Our History
Our Story – A Legacy of Quality Awnings and Canopies
At Shades Direct, our journey began over two decades ago when Ken Lanning founded Shades Direct Limited. With a passion for outdoor comfort and aesthetics, he built a business centred around giant umbrellas and shade sails. These early innovations laid the foundation for our commitment to top-quality awnings and canopies.
The Evolution – Leading the Market with Outsider and Clearspan Awnings
In 2006, Ken’s son, Scott Lanning, joined the company, bringing fresh energy and vision. Together, they expanded their reach, focusing on the greater Auckland area. Over the years, they spearheaded the development of our star products – the Outsider Awning and the Clearspan Awning. These awnings have set industry benchmarks for quality and have emerged as market leaders.
Our Present and Nationwide Reach
Nationwide Service and Happy Customers
Today, Shades Direct proudly serves 17 regions across New Zealand, offering a diverse range of shading solutions, including Clearspan, Outsider, Outdoor Screens, and Folding Arm Awnings. With a customer base exceeding 1,000 happy clients annually, our commitment to quality remains unwavering.
