Retail Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Store - 1430 Gracy Center Way Ste 300, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for building and maintaining strong customer relationships through personalized framing consultations and solutions.

• Drive sales and production targets by effectively promoting custom framing services and utilizing the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology.

• Ensure high-quality, on-time completion of all custom framing orders, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Maintain the visual standards of the ready-made frame department, SISO (Sales in Stock Out), and Directed Replenishment to enhance the customer shopping experience.

• Contribute to overall store operations, including customer assistance, inventory management, cash handling, and omni-channel processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Retail Framer," the responsibilities indicate a blend of sales, customer service, and operational duties within a specialized retail environment. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales approach focused on consultative selling and relationship building, common in custom service retail roles. The role is clearly customer-facing and requires hands-on engagement with product and sales processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and nurture customer relationships by actively engaging them and understanding their custom framing needs.
  • Utilize the Elevated ABC Deliver framework to provide expert consultations, recommend suitable framing solutions, and close sales.
  • Achieve and exceed personal sales and production goals for custom framing services.
  • Acknowledge customers promptly, assist with product location, and offer solutions to enhance their shopping experience.

• Custom Framing Production:

  • Accurately measure, design, and assemble custom framing orders to meet customer specifications and quality standards.
  • Operate framing equipment, including glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure all framing orders are completed on time, meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department according to company standards.
  • Execute SISO (Sales in Stock Out) and Directed Replenishment tasks to ensure product availability and optimize store layout.
  • Assist in the truck un-loading and stocking processes, adhering to established procedures and timelines.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, paying special attention to the framing area.

• Point of Sale & Omni-Channel Support:

  • Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, adhering to all cash handling and transaction standards.
  • Support omni-channel processes, including but not limited to online order fulfillment, buy online pick-up in-store (BOPIS), and ship-from-store initiatives.

• Compliance & Teamwork:

  • Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure legal compliance and operational consistency.

  • Support company-wide shrink and safety programs through diligent practice and reporting.

  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, management, and customers, promoting organizational values and serving as a role model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: a customer-facing sales and design specialist for custom framing, and a general retail associate contributing to store operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" is a key sales methodology that candidates should be prepared to discuss. The operational tasks like truck unloading and SISO indicate a need for efficiency and adherence to process in a fast-paced retail setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of design principles or an aptitude for visual arts is beneficial. High school diploma or equivalent is generally expected for retail roles.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a preference for retail environments. Experience in sales, design, or a craft-related field is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic data entry, and internal company software.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Ability to take accurate measurements for custom framing projects.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Competency in operating framing machinery and tools safely and effectively.

• Glass Cutting: Skill in using a glass cutter for framing applications.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, understand needs, and provide solutions in a retail setting.

• Sales Acumen: Ability to identify sales opportunities, promote products/services, and drive revenue.

• Cash Handling: Accuracy and integrity in processing transactions and managing cash.

• Merchandising Standards: Understanding of visual merchandising principles for retail displays.

• Adherence to SOPs: Commitment to following established procedures and company policies.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a retail sales capacity, particularly in custom or specialized product sales.

• Consultative Selling: Experience in consultative sales approaches, understanding customer needs to offer tailored solutions.

• Product Knowledge (Art/Crafts): Familiarity with art, craft materials, and framing techniques.

• Inventory Management: Basic understanding of stock control and replenishment processes.

• Omni-channel Operations: Experience with integrated online and in-store retail processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2" experience level suggests this role is entry-level, focusing on foundational retail and customer service skills. The "minimum" requirements are directly related to the core framing tasks, while "preferred" skills point towards candidates who can hit the ground running with established sales and retail experience. Candidates should highlight any experience with custom product sales or design consultation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of past projects or achievements that demonstrate:
  • Design Aptitude: Showcase any design projects, custom creations, or visual displays that highlight aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail.
  • Customer Problem-Solving: Examples of how you identified a customer need and provided a successful solution, particularly in a sales or service context.
  • Process Adherence: Instances where you successfully followed specific procedures or SOPs to achieve a desired outcome.
  • Sales Achievements: Quantifiable results from previous sales roles, such as meeting or exceeding targets.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of and experience with:
  • Workflow Design & Optimization: How they approach understanding and executing multi-step processes, such as order fulfillment from consultation to completion.
  • Implementation & Automation: Experience with using tools (even basic ones like POS systems) to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.
  • Measurement & Performance Analysis: How they track their own performance against sales targets or production goals and identify areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail role, a formal portfolio is less critical than the ability to articulate past experiences and demonstrate a foundational understanding of sales, customer service, and process adherence. The "portfolio" here translates to being able to discuss relevant past experiences effectively during the interview, particularly how they managed customer interactions and followed operational procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on national averages for Entry-Level Retail Framers and Sales Associates in the US, with consideration for Michaels' typical compensation structure, the estimated salary range is $14.00 - $18.00 per hour. This estimate considers the blend of sales commission potential (if applicable and not explicitly stated) and hourly wages.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Telemedicine Services
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Financial:

  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Commuter Benefits

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition Assistance
  • Adoption Assistance

• Perks:

  • Employee Discounts on Michaels products

  • Access to Partner Discount Programs Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Work hours will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling is often expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar retail positions in the US and acknowledges that Michaels may offer a combination of base pay and potential incentives for sales roles. The benefits listed are comprehensive and typical for a large retail organization, offering significant value beyond the base compensation. The mention of "40 hours per week" and varied work hours confirms the full-time nature and operational demands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading specialty retailer of arts and crafts in North America, offering a wide variety of products for creative hobbies, DIY projects, and celebrations.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada, with a significant online presence. This indicates a large, established retail organization with a substantial workforce.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history signifies stability and a well-established operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: The Retail Framer will be part of a store team that typically includes a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager(s), Team Leads, and various Sales Associates/Specialists (like the Framer).

• Reporting: Directly reports to store leadership (e.g., Assistant Store Manager or Framing Department Lead, if applicable).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with other store associates to ensure seamless customer service, efficient operations, and effective merchandising across all departments. Collaboration is key for omni-channel tasks and general store support.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on building customer relationships and providing solutions, as emphasized by the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Process-Oriented Operations: Adherence to SOPs for sales, production, inventory, and safety is crucial for consistency and efficiency.

• Data-Driven Merchandising: Utilizing strategies like SISO and Directed Replenishment to optimize product availability and store presentation.

• Team-Based Execution: Success relies on collaborative efforts across the store team to meet daily operational and sales goals.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture is centered around creativity, community, and customer engagement. For a Retail Framer, this translates to a role where artistic expression meets customer service and sales. The company's scale means established processes and clear career paths, but also the need for individuals who can adapt to and execute within those frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is typically considered an Entry-Level Specialist position within the retail operations framework. It involves specific technical skills (framing) combined with customer service and sales responsibilities. It's a foundational role that allows individuals to develop core retail competencies.

Reporting Structure: The Retail Framer reports to store management, likely an Assistant Store Manager or a designated Department Lead, within the store's hierarchical structure. This provides direct supervision and guidance.

Operations Impact: The Retail Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing high-quality products and excellent service. They also influence store appearance and operational efficiency through merchandising and adherence to SOPs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in custom framing, potentially becoming a go-to specialist for complex projects or leading the framing department.

• Sales Advancement: Progress into roles with higher sales targets or commission structures, or move into sales management.

• Retail Management: With experience and demonstrated leadership, opportunities exist to move into roles like Team Lead, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gain experience in other store departments, broadening retail operational knowledge.

• Corporate Opportunities: For exceptional performers, potential pathways to corporate roles in areas like visual merchandising, buying, or operations support may exist over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a strong stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in retail, particularly in specialized sales and operations. The growth opportunities are clearly defined within the retail hierarchy, emphasizing hands-on experience and customer engagement as key drivers for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Public Retail Store Setting. The primary work environment is the sales floor and the dedicated framing shop within the store.

Office Location(s): The specific location mentioned is Store - 1430 Gracy Center Way Ste 300, United States. Michaels operates numerous locations across the US and Canada, indicating potential for transfer or varied assignments depending on company needs and individual aspirations.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Areas: The sales floor and custom framing consultation area are climate-controlled and designed for customer interaction.

• Framing Shop: This area contains specialized equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols. It may have more controlled environmental conditions than stock rooms.

• Stock Rooms & Back Areas: Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled. Outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck un-loads.

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates constant interaction with customers and fellow team members, fostering a dynamic and team-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility, with work hours including nights, weekends, and early mornings to cover all operational periods of the store. This is a full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail store, demanding physical stamina and adaptability. The framing shop is a specialized workspace requiring technical proficiency and safety awareness, distinct from general sales floor duties.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a Retail Framer at Michaels typically involves:

• Initial Screening: Application review and potential phone screen by HR or a hiring manager.

• In-Person Interview: This usually involves meeting with the Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager. It will likely include:

  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability.
  • Situational Questions: Presenting scenarios related to customer interactions, sales challenges, or operational issues to gauge candidate response.
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion of framing equipment operation, measuring skills, and basic computer/POS usage.
  • Sales Focus: Questions about sales experience, customer engagement, and ability to meet targets.

• Potential Second Interview or Team Meet-and-Greet: May involve meeting other team members or a brief assessment of fit within the store culture.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• No Formal Portfolio Required: For this entry-level role, a physical or digital portfolio is not typically expected.

• Prepare Anecdotal Evidence: Instead, be ready to share specific examples (stories) from past experiences that demonstrate:

  • Customer Service Successes: How you went above and beyond for a customer.
  • Sales Wins: How you successfully closed a sale or met a target.
  • Problem-Solving Scenarios: How you handled a difficult customer or an operational challenge.
  • Technical Aptitude: How you learned to use new tools or equipment.

• Highlight Framing Interest/Skills: If you have personal experience with framing, art, or crafts, be prepared to discuss it enthusiastically.

Challenge Preparation:

• Role-Playing: Be prepared for potential role-playing scenarios where you might demonstrate customer engagement, sales pitching, or problem-solving.

• Situational Judgment: Think about how you would handle common retail situations, such as a customer asking for a product that's out of stock, a customer unhappy with a framing order, or a busy period with multiple customer needs.

• Company Knowledge: Research Michaels' mission, values, and current promotions to show genuine interest. Understand their focus on creativity and customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess practical skills, customer-facing abilities, and cultural fit within a retail environment. Candidates should focus on preparing clear, concise stories that highlight their relevant experiences and demonstrate their potential to succeed in the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Includes specialized machinery for cutting, assembling, and finishing frames.

• Glass Cutter: Essential tool for precise glass sizing.

• Heat Press: Used in some framing processes for adhesion or finishing.

• Cash Register/POS System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer accounts, and potentially inventory lookups.

• Basic Computer Software: For internal communications, training modules, and potential inventory management tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• POS Data: Sales performance, transaction details, and customer purchase history are tracked via the POS system.

• Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and conducting cycle counts.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Lite: The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a structured approach to customer interaction that functions similarly to basic CRM principles, focusing on building rapport and tracking customer needs/preferences.

• Order Management Systems: Integrated with POS to track custom framing orders from placement through completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on point-of-sale transactions, specialized framing equipment, and basic computer systems. The emphasis is on functional operation rather than complex data analysis or system integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Michaels champions creativity, encouraging team members and customers alike to explore their artistic potential.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on building relationships, providing solutions, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Success is built on collective effort, with associates supporting each other to achieve store goals.

• Efficiency & Quality: Delivering high-quality products and services while adhering to operational processes and timelines.

• Respect & Inclusion: Commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all team members and customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-On Support: Team members are expected to assist each other, whether it's helping a customer on the sales floor, supporting a framing order, or participating in store upkeep.

• Process-Driven Communication: Information and feedback are often shared through established channels, SOPs, and direct communication with leadership.

• Shared Goals: A collective drive to meet sales targets, maintain store standards, and ensure a positive customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is geared towards fostering a positive, creative, and customer-centric environment. Team members are expected to be collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to upholding the company's brand promise of inspiring creativity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales while also dedicating time to high-quality framing production.

• Meeting Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of artistic tastes, budgets, and framing requirements.

• Pace of Retail: Handling busy periods with multiple customer demands, order fulfillment, and general store tasks simultaneously.

• Learning Specialized Skills: Mastering the technical aspects of custom framing and operating specialized equipment safely and efficiently.

• Seasonal Peaks: Adapting to increased customer traffic and demand during holiday seasons and popular crafting periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Becoming a skilled artisan in custom framing, learning advanced techniques and design principles.

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

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining experience in merchandising, inventory control, POS systems, and omni-channel processes.

• Product Knowledge: Expanding understanding of art supplies, materials, and trends relevant to framing and crafting.

• Potential for Leadership: Building a foundation for future growth into team lead or management roles within the store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a specialized retail role that combines technical skill with customer interaction and sales. The growth opportunities are focused on developing both specialized craft skills and broader retail operational and sales competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service & Sales: "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult customer. How did you resolve the situation?" or "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing choices?"

  • Preparation: Prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples showcasing excellent customer service, problem-solving, and sales success. Emphasize empathy, active listening, and solution-oriented approaches.

• Technical Aptitude & Process: "What is your experience with tools or machinery similar to framing equipment?" or "How do you ensure accuracy when taking measurements or following instructions?"

  • Preparation: Highlight any experience with tools, crafts, or detailed tasks. If no direct framing experience, emphasize your ability to learn quickly, follow instructions precisely, and your attention to detail.

• Teamwork & Adaptability: "Tell me about a time you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a goal." or "How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands?"

  • Preparation: Prepare examples demonstrating collaboration, willingness to help colleagues, and ability to manage time effectively under pressure.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, specifically in a framing role?"

  • Preparation: Research Michaels' mission, values (creativity, community), and their position as a leader in arts and crafts. Connect your personal interests or skills to their brand.

• "What do you know about custom framing or our products?"

  • Preparation: Briefly review the Michaels website, particularly the custom framing section, to understand their offerings and style.

• "How do you think your skills would contribute to our store's success?"

  • Preparation: Link your customer service, sales, and any creative/technical abilities directly to the responsibilities of the Retail Framer role and the store's goals.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Anecdotes: Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to "walk through" your resume and past experiences verbally.

• Highlight Key Achievements: For each relevant past role, be ready to briefly describe your responsibilities and highlight specific accomplishments related to customer service, sales, or problem-solving.

• Showcase Enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in art, crafts, and helping customers bring their creative visions to life through framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview focus will be on practical skills, customer interaction, sales potential, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare concrete examples that demonstrate their ability to perform the core duties and align with Michaels' values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any experience in customer service, sales, retail, or hands-on craft/design work. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "framing," "merchandising," and "POS systems."

• Prepare Your "Verbal Portfolio": Think of specific examples from your past work or life experiences that demonstrate your ability to build customer relationships, solve problems, handle transactions, and learn new skills. Be ready to share these using the STAR method.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and the custom framing services they offer. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on providing clear, concise, and impactful examples that showcase your suitability for the Retail Framer role.

⚠️ 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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