Retail Specialty Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Specialty Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Princeton, NJ (300 Nassau Park Blvd)

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Retail Operations / Specialty Sales

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: Entry-Level to 2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive customer engagement and sales through personalized custom framing solutions, emphasizing relationship building and elevated service delivery.

• Execute operational excellence by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for merchandising, inventory management, and store presentation.

• Ensure accurate and efficient order fulfillment for custom framing projects, maintaining high quality standards and on-time delivery.

• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting shoppers, maintaining store cleanliness, and ensuring product availability across all departments.

• Support overall store objectives, including shrink reduction, safety compliance, and efficient truck un-load and stocking processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Retail Specialty Framer," indicating a focus on a specific, value-added service within a broader retail environment. The responsibilities lean heavily towards customer interaction, sales, and the technical execution of framing services. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role focused on B2B sales processes, it involves direct sales, customer relationship management, and operational execution within a retail context, requiring similar attention to detail, process adherence, and customer-centric outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Cultivate strong customer relationships by actively engaging shoppers and understanding their needs for custom framing projects, utilizing techniques like Elevated ABC Deliver.

• Achieve and exceed sales and production targets for the custom framing department through consultative selling and expert product knowledge.

• Meticulously complete custom framing orders, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship, accurate assembly, and adherence to delivery timelines.

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, including executing SISO (Single Item, Single Order) and Directed Replenishment strategies.

• Deliver friendly, proactive customer service, guiding customers through the store, locating products, and offering solutions to enhance their shopping experience.

• Uphold all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure consistent operational execution and compliance.

• Actively participate in and support company-wide shrink and safety initiatives, contributing to a secure and loss-preventative environment.

• Demonstrate positive and respectful interactions with colleagues and customers, acting as a role model and promoting the company's vision and values.

• Participate effectively in the truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget constraints for efficient inventory management.

• Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, executing all cash handling procedures to company standards.

• Proactively acknowledge customers, assist them in product location, and provide appropriate solutions to meet their needs.

• Support and execute all assigned Omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all service platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct customer sales and the operational execution of framing services. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer engagement and sales, akin to a consultative sales process. "SISO" and "Directed Replenishment" point to inventory management practices that require systematic execution. The inclusion of Omni-channel processes indicates the need for adaptability to evolving retail service models.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent strongly preferred.

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

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for point-of-sale (POS) operations and potential system navigation.

• Fundamental measuring skills for accurate order specification and production.

• Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Strong customer service orientation with a proven ability to build rapport and provide solutions.

• Basic understanding of sales principles and ability to meet sales targets.

• Competency in cash handling and transaction processing.

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

• Physical stamina for standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and carrying. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, particularly in custom or specialty products.

• Proven experience in selling products and/or services to customers, with a consultative approach.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles and inventory management.

• Experience with custom framing processes or related craft/art services.

• Basic knowledge of art materials and display techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are geared towards an entry-level to early-career professional. The emphasis on "basic" skills suggests that comprehensive training will be provided. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who can quickly ramp up and contribute to sales and service excellence, particularly in the custom framing niche.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any past projects or experiences demonstrating attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and customer satisfaction.

• Examples could include personal framing projects, visual displays created for events, or documented instances of exceeding customer service expectations.

• Demonstrate an understanding of process flow, such as order intake, production, and final delivery, even if through anecdotal experience.

• Showcase any experience with point-of-sale systems or basic inventory tracking methods. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of following established processes and SOPs to ensure consistency and quality in their work.

• The ability to learn and adapt to new operational workflows, including those related to custom framing production and Omni-channel fulfillment, is crucial.

• Be ready to articulate how they would approach ensuring the quality and timeliness of custom framing orders, reflecting an understanding of process management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, a traditional "operations portfolio" showcasing complex system implementations or process re-engineering is unlikely to be expected. Instead, the emphasis is on demonstrating a foundational understanding of process adherence, attention to detail, and a customer-centric approach to service delivery, which can be communicated through resume achievements and interview discussions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.50 - $19.40 per hour. This range reflects the specified base pay for the position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location, within the provided range. This position may also be eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with state and local laws.

Benefits:

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

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; telemedicine services.

• Financial Well-being: Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), commuter benefits, adoption assistance, tuition assistance.

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Other Perks: Voluntary insurance options, employee discounts on Michaels products.

Working Hours: Part-time, with potential for varied shifts including nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by retail operational needs. The role description implies a standard 40-hour work week is not guaranteed due to the part-time nature.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided based on the input data. The benefits listed are comprehensive for a retail position, offering a good mix of financial, health, and personal development support. The mention of "401(k) with employer match" is a significant benefit, especially for part-time roles. The working hours are typical for retail, emphasizing flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading North American retailer specializing in arts, crafts, home décor, and seasonal products. They also operate Artistree, a custom and specialty framing manufacturer.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada. This indicates a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. This signifies a long-standing presence and deep experience in the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a store environment, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with direct supervision from a Framing Department Lead or Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with fellow sales associates, stock associates, and cashiers to ensure smooth store operations and customer flow.

• Cross-functional interaction will occur with all store personnel to support sales, customer service, and operational tasks. Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing personalized solutions, as seen in the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Process Adherence: Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in sales, service, and operational tasks.

• Data-Informed Operations: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the company's scale suggests a data-driven approach to inventory management, sales performance, and operational efficiency at a broader organizational level.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is rooted in creativity, customer engagement, and operational efficiency within a large retail framework. The emphasis on "fueling the joy of creativity" suggests an environment that values passion and engagement. The scale of Michaels means that operational processes are likely well-defined and standardized.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is an entry-level to early-career role within the retail operations and sales spectrum. It focuses on executing defined processes and customer-facing responsibilities rather than strategic operations planning or complex system management.

Reporting Structure: The Retail Specialty Framer typically reports to the Store Manager or a designated Framing Department Manager/Lead. This structure provides direct oversight and guidance for day-to-day tasks and performance.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role on overall operations is primarily through direct customer sales, ensuring high-quality custom framing services, and contributing to store-level operational metrics like sales, customer satisfaction, and inventory accuracy. It plays a vital role in the customer experience and the profitability of the custom framing department.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become an expert in custom framing techniques, sales, and customer relationship management.

• Advancement within Store: Potential to move into roles with greater responsibility, such as Lead Framer, Assistant Manager, or Store Manager, within Michaels retail locations.

• Specialized Training: Access to company-provided training for framing equipment, sales techniques, and customer service best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined within the retail store management track. While not a "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" management track, it offers a solid foundation in customer-facing sales and operational execution, which are transferable skills.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): Princeton, NJ (300 Nassau Park Blvd). The specific store location is a climate-controlled public retail space. Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The workspace is dynamic and customer-focused, requiring constant interaction and service.

• Specialized Tools: Access to and proficiency with framing equipment, including a glass cutter and heat press, are integral to the workspace.

• Team Collaboration: Opportunities for interaction and collaboration with other store team members to support daily operations and customer needs.

Work Schedule: Flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and early mornings. Part-time hours are expected, with the potential for overtime as dictated by business needs and local labor laws.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a retail setting, with a specific emphasis on the custom framing area. The mention of potential non-climate-controlled stock rooms and outdoor work (e.g., retrieving carts, truck unloading) indicates that adaptability to various environmental conditions is necessary.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves a review of the application and resume, potentially followed by a brief phone screen.

• In-Person Interview: Candidates will likely undergo one or more in-person interviews with store management (e.g., Store Manager, Framing Department Lead). This will assess customer service skills, sales aptitude, and technical fit for the framing role.

• Skills Assessment: May include a practical demonstration or discussion of basic measuring skills, ability to operate equipment (if feasible and safe to do so in an interview setting), or a role-playing scenario for customer interaction and sales.

• Cultural Fit: Evaluation of how well the candidate aligns with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a traditional portfolio isn't expected. Instead, focus on articulating your experience and skills effectively in your resume and during the interview.

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've provided excellent customer service, successfully sold a product or service, or demonstrated attention to detail in previous roles.

• If you have personal projects related to art, crafts, or framing, be ready to briefly describe them and highlight the skills you employed.

• Showcase your understanding of processes by describing how you would approach a custom framing order from consultation to completion. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer behavioral questions about past experiences (e.g., "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer").

• Practice articulating how you would approach a customer looking for custom framing, from understanding their needs to recommending solutions and explaining the process.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of sales targets and how you would work to achieve them.

• Be knowledgeable about Michaels as a brand and its commitment to creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is geared towards assessing customer service, sales ability, and basic technical aptitude relevant to framing. A strong emphasis will be placed on behavioral questions and situational judgment rather than complex analytical challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

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

• Framing Equipment: Including specialized tools like glass cutters, mat cutters, frame saws, and heat presses.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing rulers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for complex analytics, the role will likely utilize POS reports for sales tracking and inventory counts for stock management.

• Understanding basic sales metrics (e.g., units sold, average transaction value) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• The company's CRM might be integrated into the POS system for customer order history and contact information.

• "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer engagement that could involve elements of CRM principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on retail operational tools and specialized framing equipment. Proficiency with basic computer functions and the ability to quickly learn proprietary POS and order management systems are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels values fostering creativity and celebrating moments through its products and services.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on providing exceptional customer service and building lasting relationships.

• Teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support among team members are essential for efficient store operations.

• Integrity: Adherence to company policies, ethical practices, and a commitment to safety and shrink reduction.

• Efficiency: Performing tasks accurately and timely, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Team members are expected to work together across departments (sales, framing, stock) to meet store objectives.

• Supportive Environment: Encouragement of a positive and respectful atmosphere where team members assist each other.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing best practices and learning from one another, particularly within the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels emphasizes a blend of creative passion and operational discipline. For a Retail Specialty Framer, this means balancing artistic sensibility with the structured requirements of retail sales and service.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales targets while also executing custom framing orders with precision and speed.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and expectations for custom framing, which can range from simple to highly complex projects.

• Technical Skill Acquisition: Mastering the operation of specialized framing equipment and achieving a high level of craftsmanship.

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Adapting to varying customer traffic and demand throughout the year, particularly during peak holiday seasons.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Comprehensive training on custom framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Sales and Customer Service: Development of consultative selling skills, customer relationship management, and conflict resolution.

• Retail Operations: Gaining experience in merchandising, inventory management, POS operations, and Omni-channel processes.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities for advancement into lead or supervisory roles within the store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a specialized customer service and sales role within retail. The growth opportunities are clearly aligned with developing expertise in framing and advancing within the retail store management hierarchy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a customer who is unsure about framing options, has a tight deadline, or is unhappy with a previous order. Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and offering solutions.

• Sales Approach: How would you approach a customer to discuss custom framing? What questions would you ask to understand their needs? How would you present the value of custom framing over ready-made options?

• Process & Quality: Describe your approach to ensuring the accuracy and quality of a custom order. How would you manage your time between serving walk-in customers and working on production orders?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What interests you about Michaels and the custom framing role specifically?

• How do you embody creativity and a customer-centric approach in your work?

• Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it.

• How do you handle working under pressure or during busy periods? Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't expected, prepare to "show, don't just tell" during the interview.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to vividly describe past experiences related to customer service, sales, attention to detail, or problem-solving.

• If you have personal projects (crafts, art, etc.), be ready to briefly describe them and highlight the skills you utilized, demonstrating your affinity for creative work.

• Articulate your understanding of the framing process by walking the interviewer through how you would manage a custom framing order from initial customer consultation to final product delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating customer service acumen, sales potential, attention to detail, and a passion for creativity. Role-playing and behavioral questions will likely be central to assessing candidate suitability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in customer service, sales, attention to detail, and any craft or artistic skills. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased framing sales by X%," "Resolved X customer issues per week").

• Portfolio Preparation (Anecdotal): Gather specific examples from past roles or personal projects that demonstrate your ability to handle detailed work, interact positively with customers, or solve problems creatively. Be ready to discuss these during the interview.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples using the STAR method. Practice articulating your approach to custom framing sales and production.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, products, and commitment to creativity. Understand the value proposition of custom framing within their retail offering.

⚠️ 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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