Retail Part Time Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Part Time Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Chelmsford, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Support

Date Posted: September 06, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on building and maintaining customer relationships within a retail environment, specifically in the custom framing department.

• Responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service, driving sales through personalized framing solutions, and maintaining store presentation standards.

• Key operational tasks involve accurate order fulfillment, efficient inventory management, and adherence to safety and operational procedures.

• The position requires hands-on engagement with framing equipment and a commitment to creating a positive shopping experience for all customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Custom Framer," the description emphasizes a broader retail role with a focus on sales and customer engagement, rather than solely production. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" mention suggests a structured approach to customer interaction and sales, indicating a need for proactive engagement beyond just order taking.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Cultivate strong customer relationships by understanding their needs and providing expert guidance on custom framing solutions, leveraging the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to enhance the sales process.

• Drive sales performance by actively engaging customers, identifying opportunities for custom framing, and ensuring order fulfillment meets quality and timeline expectations.

• Maintain the visual appeal and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, SISO (Single Item Single Order) displays, and execute directed replenishment strategies to ensure product availability.

• Deliver exceptional customer service by acknowledging shoppers, assisting with product location, offering solutions, and ensuring a safe, clean, and well-organized store environment.

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and safety standards.

• Participate actively in truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and completion within budget.

• Operate the cash register accurately, executing all cash handling procedures to established standards.

• Support company-wide shrink and safety initiatives through diligent adherence to protocols and proactive identification of potential risks.

• Collaborate effectively with team members, demonstrating respectful interaction and a commitment to organizational values, acting as a positive role model.

• Assist with and execute all Omni channel processes as required, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all service platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, customer service, and operational support, typical of front-line retail roles with specialized product knowledge. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales training program that applicants should be aware of.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing role is ideal, with a focus on developing sales and customer service skills.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for operating POS systems and potentially internal software.

• Fundamental measuring skills for accurate custom framing order specification.

• Ability to operate framing equipment safely and effectively.

• Proficiency with a glass cutter.

• Strong customer service orientation with a friendly and helpful demeanor.

• Ability to acknowledge customers, assist with product location, and provide solutions.

• Basic understanding of inventory replenishment and stock management principles.

• Familiarity with cash handling procedures and operating a cash register.

• Adherence to safety protocols and maintaining a clean work environment. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail experience, particularly in a sales-focused capacity.

• Proven experience in selling products or services directly to customers.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes or art display.

• Experience with visual merchandising and maintaining department presentation.

• Ability to interpret and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements lean towards entry-level capabilities, emphasizing trainable skills like operating equipment and customer interaction. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that formal training will be provided for specific framing techniques and sales methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level retail role, candidates can demonstrate their capabilities through examples of customer service success, problem-solving scenarios, or visual merchandising efforts.

• For custom framing, showcasing an understanding of aesthetic principles, attention to detail, and ability to translate customer vision into tangible products would be beneficial.

• Any examples of process improvement or efficiency gains in previous roles, even if informal, can highlight proactive thinking. Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all job functions, including sales, framing, stocking, and safety.

• Ability to follow established workflows for custom framing orders, from initial customer consultation to order completion and handover.

• Documentation of any customer interactions or issues that require follow-up or escalation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role does not typically require a formal portfolio in the way a design or operations strategy role would. However, candidates can prepare to discuss past experiences related to customer service, sales achievements, and process adherence as if presenting a simplified portfolio of their work history.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.25 - $19.10 per hour. This range reflects part-time retail associate compensation in the Chelmsford, MA area, considering the specific skills of a custom framer.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Medical coverage (eligibility may vary based on hours worked)

• Dental coverage (eligibility may vary)

• Vision coverage (eligibility may vary)

• Telemedicine services

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Commuter benefits

• Tuition assistance

• Adoption assistance

• Various voluntary insurance options

• Employee discounts on Michaels products

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Actual hours will vary based on business needs and scheduling, but the role is typically associated with a standard retail work week, potentially including nights, weekends, and early mornings. The total annual hours for a part-time position are generally under 30-35 hours per week, though the job description lists "40" as a potential figure, which might refer to a standard full-time equivalent reference or maximum possible hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and falls within typical hourly wages for specialized retail roles in Massachusetts. The benefits listed are comprehensive for a retail environment, with some requiring specific eligibility criteria (e.g., hours worked). The mention of "40" working hours for a part-time role is slightly ambiguous and could refer to a maximum weekly potential or simply a placeholder; clarification on typical weekly hours would be beneficial for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the largest specialty arts and crafts retail chain in North America, offering a wide range of supplies for creative hobbies, custom framing, and seasonal decor.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across North America, with a significant corporate and distribution workforce. This indicates a large, established retail organization with structured operations and established processes.

Founded: 1973. Michaels has a long history in the retail sector, suggesting a stable company with evolving operational strategies to remain competitive.

Team Structure:

• This role operates within a store-level team, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Manager if applicable).

• The immediate team will consist of fellow retail associates, cashiers, and potentially other department specialists.

• Cross-functional collaboration is primarily within the store, focusing on ensuring a cohesive customer experience across all departments. Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer-centric sales and service ("Elevated ABC Deliver").

• Structured operational processes for inventory management, merchandising, and POS transactions.

• Commitment to safety and compliance through SOP adherence.

• Focus on creating a positive and inspiring environment for both customers and team members.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates as a large retail chain, implying a structured hierarchy and standardized operational procedures. The culture likely balances a creative environment with the demands of efficient retail operations and sales targets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is an entry-level to early-career retail role. It serves as a foundation for developing customer service, sales, and operational skills within a retail setting.

Reporting Structure: Directly reports to store leadership, such as a Department Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager. This provides regular oversight and opportunities for direct feedback and coaching.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing large-scale operations, this role significantly impacts store-level operations by ensuring efficient customer flow, accurate order processing, and proper inventory management in the framing department. Successful execution contributes to overall store sales targets and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become a skilled custom framer, mastering techniques and design principles. Develop strong customer service and sales skills.

• Advancement within Store: Potential to move into roles with more responsibility within the store, such as Key Holder, Department Lead, or Assistant Manager.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gain experience in various store functions, preparing for broader retail management roles.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in custom framing, a specialized area within the arts and crafts retail sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a part-time, entry-level role, growth is typically within the store structure or towards specialized retail skills. The emphasis is on foundational retail competencies that can lead to supervisory or management positions over time.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): Chelmsford, MA, at the 265 Chelmsford Street location.

• This is a customer-facing environment.

• Climate-controlled public areas.

• Stock rooms may not always be climate-controlled.

• Occasional outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloading. Workspace Context:

• The frame shop is equipped with specialized tools like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• The environment is dynamic, involving constant interaction with customers and dynamic task prioritization.

• Collaboration with other team members is essential for smooth store operations and customer assistance.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position, requiring flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating hours. The role demands the ability to remain standing for extended periods and involves physical activities like bending, lifting, carrying, and reaching.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a retail setting, with specific considerations for the specialized tools and physical demands of the framing department. Flexibility in scheduling is a key requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and application through the Workday portal.

• Screening: Potential phone screen with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves meeting with the Store Manager or Department Manager. This will likely include behavioral questions assessing customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork, alongside scenario-based questions related to custom framing and sales.

• Practical Assessment (Potential): May involve a brief demonstration of measuring skills or a discussion about handling customer requests.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't expected, prepare to discuss specific examples from past experiences that demonstrate:

  • Customer Service Excellence: Instances where you went above and beyond for a customer.
  • Sales Acumen: How you approached sales, upsold products, or met sales targets.
  • Problem-Solving: How you resolved customer issues or operational challenges.
  • Attention to Detail: Examples of precision and accuracy in tasks (e.g., measuring, order entry).
  • Teamwork: How you collaborated with colleagues.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of custom framing and its appeal to customers. Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "A customer wants a unique frame for a valuable piece of art. How would you guide them through the process?" or "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their custom framing order?"

• Sales Approach: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a customer in the framing department to offer assistance and identify sales opportunities.

• Operational Understanding: Discuss how you would ensure the framing department is well-maintained, stocked, and adheres to safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is geared towards assessing practical retail skills, customer engagement abilities, and cultural fit within a fast-paced retail environment. Emphasis will be on behavioral examples and scenario-based responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially accessing customer history.

• Framing Equipment: Including, but not limited to, a glass cutter, mat cutter, framing tools (e.g., staple guns, jointers), and potentially a heat press for specific framing applications.

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing internal systems, email, and potentially online training modules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Primarily at the store level, focusing on sales data, transaction volume, and potentially inventory accuracy for the framing department.

• Access to sales reports and performance metrics relevant to the role and department. CRM & Automation:

• The POS system may have basic CRM functionalities for tracking customer orders and preferences.

• Limited use of automation tools, with primary focus on manual execution of processes and adherence to SOPs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is practical and directly related to retail operations and custom framing production. Proficiency with POS systems and specialized framing tools is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Fostering a passion for arts, crafts, and creative expression.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through excellent service and tailored solutions.

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

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

• Efficiency & Quality: Delivering on operational tasks with accuracy and attention to detail, especially in custom framing.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Team members are expected to assist across different departments as needed to ensure smooth store operations and excellent customer service.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and respectful communication to resolve issues and share information.

• Learning Environment: A culture that supports learning new skills and sharing knowledge, particularly within specialized departments like custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture that blends creativity with operational efficiency and strong customer service, aligning with its mission to "fuel the joy of creativity."

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer interactions and sales efforts while also fulfilling custom framing orders accurately and on time.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and design preferences for custom framing, sometimes with tight deadlines.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for long periods and performing physically demanding tasks like lifting and carrying frames.

• Pace of Retail: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of retail, including busy periods, truck unloads, and stocking tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Becoming proficient in all aspects of custom framing, from design consultation to production techniques.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhancing abilities in consultative selling, relationship building, and conflict resolution.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of store operations, inventory management, and visual merchandising.

• Potential for Leadership: Developing leadership qualities that could lead to opportunities for advancement within the store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of front-line retail roles, with added complexity from the specialized custom framing aspect. Growth opportunities are grounded in skill development and potential internal advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Engagement: "How would you approach a customer browsing in the framing department to understand their needs and offer solutions?"

• Sales Technique: "Describe a time you successfully sold a product or service by understanding a customer's needs. What was your approach?"

• Problem-Solving: "A customer is unhappy with the proposed framing for their artwork. How would you handle this situation?"

• Operational Adherence: "Why is it important to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a retail environment, especially in a department like custom framing?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Michaels, and specifically in the custom framing role?"

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

• "What does 'customer service' mean to you in a retail context?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of creativity and art in everyday life?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare 2-3 concise examples from your past work or life experiences that highlight:

  • Customer Interaction: A specific instance of excellent customer service or problem resolution.
  • Sales Success: A time you influenced a sale or met a target.
  • Attention to Detail/Process: An example of how you ensured accuracy or followed a process precisely.

• Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities of a Custom Framer, focusing on your ability to learn quickly, provide great service, and contribute to sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong customer service ethos, a willingness to learn specialized skills, and an understanding of retail sales dynamics. Behavioral examples are crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link for the Retail Part Time Custom Framer position at Michaels Stores in Chelmsford, MA.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any customer service, sales, retail, or hands-on/craft experience. Use keywords from the job description like "customer service," "sales," "custom framing," "cash handling," and "merchandising." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of X customers per day," "Contributed to Y% increase in framing sales").

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational interview questions. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of custom framing and your approach to customer engagement and sales. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your skills.

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

• Portfolio Readiness: While not a formal portfolio, prepare to verbally present 2-3 key examples of your past experiences that align with the role's requirements, focusing on customer service, sales, and attention to detail.

⚠️ 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.