Made in the Shade Little Rock lands No. 4 franchise ranking for eighth straight year

By AI, Created 3:30 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Made in the Shade Little Rock ranked No. 4 out of 152 locations worldwide in 2026, earning a Top 5 franchise honor for the eighth consecutive year. The Central Arkansas window treatment company also reported 21% sales growth in 2025 and a 130% jump in outdoor patio shades as demand rose for premium and motorized solutions.

Why it matters: - Made in the Shade Little Rock’s repeated Top 5 ranking signals sustained performance in a competitive global franchise system. - The company’s 2025 growth shows demand is expanding in both indoor window treatments and outdoor living products across Central Arkansas. - Motorized shade systems are becoming a bigger part of residential construction and retrofit projects, especially for custom home builders.

What happened: - Made in the Shade Little Rock ranked No. 4 among 152 locations in the Made in the Shade international franchise network. - The honor marks the eighth consecutive year the Little Rock franchise has finished in the Top 5. - The company said 2025 net sales rose 21% year over year. - Outdoor patio shades increased 130% year over year. - The announcement was made May 20, 2026.

The details: - The Little Rock franchise has ranked among the top five locations worldwide every year since its debut in 2017. - Fully automated, motorized shade integration projects accounted for a significant share of 2025 growth. - Custom home builder partnerships across the region drove much of that business. - The team completed extensive training and ongoing education to become a Platinum Somfy Motorized Shade Dealer. - The certification supports smart home window automation for new construction and retrofit projects. - The company expanded its sales and installation team to support continued growth. - Made in the Shade Little Rock offers personalized in-home consultations and expert installations. - The business serves residential and commercial clients throughout Central Arkansas. - The company specializes in custom blinds, shades, shutters and draperies, with added focus on motorized shade systems and outdoor patio solutions. - Made in the Shade Little Rock is co-owned by Mike Kirby and Ron Carter. - The franchise network has been recognized by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Top 150 Home-Based & Mobile Franchises. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The mix of strong sales growth and a higher ranking suggests the Little Rock operation is outperforming many peers, not just holding steady. - The surge in outdoor patio shades points to continued interest in outdoor living upgrades, not only interior design projects. - The Platinum Somfy designation gives the franchise a technical edge that may help it win more builder-led and smart-home projects.

What’s next: - Made in the Shade Little Rock plans to keep scaling its team while maintaining its focus on in-home service and installation. - Continued demand for motorized and outdoor shade products could remain a growth driver if housing and remodeling activity stay strong in the region. - The company’s builder relationships and automation capability are likely to remain central to its expansion strategy.