals and support colleagues.

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving for operational excellence in all tasks, from sales to production and stocking.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store associates to ensure all customer needs are met and store operations run smoothly.

• Process Review & Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve service and operational processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, particularly in custom framing and sales techniques, with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels likely fosters a culture that values creativity, customer-centricity, and a collaborative spirit, all within a structured retail operational framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Responsibilities: Juggling customer service, custom framing design and production, sales targets, and general store duties.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Effectively handling diverse customer needs and ensuring satisfaction with custom framing solutions.

• Pace of Retail: Adapting to peak seasons, busy periods, and the constant flow of customers.

• Learning Specialized Skills: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and understanding design principles for custom framing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Developing deep knowledge in framing techniques, materials, and design aesthetics.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhancing consultative selling abilities and building rapport with a wide range of customers.

• Retail Operations Fundamentals: Gaining experience in merchandising, inventory management, cash handling, and omni-channel processes.

• Potential for Specialization: Opportunity to become a go-to expert in custom framing within the store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a dynamic retail role that combines specialized creative work with customer-facing responsibilities. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing specialized skills and advancing within the retail management structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs." (Focus on problem-solving and customer service.)

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about design choices for their custom framing project?" (Highlight consultative selling and design thinking.)

• "Imagine a customer is unhappy with their framing order. How would you handle this situation?" (Demonstrate conflict resolution and adherence to SOPs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels and our commitment to creativity?" (Research the company's mission and values.)

• "How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment?" (Showcase time management and prioritization skills.)

• "Why are you interested in custom framing and design?" (Express passion for the creative aspect of the role.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have examples of custom framing or design work, be prepared to walk through your process, design choices, and the outcome.

• For sales roles, be ready to discuss your approach to meeting sales goals and building customer relationships, using specific examples.

• Focus on how your skills and experience align with Michaels' values of creativity, customer service, and teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, a creative mindset, an ability to follow processes, and a genuine interest in custom framing and the Michaels brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers website.

• Customize your resume: Highlight any experience in customer service, sales, retail, or creative arts. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "exceeded sales targets by X%").

• Prepare for interview questions: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to customer service, sales, and problem-solving.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with their products, services (especially custom framing), and company values. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Showcase your creative side: If you have relevant creative projects or framing experience, be ready to discuss them enthusiastically.

⚠️ 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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