January 6, 2017 By Shan Leave a Comment

Plantation Shutters: Who Loves Them the Most?

Interior plantation shutters continue to be a favorite craze – long after specialists predicted the fad would fade. Google analytics provides invaluable information about internet search engine tendencies. Information that can assist you when looking for strongest shutter market – in a near real time fashion. While I don’t profess to be an expert with this tool I will tell you that even a layman will get invaluable information in short order.

Simple and to the point.

Utah
Florida
Louisiana
South Carolina
Virginia

Who is talking about “plantation shutters” ?

Virginia comes in a strong fifth, suggesting continuing interest in interior shutters.

Using this term we see that the strongest interest in Virginia is in the Hampton Roads region.

Using terms to try to understand how they are playing out according to Google analytics can get a bit tricky… especially when dealing with plantation shutters. One major thing I have noticed is that plantation shutters are not called plantation shutters everywhere. IN fact as you start going north up the eastern seaboard and into the Ohio Valley they are referred to as interior shutters. This change in terminology would obviously make a difference when researching terminology related to a product.

By example, use the term “plantation shutters” and then check out the heat map. While Virginia stays in the top-five, signaling a fluid use of both terms, three NEW states break into the top- five when using “interior shutters”: Arizona, Massachusetts and North Carolina – which comes in number one, when this term is used.

Virginia is Split

In Virginia the term begins to change as you approach the DC metropolitan area.

The northern area of the state is the region that appears to be driving that data together with the Hampton Roads region not even registering when looking for the term “interior shutters.

None of this really matters unless you’re advertising your business. It’s clear that you must do the research to make ensure the keywords are the best keywords driving your customers to your on-line presence. Better the keywords, better the SEO and chance for success.

Hardwood interior shutter prices in Virginia range from $25-$40. Much of that depends on the brand and whether or not you can buy manufacturer direct. The best bargain can be found in a good manufacturer, like Show-Case Shutters. The Virginia manufacturer provides a complete, full service package for one price. That bundle should contain measurement consultation, custom manufacturing, installation, guarantee and any follow up service.

Be careful of dealers offering cheap shutters. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” A sentence so true in the shutter business. The best way to avoid that pitfall is to simply do your research. If your shutter manufacturer has plenty of good online reviews you are probably in pretty good shape.

November 11, 2016 By Shan

Church Plantation Shutters Make Comeback

Shutters in Church

When you think of church, think of plantation shutters.

From the outside looking in it would appear that interior shutters would look good in many church settings. However, the actual question is: Are plantation shutters a good investment of a congregation’s money?

All things considered, quality wood interior shutters aren’t inexpensive and most congregations aren’t able to easily consider them. One great spot to get an idea as to why a church congregation would make such a decision is High Bridge Presbyterian Church in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

Updating History

Dating back to the Civil War-era you can imagine the history this church has probably seen – if your imagination can erase a modern out building and the playground.

The church is just a few miles from historic Natural Bridge – which was surveyed by George Washington and once owned by Thomas Jefferson.

So how did this historic church congregation come to this conclusion?

It all started with an anonymous donation earmarked to restore the church’s stained glass windows. That project came in under budget leaving some extra funds.

“It seemed brilliant. We got a lot of feedback that was great.”

John McCoy, project manager, said this was as demanding an endeavor as any. Everyone in the congregation appearing had something to say or guidance to offer.

In the end, the best advice came from Christiansburg-based manufacturer, Show-Case Shutters. “It’s all we do. That’s why we do it so well,” said Shan Carroll, President.

It is something we like to do because churches, usually, are a great fit for interior shutters,” said Show-Case Shutters marketing director, David Tate.

“In fact, we offer some nice discounts to houses of worship because we understand their financial constraints.”

Constraints that often times make changing out window treatments a rare event.

“We had blinds from the sixties up there before,” said McCoy.

“This gives three options we didn’t have to us: the shutters can fully open, we can close them all together or we can open some of the louvers and make some of them shut.”

“The toughest thing you can do is make an effort to make everyone in a congregation happy. I think we may have simply done that with this project.”

August 23, 2016 By Shan Leave a Comment

Show-Case Shutters Featured on WSLS

Patrick McKee gets a lesson on plantation shutters from Show-Case Shutter President, Shan Carroll

Recently, WSLS-TV (Channel 10) in Roanoke, Virginia, highlighted Show-Case Shutters. It is part of their ongoing series, “Built in the Blue Ridge” hosted by morning anchor, Patrick McKee.

Show-Case Shutters made a perfect fit for the special series – highlighting unique businesses around central Virginia and the New River and Roanoke Valleys.

Show-Case Shutters, which began manufacturing in 2000, has produced high-quality, American-made shutters for thousands of customers around the country since.

Having survived the Great Recession of 2008, the company stands poised for more success in coming years. Employing more than a dozen workers, Show-Case Shutters has quickly becoming a top competitor among the growing list of shutter manufacturers across the country.

What sets Show-Case Shutters apart is the fact they are the manufacturer. Most companies simply assemble parts into a shutter or just act as a middle man. Show-Case Shutters offers a no liability option that takes the fear out of buying custom shutters.

The company also offers a retail direct service to ten states from Virginia to Chicago. It is done as an effort provide a top quality product to a customer looking to save money.

WSLS’s Patrick McKee’s Visited Show-Case Shutters

When you think about window treatments, you typically think of curtains and blinds. However, a Christiansburg-based company gives you a different option.

Plantation shutters give your home a different look. Furthermore, it’s an upgrade that is more luxurious.

That’s what drew Shan Carroll into the business. His company originally made cabinets before moving into shutters.

“We humans are more apt to pay for something rather then for something that we need,” said President Shan Carroll.

“This is a luxury item,” said Carroll.

“It’s a high end item and I left the cabinet business.”

Furthermore, the product is custom made to fit any opening – no matter the shape or the size.

Growth came to the company after… See the full story here.

June 28, 2016 By Shan Leave a Comment

Recent Interior Shutter Jobs

Hidden Tilt Shutter Job. McKee's Rocks, PA. — Hidden Tilt Shutter Job. McKee’s Rocks, PA.

Show-Case Shutters has been making shutter tracks all over the US for 17 years. This year is no different. During that time the company has showcased its hand made shutters through awesome projects like those shown below.

Making the shutter experience as easy as possible, Show-Case Shutters offers a full “no liability” service to retail customers in 10 states. The company also provides DiY (Do it Yourself) service to the remaining 40 states.

Shutter Boom Coming

All of this comes at a great time for the window treatment industry as interior shutters are making a big comeback. This is evident by the number of shutter dealers that have emerged around the country. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Washington DC, especially, are seeing major jumps in interest and sales.

After solidifying position in Pittsburgh in 2016, Show-Case Shutters is now focused on the Ohio Valley. Currently the company has placed a representative as far west as Dayton, Ohio.

Wholesale, Retail and Shutter Designers Welcome

Show-Case Shutters also works with quality designers and builders across the same territory. These professionals take advantage of the company’s reduced “designer” rate. The rate, between wholesale and retail price points, allows any window treatment professional to be competitive in any market.

The company does not just focus on standard shutters either. Specials like raised panel shutters, barn wood shutters and drift wood shutters are also available. The company is a custom manufacturer that thrives on challenges that other companies cannot tackle. In fact, Show-Case Shutters is a go to manufacturer for other companies looking to fulfill custom requests.

Finally, here are the latest examples of what we are doing right as we have made our way into Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington DC in 2016.

May 1, 2016 By Shan Leave a Comment

Unique Barn Wood Shutters

Barn wood plantation shutters are nearly impossible to find. When you do, they can be extremely expensive as re-purposing vintage distressed barn wood can be quit the challenge.

Driftwood shutters adorn a door and two windows in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Barn Wood Shutters

“I got asked one day if I could make barn wood shutters. That is where the idea came from,” said Show-Case Shutters owner, Shan Carroll.

That inquiry would set Carroll and his engineer team off on a mission to make reproduction distressed barn wood shutters. A shutter that would have the desired look as well as the quality manufacturing needed for a product expected to last a lifetime.

“The process is a multi-stepped process that is almost entirely done by hand,” said Carroll.

It’s a process that includes grooving the wood, multiple stages of sanding plus a stain finish that is as unique as the shutter.

“Our standard offering is a smoke gray and driftwood white. But, in all actuality, we custom stain to the client’s needs,” said Show-Case’s marketing manager, David Tate.

Homestead Collection by Show-Case Shutters So far, the unique finish is slowly getting noticed. Recently, Show-Case Shutters added a dealer in Daytona Beach, Florida that is the exclusive distributor in the Sunshine State.

Tropical View Shutters owner, Mike Bono, thinks the finish – especially the drift wood, will do well in the state.

“I am really excited about this product. Everyone I show really likes it. It is very unique,” said Bono.

The company uses red alderwood as the standard for the special finish. No other company makes barn wood shutters; a finish Show-Case Shutters hopes will put them on the map as the supplier of unique, quality shutter finishes.

“It’s all part of our “Homestead Collection”, which also includes a special antique distressed look as well as a knotty stained “rustic” look,” said Tate

“This collection is how we expect to stand out in this competitive market. That and the fact that we are American-made quality really makes a statement.”