Our group

With a successful presence of nearly 75 years, Fourlis group is a dynamic force in the retail sector in Southeast Europe, offering a diverse range of high-quality products to consumers.

Through franchise and licensing agreements, the group represents globally recognized brands such as IKEA, INTERSPORT, Foot Locker and Holland & Barrett. At the same time, it provides logistics services through its subsidiary, Trade Logistics and maintains a participation in TRADE ESTATES real estate investment company. Fourlis group has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2008, reinforcing its commitment to responsible business practices. The group remains a driving force in growth, making a significant contribution to the economies of the countries where it operates, while investing and creating value for all its people - employees and partners alike.

At a glance

Our footprint in numbers

We are shaping the future of retail in Southeast Europe.

years of successful history

20+

years of trusted partnerships

530mil.

in sales

countries of operation

4,400+

employees

40%

of sales from international markets

Our vision

We believe in making wellbeing accessible: enabling joyful, fulfilling and sustainable lives for every individual and community.

Purpose
and values

OUR VALUES

Our purpose is our driving force: We want to be a force for positive change in people’s lives.

Our people are our driving force. We nurture a culture rooted in respect, equality, diversity, and inclusion. We value their dedication by providing support and opportunities for growth. In fact, people are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to understand our customers’ wishes and aspirations so that we can deliver experiences that exceed their expectations and meet their needs. Their input is key to our ongoing journey to improve our ethical standards.

People-centric

We operate with unwavering honesty, morality, and ethics in all areas. We are committed to transparency and accountability to ensure that we earn the trust of our customers, employees, partners, and investors — and safeguard the future and ethos of our brands.

Integrity

We strive for operational excellence. We focus on achieving maximum output with minimum waste, ensuring efficient and streamlined processes. We encourage teamwork and knowledge sharing to empower our employees, enriching their skills and capabilities. By doing so, we enhance the experience of our customers and contribute to the success of our partners and shareholders.

Efficiency

In an ever-changing world, our resilience and growth depend on our ability to remain future-ready, adaptable, and insightful. We relentlessly optimise our products and services, and embrace new ideas and technologies that push the boundaries of industry-leading retail experiences.

Ever-
evolving

We believe in creating value by aligning our business strategies with the needs of our communities and the interests of our stakeholders. We are committed to sustainable corporate governance, integrating ethical practices that prioritize the environment and society.

Shared
value driven

Our strategic orientation

At Fourlis group, we focus on continuously improving product and service quality, to ensure excellent customer experience. We expand our store network and integrate innovative technologies for a seamless shopping journey. Digital transformation enhances efficiency and internal processes. We invest in logistics and extend our activities in Southeast Europe. We strengthen sustainability and corporate responsibility in all our activities and promote green initiatives, while strengthening our engagement with local communities and creating a culture of respect, inclusion and well-being for our people.

Strategic priorities

Delivering high product quality and exceptional customer service across all channels.
Fostering a culture of employee well-being, engagement, and continuous development.
Transforming the business model for efficiency.
Accelerating omnichannel growth and e-commerce capabilities.
Driving digital transformation to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Expanding and optimizing our retail footprint in our markets.
Expanding logistics services and strategic partnerships in Southeast Europe.
Driving operational efficiencies and cash flow generation.
Strengthening sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Timeline

Our history

1950s

The group’s history begins in 1950 with the founding of A. Fourlis & Co. by Anastasios Fourlis, later joined by his brothers Stelios, Ioannis, and Elias. The company initially imports and trades electrical appliances from Germany, having the exclusive representation of the leading Brand names of the time, Junker + Ruh cookers, air heaters and hoods, Linde electric refrigerators and ERRES radios.

1960s

In 1965, the company becomes the exclusive distributor of American-made range hoods, and in 1967, it begins importing and assembling RCA and Westinghouse televisions. At the same time, it undertakes the distribution of Philco washing machines. In 1968, it is renamed FOURLIS BROS SA and starts manufacturing range hoods.

1970s

In 1973, the company moves to new facilities. In 1975, it secures an exclusive representation agreement with General Electric regarding home appliances. In 1978, it begins assembling and distributing TELEFUNKEN televisions.

1980s

In 1982, the company starts importing NEFF home appliances. In 1988, it is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

1990s

In 1993, the company acquires 51% of P. Kotsovolos SA. In 1996, it establishes Genco Romania SRL and Genco Bulgaria. In 1998, TLF Electroline LTD is established in Cyprus, the largest wholesale and retail company for electrical appliances on the island. In the same year, it acquires RADIO ATHINE AEBETE and establishes INTARGET SA for business solutions via the Internet. In 1999, it secures the IKEA franchise and becomes the exclusive representative of INTERSPORT in Greece.

2000s

In 2000, the group transitions into a holding company and is renamed to FOURLIS HOLDINGS SA. The first IKEA store opens in Thessaloniki in 2001, followed by the first Athens store in 2004. In 2007, an IKEA store opens in Nicosia, and in 2008, a second one in Athens. In 2010, new IKEA stores open in Larissa and Ioannina, while the INTERSPORT store network expands to 55 locations. In July 2004 negotiations with the DIXONS Group were concluded for the sale of the company P. Kotsovolos S.A. (Kotsovolos).

2010s

Despite economic challenges, the group continues to grow. In 2011, the largest IKEA store opens in Sofia, followed by the first Pick-up Point in Rhodes in 2012. Between 2013 and 2014, four new IKEA order points and 19 INTERSPORT stores are added. The group also secures the franchise rights for “The Athlete’s Foot” stores in Greece and Turkey. In 2014, the company completes its divestment from the wholesale electrical goods sector.

2020s

The dynamic growth of the group continues. In 2021, Trade Estates REIC is established. In 2022, the group establishes an agreement for the franchise of Holland & Barrett in Greece, Romania and Bulgaria and proceeds with the establishment of a new Intersport sorting, distribution and storage center in Oinofyta, Viotia. In 2023, Trade Estate is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Trade Estate acquires the SMART PARK commercial park in Spata and the agreement for the development of the Retail Park in the emblematic investment of The Ellinikon is announced. Inter IKEA Group decides to invest in Greece in collaboration with Fourlis group to create a state-of-the-art international product distribution center of 50,000 square meters.

Today

The group's retail network includes IKEA stores of various sizes. The IKEA online store operates in Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. INTERSPORT's store network is rapidly growing in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, with e-commerce platforms fully operational in all these countries. Holland & Barrett is gradually expanding its store network in Greece. In August 2024, Fourlis group announced that it had acquired licensing rights to launch and expand the Foot Locker brand in Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro.