History

1950: The beginning with an umbrella factory

As the son of an umbrella maker, Hans Ströhle embarks on his entrepreneurial journey in the 1950s by establishing a modest umbrella production company in Götzis. What started as a humble endeavor soon flourishes, with the small factory rapidly expanding its operations. The company employs 30 dedicated craftsmen, supplying specialised stores across Austria and southern Germany. Renowned for its commitment to quality and local craftsmanship, the Ströhle company swiftly earns a reputation for producing superior umbrellas.

1980: The subsequent path to becoming a promotional umbrella professional

In the 1980s, the umbrella is discovered as a popular advertising medium. Simultaneously, sales in the classic umbrella business are declining. The Ströhle company reacts to this trend and very quickly specialises in promotional umbrellas. In the process of this shift, the import of umbrella frames and ultimately of entire umbrellas continues to increase over time, while at the same time the range and printing options constantly expand.

2000s: Expansion of product range - parasols and tents

The range expands to include parasols and, just a short while later, tents are added as an ideal addition to the product selection. Here, too, great importance is attached to a wide variety of designs and individual design options right from the start.

2019: An online company is born - Schirmmacher goes digital!

A new era begins in 2019. Christian Ströhle, grandson of the original company founder Hans Ströhle, takes the helm to propel the traditional umbrella business into the contemporary landscape. Under the banner of Schirmmacher (CST GmbH), a dynamic e-commerce venture emerges, blending the time-honoured umbrella craftsmanship of the original Ströhle company with the transformative potential of digitalisation. Emphasising quality, reliability, and exceptional value, Schirmmacher pioneers the integration of digital features aimed at enhancing customer experience. These innovations are continually refined and expanded.

2020/21: Internationalisation

In 2021, internationalisation measures are taken for the first time in order to overcome language and geographical barriers and to be able to advise and supply customers throughout Europe.

Internationalisation continues in 2021. Schirmmacher publishes its website in English for the first time for customers from all over Europe and the UK. In the same year, the company also expands into Southern Europe. This expansion enables us to provide dedicated customer service and website support tailored to the needs of our Italian and Spanish clientele in their native languages.

In just a few years, Schirmmacher has become one of the leading suppliers of individually printed umbrellas, parasols and folding tents. Customers come from a wide range of economic sectors throughout Europe - from industry, trade, services and commerce to the catering and hotel industry.

2023: Schirmmacher moves!

The company expands and moves. As the space at the headquarters in Götzis becomes too small, Schirmmacher moves within the town. An old ballroom is lovingly renovated and becomes Schirmmacher's new home. The centrally located site provides space for further company development, so that further exciting projects can be implemented.

As our premises expand, so too does our commitment to enhancing our product range and services. Anticipating significant growth, we are growing our team in 2023 to ensure that every customer continues to receive the fast and personalised service they have come to expect from us, maintaining our standards of excellence despite our expansion.