Retail Framer (Part-time)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Framer (Part-time)

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Charleston-832 Orleans Rd, Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales & Service

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for building strong customer relationships through personalized custom framing solutions.

• Drive sales and production results within the framing department by leveraging consultative selling techniques.

• Maintain visual merchandising standards for the ready-made frame department and other assigned store areas.

• Ensure operational efficiency by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for stocking, inventory, and cash handling.

• Contribute to a positive and safe retail environment through excellent customer service and adherence to safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a part-time, on-site position within a retail environment, focusing on custom framing services. The core function combines direct customer engagement, sales, and production within a specialized department. The "Retail Framer" title suggests a hands-on role involving both customer interaction and the physical creation of framed items. The emphasis on "building customer relationships" and "creating a memorable framing solution" points towards a consultative sales approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships by actively engaging them and understanding their framing needs.
  • Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to provide expert consultation and propose tailored custom framing solutions.
  • Drive sales performance by meeting or exceeding personal sales and production targets for custom framing orders.
  • Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and offer solutions to enhance their shopping experience.

• Production & Quality Assurance:

  • Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality, ensuring they meet customer expectations and company standards.
  • Operate framing equipment, including glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure all framing orders are completed on time according to established production schedules.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the visual presentation of the ready-made frame department, ensuring it is clean, organized, and well-merchandised.
  • Manage and execute SISO (Store-Initiated, Store-Ordered) and Directed Replenishment processes to maintain optimal inventory levels.
  • Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking processes, adhering to established truck standards and budget guidelines.
  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures according to company standards, ensuring accuracy and security.

• Safety & Compliance:

  • Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and requirements.
  • Support and actively participate in shrink and safety programs to minimize loss and ensure a secure working environment.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment for both customers and team members.

• Team Collaboration & Support:

  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging situations.

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

  • Assist with Omni-channel processes as needed to support seamless customer experiences across all channels.

  • Perform other duties as assigned to support store operations and team goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct customer interaction (sales, relationship building) and hands-on production (framing, equipment operation). The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "SISO/Directed Replenishment" are specific operational processes that candidates should be aware of. The role requires adherence to SOPs, which is critical in retail operations for consistency and compliance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a preference for retail or sales environments.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide friendly, helpful, and engaging customer service.

• Basic Measuring & Math Skills: Accurate ability to measure and perform basic calculations for framing orders.

• Equipment Operation: Capability to learn and safely operate framing equipment, including a glass cutter.

• Basic Computer Proficiency: Familiarity with basic computer functions for order entry and point-of-sale (POS) systems.

• Merchandising Acumen: Ability to maintain visually appealing and well-stocked displays.

• Adherence to Procedures: Strong commitment to following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact positively and respectfully with customers and team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a retail sales environment, particularly with consultative selling.

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Familiarity with framing techniques, materials, and processes.

• Inventory Management: Experience with stock management, replenishment, and inventory control.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Demonstrated accuracy and reliability in handling monetary transactions.

• Heat Press Operation: Experience operating a heat press, particularly in a production or craft setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize foundational skills necessary for a retail environment and the specific demands of a framing role. Basic computer and measuring skills are highlighted as essential, alongside the ability to operate specialized equipment. The preference for retail sales experience and custom framing knowledge suggests that candidates with prior exposure to these areas will be more competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Service Success Stories: Document instances where exceptional customer service led to positive outcomes, such as repeat business or strong customer loyalty. Focus on how you understood customer needs and provided effective solutions.

• Sales Achievement Examples: Showcase any quantifiable sales achievements, particularly in a consultative sales context. Highlight how you identified customer needs and recommended appropriate products or services (e.g., custom framing options).

• Process Adherence Examples: Provide examples of how you have successfully followed established procedures (SOPs) in previous roles, especially those related to order processing, inventory management, or safety protocols.

• Quality of Work Samples: While a formal portfolio might not be required for this role, candidates can verbally describe or provide brief examples of work demonstrating attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, relevant to custom framing or similar precise tasks.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of retail workflows, from customer interaction and order taking to production and completion.

• SOP Application: Demonstrate an ability to learn and apply Standard Operating Procedures effectively, ensuring consistency and compliance in all tasks.

• Measurement & Accuracy: Highlight your ability to work with precision, whether in measuring for frames, calculating costs, or handling transactions accurately.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level to junior role like this, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate their skills in customer service, sales, and process adherence. Demonstrating an understanding of how processes contribute to overall store efficiency and customer satisfaction will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for vacation, sick days, or personal needs.

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, a significant perk for employees.

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: Options for 401(k) or similar retirement savings programs.

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

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, with expected working hours typically ranging from 15-25 hours per week, depending on store needs and employee availability. The role requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings, as is common in retail environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on typical compensation for part-time retail roles with specialized duties in the specified region. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, performance, and specific store needs. The benefits listed are comprehensive and align with what Michaels typically offers, even for part-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally)

Founded: 1973

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The role is situated within a retail store environment, with a primary focus on the Custom Framing department.

• Reporting Structure: Retail Framers typically report to a Framing Department Manager or a Store Manager, who oversee daily operations and team performance.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on framing, team members collaborate with other store associates for customer assistance, inventory management, and Omni-channel fulfillment.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing personalized solutions, particularly in custom framing.

• Process Standardization: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensures consistent service delivery, quality, and operational efficiency across all stores.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While this role is hands-on, operational data (sales, production metrics) informs performance expectations and team goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates as a large, established retailer in the arts and crafts sector. The culture likely emphasizes creativity, customer service, and operational efficiency. The structure within a retail store means collaboration with various departments and adherence to corporate-driven operational standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• Entry-Level/Junior Specialist: This role is considered entry-level within the operations framework of a retail store. It focuses on executing specific tasks related to customer service, sales, and production within a defined department. The scope is generally limited to direct responsibilities and immediate store operations.

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

• Revenue Generation: Directly contributes to store revenue through custom framing sales and upselling ready-made frame products.

• Customer Loyalty: Plays a crucial role in customer satisfaction and retention by providing high-quality framing solutions and excellent service, encouraging repeat business.

• Brand Representation: Acts as a brand ambassador, embodying Michaels' commitment to creativity and customer care.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become a skilled custom framer, mastering techniques and materials.

• Sales Development: Potential to grow into roles with higher sales targets and consultative selling responsibilities.

• Team Leadership: Advancement to Assistant Department Manager or Department Manager roles within framing or other store departments.

• Cross-Departmental Roles: Potential to move into other areas of store operations, such as visual merchandising or inventory management.

• Corporate Opportunities: For exceptional performers, opportunities may arise in corporate roles related to merchandising, product development, or training.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a foundational position within Michaels' retail operations. Growth opportunities are primarily within the retail store structure, focusing on developing specialized skills and moving into supervisory or management roles. The emphasis is on mastering current responsibilities and demonstrating potential for increased scope and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public Retail Store Setting

Office Location(s): Charleston-832 Orleans Rd, Charleston, South Carolina. Additional locations across the US and Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Area: A significant portion of the role involves interacting with customers on the sales floor and within the custom framing consultation area.

• Production Area: The frame shop is a dedicated workspace equipped with framing tools, a glass cutter, and a heat press, requiring careful attention to safety and organization.

• Stock Room: May involve working in stock rooms, which may not always be climate-controlled, for receiving and organizing inventory.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The environment encourages interaction with fellow team members to ensure smooth store operations and customer support.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and potentially early mornings. Part-time hours are expected, with a need to cover various shifts based on business demand. The environment is dynamic, with constant customer interaction and operational tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail store, balancing customer interaction with production tasks. The frame shop itself presents specific environmental considerations due to the tools and materials used. Flexibility in scheduling is a key requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an online application followed by a brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: An interview at the store location, potentially including a tour of the framing department.

• Skills Assessment: May involve a practical demonstration of basic measuring skills or a discussion about how you would handle specific customer scenarios.

• Behavioral Questions: Questions focused on customer service, problem-solving, teamwork, and adherence to procedures.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Store Manager or Framing Manager to discuss fit with company culture and role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Verbal Examples: Since a formal portfolio might not be required, prepare to discuss specific examples of your customer service, sales, and problem-solving skills using the STAR method.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in the arts, crafts, and custom framing. Express your desire to help customers bring their creative visions to life.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any experience with custom work, attention to detail, or working with tools and equipment.

• Process Awareness: Be ready to talk about why following procedures (SOPs) is important in a retail environment and how you ensure accuracy in your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where a customer has a unique framing request or a challenging situation. Outline how you would approach it, focusing on understanding their needs and finding a solution within store capabilities.

• Process Adherence: Discuss how you would ensure accuracy when taking measurements or processing an order, highlighting your attention to detail.

• Teamwork: Be ready to describe how you would collaborate with other team members to ensure the store runs smoothly and customers receive excellent service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely focused on assessing practical skills, customer service aptitude, and cultural fit for a retail environment. Candidates should be prepared to provide concrete examples of their abilities and demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and the company's mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Standard framing tools, including mat cutters, saws, and potentially specialized cutting tools.

• Glass Cutter: Essential for custom glass sizing for frames.

• Heat Press: Used for specific framing applications, potentially for mounting or sealing.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and other precision measuring devices.

• Safety Equipment: Gloves, eye protection, and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales data, and potentially customer orders.

• Inventory Management Software: Used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and processing incoming inventory.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Elements: While not a dedicated CRM role, customer interactions and order history may be tracked through the POS system to foster repeat business.

• Order Management System: Integrated with the POS, used for tracking custom framing orders from creation to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on the specialized tools required for custom framing production and the standard retail operational systems (POS, inventory management). Proficiency in learning and operating these tools efficiently and safely is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Michaels values fostering creativity and inspiring customers to pursue their artistic endeavors. This role supports that by helping customers preserve and display their art.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service, building relationships, and exceeding expectations.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing solutions that meet professional standards.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Encouraging a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve store goals.

• Efficiency & Execution: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational guidelines to ensure smooth store functioning and timely order fulfillment.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Helpful: Team members are expected to assist each other in serving customers, managing tasks, and ensuring the store operates efficiently.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often involves working within defined processes and SOPs to maintain consistency and quality.

• Customer-First Mentality: All team efforts are geared towards providing a positive and enriching experience for customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely reflects a blend of creative passion, customer service dedication, and disciplined operational execution. Team members are expected to be both creative problem-solvers and diligent process followers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to engage customers, close sales, and simultaneously produce high-quality framing orders.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Meeting the unique and sometimes complex framing requirements of a wide range of customers.

• Maintaining Quality Under Pressure: Ensuring consistent quality and accuracy in framing while working within time constraints and high-volume periods.

• Learning Specialized Equipment: Mastering the operation and maintenance of framing tools, glass cutters, and heat presses safely and efficiently.

• Adapting to Retail Demands: Staying current with product offerings, promotions, and Omni-channel fulfillment requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Deepen knowledge of framing techniques, materials, conservation methods, and design principles.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhance consultative selling techniques, customer relationship management, and problem-solving abilities.

• Operational Proficiency: Gain experience in retail inventory management, visual merchandising, and POS system operation.

• Product Knowledge: Develop comprehensive understanding of Michaels' product lines, especially in the framing and art supply categories.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities to develop specialized skills in custom framing and retail operations. The challenges are typical of a hands-on retail position that requires both customer interaction and production work. Growth is focused on becoming an expert in the department and potentially moving into leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Be ready to describe how you would handle a customer who is unsure about framing options, or a customer who is unhappy with a completed order. Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and adherence to company policy.

• Sales Approach: Explain your approach to consultative selling. How would you identify a customer's needs and recommend the best framing solution for their artwork and budget?

• Process & Accuracy: Discuss the importance of accuracy in measuring and production. How would you ensure you are following SOPs correctly, especially when operating equipment like a glass cutter?

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal in a retail or customer service setting.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: Why Michaels? What interests you about working in a creative retail environment, specifically in custom framing?

• Company Values: How do you align with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork?

• Adaptability: How do you handle working in a fast-paced retail environment with shifting priorities and customer demands?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Case Studies: Prepare 2-3 brief stories using the STAR method that highlight your customer service, sales, or problem-solving skills. For example:

  • Situation: A customer brought in a valuable piece of art with specific preservation needs.
  • Task: Your task was to advise them on the best framing solution that met their aesthetic and preservation requirements.
  • Action: You consulted product guides, discussed archival materials, and presented options clearly.
  • Result: The customer was satisfied with the recommended solution and proceeded with the order, expressing confidence in your expertise.

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your attention to detail, ability to learn new tools, and passion for helping customers.

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Convey your excitement about the creative aspect of custom framing and your desire to contribute to customers' artistic projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong customer service ethic, an aptitude for sales, attention to detail for production, and a genuine interest in the creative aspects of Michaels. Being able to articulate experiences using the STAR method will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Michaels Careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any sales achievements, and any hands-on or production-related skills. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "custom framing," "merchandising," and "equipment operation."

• Prepare Your "Portfolio" Stories: Develop specific examples using the STAR method to illustrate your abilities in customer interaction, problem-solving, and adherence to procedures. Be ready to share these verbally during the interview.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings, particularly their custom framing services. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions focusing on customer service, sales, teamwork, and your understanding of retail operations and the importance of SOPs.

⚠️ 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.