Shutter retail focus: Woodlore

ISSUE 71 March 2020

With a premium quality offering and a range of options to meet segmented demand, the Woodlore range from shutter specialist Norman Australia continues to successfully position itself as the go-to for retailers. WFA reports.

Norman has a long track record as an importer of quality shutters. And recent developments mean the company’s offering has recently been enhanced with the addition of a local network in Australia. According to Business Development Manager Eric Massey, this move, along with proven quality products, indicates a distinct business advantage for local retailers.  

“Norman was one of the first companies to import plantation shutters from China into the Australian market almost 20 years ago,” says Business Development Manager Eric Massey. “While its pathway to the homes of Australia may have changed over the years, its quality and innovation has remained.” 

Norman’s strengths are based on trouble free product design, quality, range, value pricing and reliable delivery, he adds. “We feel that focusing on these areas, as well as keeping the shutter sale process simple and prices competitive, drives increased market share for our retailers.”

“As of February 2019, Norman shutters and blinds have been distributed by our factory owned wholesale division, Norman Australia.  With offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and regular weekly shipments to all major Australian ports, Norman can provide excellent support and fast delivery to all our retail partners across the country. Norman shutters have a sound reputation in markets around the world, and our retail partners are happy to have our products available, straight from the source.”  

The Norman shutter range that continues to be the most demanded and installed the world over is Woodlore, he says. 

“Made from an eco-friendly wood composite material – produced  in Australia from plantation forests, Norman’s woodlore shutter range is based on trouble free product design, quality, range, value pricing and reliable delivery. We feel that selecting the most suitable materials to make shutters is fundamental to their design and ultimate lifetime performance. To this end Norman has developed and engineered proprietary materials to make up all the components of our shutters.  Not only will these materials ensure trouble free operation over many years and look beautiful, but we ensure they are safe for homeowners and their families and minimise our footprint on the global environment.”

The Woodlore shutter programs includes three different options:

 Woodlore – The Democratic Shutter for All Walks of Life

A trouble free entry level shutter product combining good looks, functionality, durability, strength and affordability, the hutter panels and frames in this range are made from a proven Engineered Wood Composite (EWC) core overlaid with a hard wearing pre-finished polypropylene (PP) coating. Woodlore’s EWC core is more stable and stronger than solid timber shutters because any natural imperfection that may occur in normal processed timber is evenly distributed. The smooth, durable and robust PP coating provides extra protection against scratching, chipping, cracking, yellowing, fading, staining and heat damage. This program is now available in an extended range of nine colours, giving homeowners a greater choice while maintaining the range’s reputation as the ‘Prize Fighter’ as distinct from the ubiquitous PVC shutter offerings in the Australian market. 

Woodlore Plus – The ‘Big Impression’ Hybrid Shutter 

The second generation Woodlore Plus is a hybrid shutter combining an enhanced EWC stile (engineered timber core increased by 30%) and stronger and stiffer lightweight ABS louvres. Woodlore Plus’ advanced design allows for wider panels (up to 920mm) and is now available in a wider range of 26 designer paint finishes. This program punches well above its weight in every aspect, especially when it comes to value for money for those homeowners who are looking for wider shutter panels and a more affordable option to premium quality timber shutters. 

Woodlore Plus Waterproof – Matching Wet Area Shutter Solution

A Waterproof option is now available in the Woodlore program, with all panel components and frames made from advanced ABS, making this program suitable for installation in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries without the risk of damage caused by excessive condensation and moisture. Hardware components supplied with this program are all stainless steel, which won’t corrode or rust even in homes close to the coast. Designed using an advanced durable ABS formulation, the product can withstand “the knocks and bumps dished out by busy family lifestyles,” says Massey. “Woodlore Plus is the resilient trouble-free hybrid shutter that always delivers more than it promises.” 

“Depending on the customer’s budget, the situation and configuration requirements for each window or door opening all the above Woodlore options can be mixed and matched throughout the home.”

“In a world that is becoming more and more conscious of our environmental footprint, Norman takes every measure to ensure that we are using the most renewable and responsible processes in manufacturing our Woodlore shutters.  Compared to other materials, wood is particularly energy efficient in production and use, and as such can play a major role in combating global warming. Shutters made from wood are authentic, look beautiful, are stable, environmentally friendly, sustainable and most importantly trouble free.”

“The options that can be added to this product are endless and start with over 26 colours, as well as custom colour options, and 10 frame styles.  From pre-mitred Hoffman key frames, to 180 degree bi-folding shutters and beyond, Woodlore shutters leave little to be desired. With Woodlore being our entry level product, we know businesses and their clients will love the look, feel, performance, and value for money embodied in our offering.”  

“We also offer these great products with a ‘No Questions Asked Warranty’, which offers homeowners peace of mind, quality construction, hassle free install and operation, supported by swift lead times, all of which account for Woodlore’s status as a global best seller among shutter programs.” 

Sign up to the WFA Newsletter

loading