Retail FT Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail FT Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Store - 2101 W Broadway, Columbia, Missouri, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: September 08, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing exceptional customer service within a retail environment, specifically specializing in custom framing solutions.

• The position requires a blend of sales acumen, artistic/design sensibility, and operational efficiency to meet both customer needs and business objectives.

• Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, executing framing orders with precision, and contributing to overall store operations and merchandising standards.

• Success in this role is measured by sales performance, production quality, customer satisfaction, and adherence to company policies and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on retail and framing, the role's emphasis on customer solutions, order fulfillment, and adherence to SOPs suggests a need for strong operational execution within a specialized retail segment. This makes it relevant to candidates interested in specialized retail operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Solutioning:

  • Build and foster strong customer relationships by actively engaging them and understanding their framing needs and vision.
  • Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to guide customers through custom framing options, ensuring a memorable and personalized experience.
  • Provide expert advice on framing solutions, materials, and design to meet customer expectations and enhance artwork.

• Sales & Production Execution:

  • Drive sales performance by effectively selling custom framing products and services, meeting or exceeding sales targets.
  • Accurately complete custom framing orders, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and timely delivery according to established standards.
  • Operate framing equipment, including saws, mat cutters, and assembly tools, with precision and adherence to safety protocols.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, as well as other assigned areas, including SISO (Single Item Single Out) and Directed Replenishment.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment that enhances the customer shopping experience.
  • Assist with all aspects of store operations, including truck unloads, stocking processes, and adhering to truck standards.

• Customer Service & Transaction Management:

  • Deliver friendly and helpful customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions.
  • Accurately operate the cash register and execute all cash handling procedures to company standards.
  • Support Omni-channel processes, which may include assisting with online order fulfillment or in-store pickup.

• Adherence to Policies & Procedures:

  • Strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws, requirements, and company policies.

  • Actively participate in and support company shrink and safety programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on operational role within a retail setting, requiring specific technical skills (framing equipment, glass cutting) alongside customer-facing sales and service. The emphasis on SOPs and safety is critical for operational roles in any industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific degree is listed; however, a strong understanding of basic math and measurement is implied by the "measuring skills" requirement. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within a retail environment.

• Demonstrated ability to learn and operate specialized equipment.

• Experience in sales or consultative selling is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to navigate point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and potentially design tools.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Precision in taking measurements for custom framing projects.

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency or ability to quickly learn to operate framing equipment, including mat cutters and potentially saws.

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, understand needs, and provide solutions with a positive and helpful attitude.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for selling products and services, building relationships, and driving revenue.

• Adherence to SOPs: Commitment to following established procedures for operations, safety, and customer service.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience working in a retail store environment, understanding store operations and customer flow.

• Sales Experience: Proven track record of selling products or services, particularly in a consultative or custom-solution context.

• Artistic/Design Sensibility: An eye for aesthetics and design principles that can aid in creating appealing framing solutions.

• Glass Cutting Proficiency: Experience or ability to learn safe and precise glass cutting techniques.

• Merchandising Skills: Ability to maintain attractive product displays and ensure a well-organized sales floor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level indicates this role is suitable for individuals starting their careers or transitioning into specialized retail operations. The emphasis on both technical framing skills and customer-facing sales/service is a key differentiator for this type of retail operations role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Case Studies: Examples of completed custom framing projects, showcasing design choices, material selection, and final product quality.

• Sales Performance Metrics: If available, data demonstrating sales achievements, especially in custom or specialized product categories.

• Customer Service Examples: Anecdotal evidence or testimonials highlighting successful customer interactions and problem resolution.

• Process Adherence Documentation: While not a traditional portfolio item, demonstrating an understanding and commitment to following SOPs is crucial.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Understanding the typical workflow for custom framing orders, from initial consultation to final product completion.

• Quality Control: Awareness of quality assurance checks required at various stages of the framing process.

• System Integration: Familiarity with how POS systems, inventory management, and order tracking systems interrelate in a retail operations context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly required in the traditional sense of a designer or engineer. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with custom framing projects, sales successes, and how they approach customer service and operational processes. The interview may involve discussing hypothetical scenarios related to framing challenges or customer interactions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on similar retail associate/specialist roles in Columbia, Missouri, and considering the specialized framing skill, an estimated hourly wage range of $14.00 - $18.00 per hour is likely. Full-time positions often include opportunities for overtime and potential performance-based bonuses related to sales. Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
  • Telemedicine services for convenient healthcare access.

• Financial Wellness:

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Commuter benefits for eligible employees.

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance for continuing education.
  • Adoption assistance to support families.

• Employee Perks:

  • Significant 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 potentially early mornings, consistent with retail operating schedules. Flexibility in scheduling is often a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general retail associate wages in the specified location, with an upward adjustment for the specialized custom framing skill. Benefit details are directly extracted from the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and home decor, focusing on inspiring creativity and celebration.

Company Size: The Michaels Companies, Inc. operates over 1,300 stores in North America, indicating a large, established retail organization.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-established brand and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Team: This role is part of a local store team, likely including a Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, Team Leads, and various associates specializing in different departments (e.g., framing, crafts, general merchandise).

• Reporting: The Retail FT Framer will report to a store management position, such as a Framing Department Manager or Assistant Store Manager, who oversees daily operations and staff performance.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with other store associates is expected to ensure smooth store operations, customer assistance across departments, and efficient task execution (e.g., truck unloading, stocking).

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing solutions, as highlighted by the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Operational Excellence: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is critical for consistency, safety, and compliance across all stores.

• Data-Driven Merchandising: While not explicitly detailed for this role, large retailers like Michaels typically use data for inventory management, replenishment, and visual merchandising strategies.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is geared towards creativity, customer engagement, and operational consistency. For an operations-focused role, understanding and executing SOPs, contributing to a positive team environment, and driving sales through customer solutions are key cultural expectations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level to mid-level position within specialized retail operations. It offers a pathway for individuals to develop expertise in custom framing, sales, and store operations.

Reporting Structure: The Framer reports to store management, providing exposure to leadership decision-making regarding store operations, sales targets, and team management.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall customer satisfaction and store presentation, which are vital for a retail business's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Potential to become a senior framer, lead designer, or manager of the framing department, taking on more responsibility for training, inventory, and sales strategies.

• Broader Retail Operations: Opportunity to gain experience in other store departments, moving towards assistant management or specialized roles in visual merchandising, inventory control, or loss prevention.

• Management Track: For ambitious individuals, this role can serve as a stepping stone into store management positions, requiring broader operational, leadership, and financial management skills.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in framing techniques, design trends, sales strategies, and operational best practices within the retail sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a solid foundation in retail operations with a specialized skill set. Growth is typically within the retail store structure, moving from associate to supervisory or management roles, or potentially into corporate roles related to merchandising or operations if experience is broad enough.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the custom framing shop within the store.

Office Location(s): The specific store location is 2101 W Broadway, Columbia, Missouri. Michaels operates numerous locations across the US and Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The environment is highly customer-facing, requiring constant interaction and service.

• Tools & Technology: Access to specialized framing equipment (mat cutters, saws, assembly tools, glass cutters, heat presses), POS systems, and potentially inventory management tools.

• Team Interaction: Daily collaboration with a team of store associates, managers, and supervisors. The framing area may be a dedicated space within the larger store.

• Environment Variability: While most public areas are climate-controlled, stock rooms might not be. Some outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloading.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule includes nights, weekends, and early mornings, typical for a retail environment. Flexibility is key.

• Full-time hours mean approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for varied shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a hands-on, dynamic retail environment. Success requires adaptability to customer needs, efficient task management, and comfort working with tools and machinery in a public-facing setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application and resume, focusing on relevant retail experience, customer service skills, and any mention of framing or artistic abilities.

• In-Person Interview:

  • Behavioral Questions: Expect questions about customer service scenarios, handling difficult customers, teamwork, and problem-solving. Examples: "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer." or "How do you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with a product?"
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion about your comfort level with basic computer skills, measuring, and operating equipment. You may be asked about your understanding of custom framing processes.
  • Sales Aptitude: Questions assessing your ability to sell and build customer relationships.
  • Operational Understanding: Questions about your approach to following procedures, maintaining a clean workspace, and handling transactions.

• Possible Practical Assessment: While not explicitly stated, a short practical demonstration of measuring or discussing framing concepts might occur, especially if you have prior framing experience.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a higher-level manager or discussing the role in more detail.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: If you have a portfolio of custom framing work, be prepared to discuss your design choices, the materials used, and the customer's satisfaction. Focus on quality and creativity.

• Quantify Achievements: For sales experience, be ready to share specific metrics or examples of sales success.

• Showcase Customer Service: Prepare stories that demonstrate your ability to build rapport, solve customer problems, and ensure satisfaction.

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Be ready to articulate how you would approach an order from consultation to completion, emphasizing accuracy and adherence to standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate being asked how you would handle specific customer requests, design challenges, or operational issues (e.g., "A customer wants to frame a very large, irregular item. How would you approach this?").

• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with common framing materials (mats, glass types, wood vs. metal frames) and basic design principles.

• Operational Awareness: Understand the importance of inventory management, stock rotation, and maintaining a safe work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process will likely focus heavily on customer interaction, sales ability, and a practical understanding of the framing craft and retail operations. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their skills and experience through real-world examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Mat Cutters: Manual or automated machines for cutting precise mat openings.
  • Saws: For cutting frame molding to size.
  • Assembly Tools: For joining frame corners, inserting glass, mats, and artwork, and securing the backing.
  • Glass Cutters: For precision cutting of glass or acrylic.
  • Heat Press: Potentially used for certain mounting or finishing processes.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing customer transactions, managing sales, and potentially tracking inventory.

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing company portals, training modules, and potentially basic design software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting: POS systems will generate reports on sales performance, product mix, and customer trends.

• Inventory Management Systems: Used to track stock levels of frame moldings, mats, hardware, and other supplies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Aspects: While not a dedicated CRM role, the focus on building customer relationships and understanding their needs mirrors CRM principles. Sales and order history in the POS system can serve as a basic customer record.

• Process Automation: SOPs and system-driven workflows (like order entry) provide a level of process automation to ensure consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing tools is paramount. Familiarity with retail POS systems and basic computer operations is also essential for daily tasks and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels fosters a culture that celebrates creativity, encouraging team members to be passionate about art, crafts, and design.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service and building lasting relationships is core to the company's mission.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals, support colleagues, and create a positive shopping environment.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards, treating everyone with respect, and fostering an inclusive environment.

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

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Associates are expected to help each other across different departments to ensure smooth store operations and excellent customer service.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and open dialogue to resolve issues and improve processes.

• Shared Goals: Working collectively towards store sales targets, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a service-oriented retail environment. For this role, demonstrating a passion for creativity, a commitment to customer satisfaction, and a willingness to collaborate within the store team are key cultural indicators.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time between customer consultations/sales and the hands-on work of framing orders.

• Meeting Diverse Customer Needs: Handling a wide range of customer requests, from simple framing jobs to complex artistic visions, requiring adaptability and problem-solving.

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently delivering high-quality framing work while meeting production deadlines.

• Handling Technical Operations: Operating specialized equipment safely and efficiently, and troubleshooting minor issues.

• Adapting to Retail Schedules: Working non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Techniques: Deepening expertise in various framing methods, matting techniques, and material choices.

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

• Design Principles: Developing an understanding of art, color theory, and design aesthetics relevant to framing.

• Operational Proficiency: Gaining experience in retail inventory management, merchandising, and POS systems.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to take on more responsibility, train new team members, or move into supervisory roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to develop specialized craft skills and customer-facing sales expertise. Challenges are typical of a busy retail environment with a specialized service component.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service & Sales:

  • "Describe your approach to helping a customer find the perfect framing solution."
  • "How would you handle a customer who is unsure about the design or cost?"
  • "Tell me about a time you successfully upsold a product or service."
  • "How do you ensure a customer leaves satisfied with their custom framing order?"

• Technical & Operational Skills:

  • "What experience do you have with measuring or using tools?"
  • "How comfortable are you learning to operate new equipment like a mat cutter or saw?"
  • "Describe your understanding of quality control in a production environment."
  • "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple framing orders and customer requests?"

• Company & Culture Fit:

  • "Why are you interested in working at Michaels, specifically in the framing department?"

  • "What does 'fueling the joy of creativity' mean to you?"

  • "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?"

  • "What are your thoughts on following company procedures and safety guidelines?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Examples: If you have any photos of custom framing work you've done, bring them or be ready to describe them in detail. Focus on the problem solved, the design choices, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: For sales roles, be ready with numbers – e.g., "I consistently exceeded my sales targets by X%," or "I helped increase custom framing sales by Y% through proactive customer engagement."

• Storytelling: Frame your experiences as stories. For customer service, describe the situation, your action, and the positive result. For operational tasks, explain your process and how it ensured efficiency or quality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario Simulation: Be ready to walk through a hypothetical framing consultation, from greeting the customer to proposing solutions and closing the sale.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would handle common framing challenges, such as framing unusual items, dealing with delicate artwork, or managing customer expectations on timelines and costs.

• Process Thinking: Articulate your understanding of a streamlined workflow for custom framing orders, from consultation to completion and pick-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, sales aptitude, a willingness to learn technical skills, and an understanding of operational processes within a retail context. Be prepared to discuss how you embody the company's creative and customer-centric values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights relevant experience in customer service, sales, any technical or craft skills, and any experience with operational tasks like stocking or inventory. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio (Informal): Gather any examples of custom framing work, design projects, or sales achievements you can discuss. Be ready to articulate your process and results.

• Research Michaels: Understand the company's mission, values, and its position in the arts and crafts retail market. Familiarize yourself with their product offerings, particularly custom framing.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your customer service, sales, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.

⚠️ 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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