Retail Framer Team Member

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Framer Team Member

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Birmingham-5271 Hwy 280 S, Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing

Date Posted: 2026-06-11

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered around providing exceptional customer service within a retail environment, specifically focusing on custom framing solutions.

• Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, understanding their needs for art and memorabilia framing, and translating those needs into high-quality custom framing orders.

• The position also involves maintaining store standards, including merchandising, stock replenishment, and ensuring a safe and clean shopping environment for customers.

• Operations aspects include managing the framing production process, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and assisting with various retail operational tasks such as cash handling and omni-channel fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Retail Framer Team Member," the core responsibilities blend customer-facing sales with production and operational duties, characteristic of a retail environment with a specialized service component. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales methodology for custom framing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships by actively engaging with shoppers, understanding their custom framing needs for artwork, photos, and memorabilia.
  • Utilize a consultative sales approach, leveraging "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to present framing options, materials, and design recommendations that meet customer aesthetic and functional requirements.
  • Drive sales performance by effectively closing custom framing orders and promoting related products or services.

• Custom Framing Production:

  • Accurately measure artwork and customer items for custom framing projects.
  • Operate specialized framing equipment, including mat cutters, glass cutters, and potentially heat presses, with precision and adherence to safety standards.
  • Produce high-quality custom framing orders within established timelines and production SOPs, ensuring customer satisfaction with the final product.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, as well as other assigned areas, ensuring products are organized, appealing, and readily available.
  • Execute directed replenishment and SISO (Sales In Store Out of Store) processes to ensure optimal inventory levels and product availability.
  • Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all store operations, including cash handling, opening/closing procedures, and inventory management.

• Customer Service & Store Maintenance:

  • Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, answering inquiries, and resolving issues to enhance the overall shopping experience.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, including the framing area, sales floor, and stock rooms, by performing regular cleaning and organization tasks.
  • Participate actively in truck unloads and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to company standards and efficient inventory processing.

• Omni-Channel Support:

  • Assist with omni-channel processes, which may include fulfilling online orders, managing ship-from-store operations, or assisting customers with in-store pickup of online purchases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: a "designer" for custom framing and a general "team member" for store operations. The emphasis on SOPs, sales targets, and omni-channel support indicates a structured retail operational framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific educational degree is listed as a minimum requirement. Focus is on practical skills and on-the-job training. Experience:

• Minimum Experience:

  • Demonstrated basic computer skills for system navigation and order entry.
  • Proficiency in basic measuring skills for accurate project specifications.
  • Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively.

• Preferred Experience:

  • Prior experience in a retail environment, understanding store operations and customer interaction.

  • Proven experience in selling products and/or services, with a consultative approach to customer needs. Required Skills:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters, along with basic measuring skills.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to build customer relationships, provide solutions, and deliver friendly service.

• Sales Acumen: Experience in selling products/services, with a focus on understanding customer needs and offering appropriate solutions.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Ability to operate a cash register and execute cash handling procedures accurately and according to standards.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Understanding of store maintenance, merchandising, and stock replenishment processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Familiarity with a wider range of framing materials, techniques, and design principles.

• Visual Merchandising: Skill in creating appealing product displays and maintaining department presentation standards.

• Inventory Management: Experience with stock replenishment, SISO, and ensuring product availability.

• Omni-Channel Fulfillment: Familiarity with processes for online order fulfillment and in-store pickup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on skills and customer interaction abilities over formal education. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that training will be provided for specialized tasks like framing equipment operation and sales methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Framing Project Examples: Showcase a range of custom framing projects, highlighting complexity, material choices, and aesthetic considerations. Include before-and-after visuals if possible.

• Sales Process Documentation: If applicable, document a typical sales cycle for a custom framing order, illustrating customer consultation, needs assessment, solution presentation, and closing.

• System Navigation: Demonstrate familiarity with basic computer systems, order entry interfaces, or POS systems that might be used for customer transactions and order management.

• Efficiency Improvements (Conceptual): While formal process documentation might not be expected at this level, candidates can articulate how they would approach improving efficiency in framing production or customer consultation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Articulate understanding of workflow for custom framing orders, from initial consultation through production and final delivery.

• Quality Control: Describe steps taken to ensure the quality and accuracy of framing orders, aligning with SOPs.

• Customer Interaction Flows: Detail how customer interactions are managed from greeting to problem resolution, emphasizing customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role focused on custom framing and retail operations, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required. However, candidates who can articulate their understanding of the framing process, sales interactions, and operational efficiency through examples or conceptual explanations will stand out. The focus is on demonstrating a foundational understanding and a willingness to learn.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the PART_TIME employment type, entry-level experience, and the nature of retail work in Birmingham, Alabama, the estimated hourly wage range is approximately $11.00 - $14.00 per hour. This range is derived from research into similar retail associate and framing specialist positions in the Birmingham metropolitan area, considering factors such as cost of living, industry benchmarks for entry-level roles, and the specific skill set required for custom framing. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans are available.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued PTO for eligible team members.

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

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for 401(k) or similar plans.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.

Working Hours:

• This is a PART_TIME position. Specific hours will vary based on store needs, including nights, weekends, and early mornings. The role may require up to 40 hours per week, but actual hours will be determined by scheduling and business demands. Flexibility in availability is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general retail industry averages for part-time, entry-level positions in the specified region. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, performance, and specific store policies. The benefits listed are standard for Michaels and are often provided to part-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, offering a wide range of craft supplies, home décor, and custom framing services.

Company Size: Large (over 1,300 stores in North America). This scale implies established operational processes, standardized training programs, and a structured corporate hierarchy.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has developed a deep understanding of its market and customer base, fostering a culture that values creativity, community, and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Retail Framer Team Member will be part of a store-level team, reporting to store leadership (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or Framing Department Manager).

• They will collaborate closely with fellow sales associates, cashiers, and other department specialists.

• The structure is hierarchical within the store, but emphasizes teamwork and cross-functional support to ensure smooth store operations and excellent customer service across all departments. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: While this role is customer-facing, Michaels likely uses sales data, inventory metrics, and customer feedback to inform operational decisions, merchandising strategies, and staffing.

• Process Optimization: Adherence to SOPs is critical, suggesting a focus on standardized processes for efficiency, consistency, and compliance. Continuous improvement efforts may involve refining these SOPs.

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company's purpose ("to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration") underscores a commitment to customer experience, influencing how sales and service interactions are conducted.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around creativity, community, and customer focus. For an operations role, this translates to a need for individuals who are not only process-oriented but also adept at customer engagement and fostering a positive, creative atmosphere within the store.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level position within retail operations, specifically focused on the custom framing department. It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to gain experience in customer service, sales, and specialized retail production.

Reporting Structure: The Retail Framer Team Member typically reports to the Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a designated Department Lead/Manager within the store. This structure allows for direct supervision and feedback on performance, adherence to SOPs, and sales targets.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and general retail sales. It also influences customer satisfaction and loyalty through quality of work, service, and store presentation. Efficient operations in the framing department and on the sales floor contribute to overall store profitability and brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Within Framing Specialization: Potential to advance to a Framing Specialist or Department Lead role, taking on more responsibility for production, inventory, and team training within the framing department.

• Cross-Departmental Advancement: Opportunity to move into other retail roles within Michaels, such as Visual Merchandising, Inventory Management, or Customer Service Lead, by demonstrating strong operational skills and customer service capabilities.

• Management Track: With consistent performance and development, progression to Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager positions is possible, requiring broader leadership, operational, and financial management skills.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in custom framing techniques, sales strategies, and retail operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the primary growth path involves mastering the core responsibilities, excelling in customer service and sales, and demonstrating operational proficiency. Opportunities exist for specialization within framing or broader advancement into store management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates within a public retail store setting, specifically within the Birmingham-Brook Highland location. The environment includes a customer-facing sales floor and a dedicated frame shop area.

Office Location(s): 5271 Hwy 280 S, Birmingham, Alabama. This is a physical retail location, requiring on-site presence.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The primary workspace involves direct interaction with customers on the sales floor and within the framing consultation area.

• Production Area: The frame shop is a specialized workspace equipped with tools like mat cutters, glass cutters, and potentially heat presses, requiring adherence to safety protocols.

• Stock Room: Access to stock rooms for inventory management and replenishment, which may not always be climate-controlled.

• Collaborative Environment: Team members work together to manage store operations, assist customers, and maintain store standards, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is flexible and part-time, with the expectation of working nights, weekends, and early mornings as dictated by store operating hours and business needs. Availability across various shifts is a key requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, requiring adaptability to customer needs, production demands, and general retail operations. The frame shop itself presents a unique workspace with specialized equipment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application and resume to assess basic qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves one or more interviews with store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager). This stage will focus on behavioral questions, assessing customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): Candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss their understanding of framing processes. A practical exercise or a role-playing scenario involving customer interaction might be included.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion of compensation, benefits, and onboarding process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Framing Examples: If available, bring visual examples of framing projects you have completed, highlighting your skills and attention to detail. This could be photos or physical pieces.

• Document Sales Approach: Be prepared to discuss how you approach customer sales, particularly in a consultative setting like custom framing. Use examples to illustrate your process.

• Articulate Operational Understanding: Discuss your experience with retail operations, merchandising, and inventory. If you lack direct framing experience, emphasize transferable skills and your eagerness to learn the specific processes.

• Highlight Customer Service Skills: Prepare examples of how you have successfully resolved customer issues or built rapport with customers in previous roles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario Role-Play: Practice how you would handle common customer interactions: greeting customers, identifying needs, recommending solutions, and addressing concerns or complaints.

• Problem-Solving Questions: Be ready to answer questions about how you would handle difficult situations, such as a customer dissatisfied with a framing order or a stock discrepancy.

• Operational Process Discussion: Think about how you would ensure a clean and well-merchandised store, manage inventory, or handle cash transactions efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the interview process will likely emphasize practical skills, customer service orientation, and a demonstration of how candidates can learn and apply the company's specific framing and sales methodologies. A formal portfolio may not be required, but a candidate's ability to articulate their skills and experience with relevant examples will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Mat cutters, glass cutters, framing assembly tools, potentially heat presses for specific applications.

• POS System: For processing sales transactions, handling cash, managing customer accounts, and potentially order entry.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., email, word processing) for communication and potentially internal system navigation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data: Understanding of basic sales metrics and reporting, often accessed through the POS system, to track personal and store performance.

• Inventory Systems: Familiarity with systems used for tracking stock levels, processing incoming shipments, and managing replenishment.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicit, the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a CRM-like approach to customer interactions, tracking preferences, and building loyalty. Basic customer account management may be part of the POS system.

• Omni-Channel Platforms: Systems that support online order management, ship-from-store, and in-store pickup processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on direct customer interaction and operational efficiency within a retail setting. While advanced analytics or automation tools are unlikely to be primary responsibilities, an understanding of how these tools support retail operations is beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, emphasizing the need to create memorable experiences and provide solutions that meet customer needs. This translates to attentive service, active listening, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels fosters an environment where creativity is celebrated. Team members are encouraged to embrace innovative solutions and share their passion for arts and crafts.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Success depends on collective effort. Team members are expected to support each other, share responsibilities, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

• Efficiency & Accuracy: In operations, particularly in framing production and inventory management, accuracy and adherence to processes are vital for quality, cost control, and customer satisfaction.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings and treating colleagues and customers with respect, promoting an inclusive and accepting environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Team members are expected to assist across different store functions as needed, from customer service to stocking, ensuring smooth daily operations.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue to share ideas, address challenges, and ensure everyone is aligned on store goals and customer needs.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that values constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team processes, particularly within the framing department and on the sales floor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Michaels is a blend of fostering creativity and ensuring operational excellence. For a Retail Framer Team Member, this means being personable, creative, and detail-oriented, while also being a reliable contributor to the store's overall operational success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

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

• Customer Expectations Management: Meeting diverse customer expectations for design, budget, and turnaround time for custom framing projects.

• Learning Specialized Skills: Acquiring proficiency with framing equipment and mastering the consultative sales approach for custom framing.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and working with tools that require dexterity and care.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Mastery: Comprehensive training on framing techniques, materials, design principles, and the effective use of framing equipment.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Development in consultative selling, relationship building, and advanced customer service techniques through company training programs.

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

• Career Progression Pathways: Opportunities to advance within the framing department, other store roles, or into management positions through demonstrated performance and company development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a specialized retail role that combines direct customer interaction with production. The growth opportunities are structured to support skill development and career advancement within the Michaels organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Consultation: "Describe your process for consulting with a customer who wants to frame a valuable piece of art. What questions would you ask, and how would you present options?" (Focus on listening, needs assessment, and solution-oriented recommendations).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a customer is unhappy with a custom framing order they received. How would you handle this situation to ensure customer satisfaction while adhering to company policy?" (Demonstrate empathy, problem-solving skills, and adherence to SOPs).

• Sales Approach: "How do you approach selling a product or service where the customer may not initially know exactly what they need?" (Highlight consultative selling, product knowledge, and building trust).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and specifically in a custom framing role?" (Connect your interests to creativity, art, customer service, and the company's mission).

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal." (Provide examples of collaboration, support, and shared responsibility).

• Operational Awareness: "How do you ensure a retail environment is well-merchandised and stocked?" (Discuss your understanding of visual standards, inventory management, and proactive task completion).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: If you have examples of framing work, present them clearly, explaining the design choices, materials used, and the customer's objective.

• Highlight Transferable Skills: If you lack direct framing experience, emphasize your customer service, sales, problem-solving, and any relevant technical or hands-on skills from previous roles.

• Demonstrate Eagerness to Learn: Express enthusiasm for learning the specific framing techniques and sales processes that Michaels uses. Show that you are coachable and ready to absorb new information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strong customer service skills, a proactive approach to sales, a willingness to learn specialized craft skills, and an understanding of retail operational best practices.

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📌 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, visual merchandising, or hands-on craft/production roles. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "increased sales by X%," "handled Y customer transactions daily").

• Prepare Your Talking Points: Be ready to discuss your understanding of custom framing, customer service best practices, and your motivation for joining Michaels. Practice answering common interview questions related to sales, problem-solving, and teamwork.

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

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about the role, team, training, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.