I am no stranger to Sherwin Williams. Truth is, I am practically a regular.  There are approximately nine paint swatches on my kitchen and breakfast area walls at this very moment.  All Sherwin Williams.  It’s hard to choose when they are each so lovely and the selection process is my favorite part.  Oh, the possibilities! 

Point is, I am so familiar with our local Sherwin Williams that I was surprised to hear that a lot of World Golf Village, Murabella, Kensington, Palencia and other nearby neighbors don’t know SW is right in our backyard.  Granted, its location is a little hidden – they are tucked just off International Golf Parkway behind Roots ‘n Wing Preschool in the office park near the Shell station.  It sure beats hauling to one of the huge big box retailers and I always get immediate and attentive service.  I figured out a while ago that their paint is better quality than any I had tried from the big stores. But hands down the best reason to use Sherwin Williams is for their fastidious electronic record keeping.  Store Manager Tore Isacsson said himself, “I’m a little fanatical about records!”  Thank goodness Tore can look up the last gallon I purchased and match it exactly.  It means one less thing to remember and we could all use that.

Tore went on to explain another benefit of Sherwin Williams’ record keeping is that he often can look up paint colors for many of the new construction homes in the area. “We recently had a customer call who had moved into a five-year-old home in the King & Bear and wanted to know the paint colors so they could repaint.  We were able to look up the house by her address and tell her all the colors used throughout,” said Tore.  Their record keeping also comes in handy during color selection.  Said Tore, “We helped a customer narrow down exterior color selections but she was still undecided.  So, I looked up a home where they had used the color she was considering and she was able to go take a look in person.”

In addition to its knowledgeable staff, Sherwin Williams boasts one of the most user-friendly and informative websites for paint selection.  At www.sherwin-williams.com, you can find the latest hot color trends, painting tips and advice, and a popular Color Visualizer tool that even lets users upload photos of their rooms and try out colors.  At the World Golf Village store, Tore and his team can custom match colors and recommend interior designers, trained color specialists and, of course, quality painters.  Personally, I’m looking forward to checking out a new expanded line of faux finishes premiering in July. Said Tore, “We’re excited about this new line. It will be easier to use and tintable so that all finishes are completely customizable.”  The store also offers an expansive line of concrete stains, paver sealers and ShieldCrete, an epoxy product for garage floors.

Tore came to the Sherwin Williams World Golf Village store just three months ago from its Julington Creek location but already has made a big impact.  “We’re making a concerted effort to be more involved in the community. We’re working with area churches and schools and providing hands-on help with projects,” he explained.  “Giving back is important to us,” he added.

Tore is optimistic about Sherwin Williams outlook and the uptick in the local economy. So far, sales are up about 20% from last year. This year will mark the 10-year anniversary for the Sherwin Williams’ World Golf Village store and they are celebrating with a gift for customers. In September, the store will have a huge anniversary sale featuring 40% off all paints and stains.  Hmm, I think it’s time to paint the family room.

Sherwin Williams is located at 255 Business Park Circle, Suite 501 in St. Augustine.  You can call them at 904-940-6565 to find out about free seminars, upcoming sales and even to look up paint records.  They have a Spanish-speaking staff member and hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.