Louis Shanks of Austin

I appreciate the reply Michael F. I find it interesting that the sales representative did know about the store clearance, did not inform us that there is a clearance underway, and that no signs anywhere indicating that a clearance is/​was in progress. We asked multiple clarification question but the answers were exactly what the sign stated that this has/​had been a store policy. Incidentally, there was not a single indication that your store was being cleared out, no signs to indicate a clearance, no red tags (or other) that we saw indicating such, or that prices had been lowered. It sound like in 2+ floors, we missed all that. Possible I guess. In any case, having a BROAD sign like this (that did NOT state this was only applicable to clearance items, and/​or store was being cleared out) may be extremely counter productive to sales. In our case, we just completed our purchases not only from a store that has a GUARANTEE on all purchased items, but even allows the first 30 days in home trial (which we will not need UNLESS there is a manufacturer’s defect or a scratch not previously stated). THAT inspires confidence. What’s more? THAT (30 days return) was IN WRITING ON THE INVOICE. May I humbly suggest if that is/​was the case that this sign be taken OFF and a different sign be up that states «STORE CLEARANCE — WHERE IS AS IS». Not one that states «NO RETURNS but we take your credit card». Then everyone would know, including the sales representative that was possibly uninformed that this was going on (I still find that interesting), A simple sign in the FRONT like this (as opposed to a BROAD sign). Personally, if I was trying to clear out old inventory, I would have a sales meeting with ALL representatives informing them that this is in progress and informing potential clients coming in that this is ONLY applicable for this duration and ONLY for the items being cleared out. OR look into digital signage (no I do not represent that industry nor anything close to that) where a manager can POST messages and can vary them based on store occurrences). With all that said, I wish Louis Shanks the very best and a prosperous 2016 with much success. We have many properties, so maybe we will swing by in the future and hoping to re-​engage with what seems to be a beautiful store.

Louis Shanks helped us with our Aireloom mattresses. They were patient thru our endless questions, and helped us get the right mattress for our budget. I can’t say enough good things about Gary and Julia. When we had a problem they exchanged our mattress, no questions. Great products but it is the service that will keep us coming back!

This is one of my favorite furniture stores in Austin if not just my favorite place. I love the look and feel to the store, something about it reminds me so much of being in Houston when I was younger. My parents and grandparents have always collected furniture from here over the years and now that I’m old enough, have a place of my own, and can finally shell out a little more cash for some nice, quality furniture I always go here first! Sadly my grandparents passed away two years ago but I was lucky enough to inherit a lot of their furniture they had previously purchased from here and it’s just amazing. The newer pieces I have and their older pieces are hard to tell the age on. They perform wonderful and really hold up, especially considering my grandparents had at one time moved to Florida and back before I inherited the pieces and moved them to my house. The store in general tends to cater to more traditional and classic tastes, with many elaborate, detailed pieces of solid woods, stones, etc. I see a lot of people rate this place negatively based on the fact that the furniture tends to be pricier and caters to a more traditional décor. Which shouldn’t warrant bad reviews. This is definitely not a store where you go shopping for college apartment furniture or starter home furniture. This is where you go to buy legitimate pieces that will last several generations, which is rare in furniture these days. The staff has always been amazing, I generally like to have my space while I look, I let them know and they frequently check in so I can ask any questions I may have gathered while looking. All in all I’ve never had a bad experience, am very happy with the showroom and look forward to my next stop in!

Shopping here is the equivalent of trying to teach your 89 Grandmother how to use the internet. They’re sales people are just as dated and antiquated as their furniture selection. They carry excellent lines that I’m very familiar with but the entire showroom is PACKED with gaudy, overly traditional, ornate furniture that doesn’t appeal to 85% of the young, modern Austinites with disposable incomes who looking to invest in quality furnishings for their home. I came in today specifically looking for pieces that I had seen on one of their major lines website. I was armed with pictures of the products, SKU numbers, collection names etc and the guy helping me STILL couldn’t figure out the pricing for the pieces. He even called the rep for the line and together they couldn’t figure it out and asked if I could email them pics of the pieces so they could look it up. Seriously?! They even had the Entertainment Bar Console from the SAME collection on their floor! I hooked them up with 2 stars because they do carry some great lines, they just need to show WAY more contemporary and modern pieces in their showroom selection. Hopefully, a new generation of ownership with breathe new life into this store.

Went in the store and there were plenty of salespeople chatting together near the front of the store. They all turned and looked at me, dressed in my shorts and a tank top, and they all turned around, probably assuming that I was not a serious buyer. Not ONE person greeted me or though that I was a serious shopper ready to make a purchase. I walked around, interrupted their little get-​together with a serious question about a piece of furniture, and was treated so rudely that I will never go into their store again. I spent my money elsewhere.

After receiving a substantial end of year bonus, I took my family to Louis Shanks to take a look. I do agree that they lack contemporary style, are overpriced, and gaudy. This is your newly retired parent’s furniture store. But this wasn’t the worst part. I was there with my family, which includes two well behaved boys. When we entered, I stated that we would like to look around and then I would inquire of a sales person when we were ready. The sales person complied and we went upstairs. About 5 minutes later, I looked back and the sales person was lurking behind, assumingly because he feared that my boys would break one of their $ 1200 letter openers. This continued the whole time we were there. It is a very uncomfortable experience, and we ended up leaving fairly shortly thereafter. It’s ironic. I suppose the gentleman assumed that because I brought my family on a Sunday afternoon and that we are a relatively young couple, that we couldn’t afford furniture in that store. His mistake. The pieces we ended up buying were indeed high end and functional, and the sales staff at this location were very accommodating. I would recommend shopping around, again, unless you are your recently retired parents.

My husband and I visited the showroom. We looked at all furniture on every floor. One post said «they don’t have pushy sales people!» How about no sales people at all? We were at the store for nearly an hour and not one sales person batted an eye or asked to help us. We were in the market for a new sofa. I guess because I was wearing flip flops and cut off jeans, they thought I was a homeless person and a waste of their time! Never judge a book, buster. We told the manager of the lousy non-​service we received, and we walked out to never return. They lost a sale. Good Riddance!

The showroom here is absolutely breathe taking! The staff is so nice! The new gift and contemporary section is amazing!!! I love this store! Prices are not so bad because the quality of stuff they carry is excellent!!!
I am addicted to Louis Shanks in Austin.
If you’re in the market for furniture indoor, outdoor or gifts and décor this if definitely the place to go! You will find exactly what you want.

Even if I had more money than sense, I doubt I would shop here. This is where good taste goes to die…
But if you enjoy over-​sized gaudy furniture, then this is your place. I don’t doubt the quality. I mean, anytime you raze half a forest for one headboard, of course it’s going to be sturdy. You can still smell the tears of the displaced woodland creatures.
I realize I may not look like much, but for the love of god… please stop hovering and following me around!
I guess I’m just relegated to continue furnishing my house with Big Lots clearance items…

My family was in the furniture business in North Carolina (the home of fine furniture) for decades so I know something about this stuff. It is sad to see the demise of high end retail furniture stores everywhere, but I was happy when I moved to Austin to hear about Louis Shanks.
Quickly disappointed, my first visit resulted in a sales person who acted as if I were the worst part of her day — and I was there to BUY. Not to be deterred over a piece I was interested in, my husband went by to check it out and he got similar treatment from another sales person.
What’s up, I’m asking? We walked away and ordered online from manufacturer.
A few months later, I did buy a leather sectional from them (on sale, which shouldn’t compromise quality) and it has been a disaster. Incredibly poor quality and no interest in their part on making good on a shoddy product.
Think carefully before spending money here.

So, about that castle furniture I was looking into putting into my castle. I would buy it here.
I also have this awesome imaginary beach house that needs some Tommy Bahama style furniture. I would buy it here.
We were mostly furniture shopping in all of this side of Austin and saw an awesome parking lot sale. The staff was nice. The furniture was amazing. It was just not something I would place into my home at this point in my life.

This is definitely not the service I expected from a luxury furnishings store. I am furnishing a new home and found two leather arm chairs in the store that I was interested in purchasing. The sales representative was actually very friendly and worked on writing up my order. During the process, she confirmed that the chairs were in stock and could be delivered by the date I was hoping for. I had a cranky toddler with me, so I asked her to give me the information and I would either call or come back to place my order. She was insistent on my waiting and assured me it would not take long. While she was writing up the order, she noticed that the tag on the chairs referenced a different item and told me she wanted to confirm this was the correct item and was still in stock. She came back and stated that the chairs were available. I asked her if the price was the same and she ASSURED me that it was. She asked that I wait while she wrote the order up again and confirmed delivery dates. Again, I asked of she could just a call me as my toddler was being very impatient. She insisted that I wait as she would hurry and finalize things. I agreed and waited. After a long wait time, she and a manager returned and she told me there had been a big mix-​up and then introduced me to her manager, «Michael». Michael told me that the tag had been placed on the wrong item and had possibly «fallen off» another chair and that they would not honor the price (not sure how it fell off as it was affixed to the item, but whatever). He offered the same discount that I had been offered when I walked in the door which still left the chairs at double the price the salesperson had assured me I could buy them for. Michael then walked away without an apology, a smile or showing any alternate pieces of furniture. I found his demeanor to be rude and condescending. Look, I understand that mistakes happen, but I would have appreciated an apology for spending such time waiting when I had requested to leave and be called with the information. The salesperson did apologize and seemed very genuine. Due to the manager’s attitude, I will not be returning. This is the sort of customer service one would expect when shopping for a Dodge, not high end furniture.
I have never written a Unilocal review before, but felt peeved enough by the treatment to do so today.

«It smells like leather and wood»
This place is basically a museum of fine furniture. I feel like there should be «do not touch» signs on certain painting and pieces of furniture that are over $ 12,000. Even if you don’t plan to buy, you should drop in here just to look around. It’s immaculate and smells like premium leather and wood.
Everything is extremely high quality and made to last. If I had a ton of money I would definitely furnish my house with everything here. Instead I’ll stick to their b1g1 special going on and get a couple of small pieces.
Beware, the sales people will follow you around and try to wrap up anything and everything you eyeball.

My wife and I went to Louis Shanks with every intention on purchasing a new dining room table. We received a great deal on some chairs, and we were searching for a table to match them. I like the majority of L.S. furniture, but what I didn’t like was the condescending attitude of the salesman who continued to pressure us into buying additional furniture. I don’t particularly enjoy having someone hover over me when I’m trying to make a decision. I also don’t like being herded like cattle through a showroom, and then being pressured to buy. We looked at approximately 6 – 8 tables, spending less than 2 minutes looking at each one. Once we reached the last table, our salesman not only wanted us to buy that particular table, but also the chairs that were priced just over $ 900. 00 bucks a pop, and then says «that’s a really cheap price.» Apparently he ignored what we told him about how we already purchased our chairs, and were looking for a table to match them. I pretty much knew right then and there that I probably wasn’t going to buy anything from this guy. My wife and I know what we like and if it clicks, then we’ll buy it. I understand the art of sales and when it’s appropriate to ask for the sale, but this guy put the cart before the horse.
The impression I got was that because we entered their showroom, they seemed to feel that we were automatically committed to buying something, and quickly. I also got the sense that since we were dressed casually, we were treated with casual respect. Another salesman even made a couple of rude comments that killed any hope of them making a sale. So, we left, went down the street, and bought our table from another store. I will not tolerate poor behavior, or disrespect from someone who wants my business. It’s unfortunate, because they actually had a table that we were interested in, but because we wanted to spend more than two minutes on our decision, it became too much of an inconvenience. I’m not somebody who wants to grind over prices; I just like to see what options are available, and then make a selection. I think salespeople forget that furniture is a personal thing, and it’s typically something that you’re going to have to live with for many years. Also, high end furniture isn’t cheap and the experience buying it shouldn’t be either.

Rita Burguillo helped us to purchase a king bed frame and headboard at Louis Shanks. She was very helpful and patient, and looking to meet our needs. We live in a Hyde Park bungalow with small rooms, thus the giant headboards featured do not fit our rooms. She took us through the whole store, to help us find what we needed. We then looked around alone, and decided on a medium sized headboard, but one of the smallest they offered. Rita also offered to look through a catalogue for bed frames, but we found what we wanted, and it was on sale!
A big concern was the support of the frame. Rita recommended the Knickerbocker Bed Frame, and showed us a video on her Ipad. The support was perfect, strong and not too expensive. We bought it.
Next time you need a new headboard and bed frame, add the Knickerbocker Bed Frame to the support system. We looked at many complete headboards and bed frames and found all of the flimsy support systems lacking. A few wooden slats below the mattress? That doesn’t support a tempurpedic mattress and base. Rita also indicated that mattresses and box springs are much heavier today than in the past, yet the support for bed frames has not changed. We got a great deal on a sleigh bed frame, and purchased this for $ 150 for a king bed. It is very solid and secure.
Thank you, Rita!
The deliverymen were very helpful as well. Very careful of not hitting our walls, and professionally putting the bed frame together, and adding our own mattress to the top.

As background, let me just state for the record that I have unreasonably high standards. I also have a penchant for getting a smokin’ deal… and those things don’t usually mix well when it comes to furnishing a home.
However, I’ve been feathering my new nest for a few years now and counting, and I’ve purchased all of my furniture, art and lamps (and a chandelier!) all from one place: Louis Shanks.
I have to say I’ve been impressed with every part of my interactions with them. The quality of the furniture, the personal service… they exceed expectations every single time. (And their sales and occasional outlet stores are EPIC.)
Piece by piece and year by year, I’ve made my house a home with a collection of things that are effortlessly comfortable and just feel like us. Not stuffy, overpriced, or overhyped (like a lot of furniture dealers) — but authentic, high-​quality, with pieces that will last, and the excellent service and relationship to back it up. Definitely recommend them, highly. They’re the best!

Okay, here’s my follow up: The delivery guy — Ed — was AWESOME. Meticulous. Cautious of my stuff. Careful. Solicitous. He did a fantastic job of putting our bed together, and managing his team of install guys. Based on some of the other install guys we’ve had, I give these guys a HUGE thumbs-​up.

Absolutely the most beautiful furniture I have ever seen. If you are in the market for very high quality furniture then this is the place you need to go.
I fell in love with the Stickley section, and I can’t wait to go back.

That scene at the end of There Will Be Blood? Walking into Louis Shanks feels like you’re on a tour of Daniel Plainview’s mansion. It does not look like a normal furniture store. It’s so big, I got lost trying to find the restroom.
Our salesperson had no idea what she was talking about and told us they did NOT have the kind of sectional we wanted. We left.
I later discovered they DID have the exact kind of sectional we wanted and they were running an awesome special. Primitives agreed to meet the price being offered by Louis Shanks, so we kept our business at Primitives, who were altogether much more knowledgeable salespeople.
Louis Shanks gets 4 Stars for having a whacked out store and for having surprisingly good sales. Based on the salesperson who talked with us — I would not go there without knowing which furniture piece you intended to buy.

For traditional home furnishings, Louis Shanks is the very best that Austin has to offer. As a matter of fact, I have yet to find a better store of this type anywhere in the country.
I have shopped here since 2004 and they have the best selection of traditional furniture lines like Henredon, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Bahama to name a few. They also have an enormous showroom spanning 5 floors with everything from rugs to outdoor furniture and art. This place will keep you busy for hours just looking around.
As for service, I cannot say enough about the quality of the service and the people who work here. I have always worked with Lindy. She is the very sweet and has been there for many years.
I bought a bed in 2004 that needed replacing in 2008 due to a severe sag in the middle that made it unusable. The manufacturer was out of business, so the 10-​year warranty wasn’t really valid. However, Louis Shanks replaced my mattress with a comparable one. I didn’t have to ask for a manager and I didn’t have to beg for a new bed. I merely told my rep. about the problem, allowed them to take a look and verify the problem, and received a new bed. It was that simple.
They provide another service that I really appreciate. During deliveries or after you have had your furniture for a few months, they will provide touch-​up services for any nicks or scratches in the wood finish. When I first moved into my home in 2004, they delivered the furniture, placed everything to perfection in the various rooms, touched-​up anything that was less than perfect and cleaned up the boxes and plastic before leaving. This is a 5 star place with 5 star service!