A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
STAND LINE’s journey began in 1994 when founders Yiannis Panayiotidis and Yiota Gondrufi recognized a promising opportunity in the expanding network of DIY chains in South-East Europe. Their vision, hard work, and commitment to excellence paved the way for what would become one of the region’s largest supply chain networks for DIY chains operating in Greece and Turkey.
At the time, their company swiftly became the primary supplier of a wide range of products, from hand tools to energy-efficient lamps. Their products graced the shelves of the largest DIY chains, and it was here that Yiannis Panayiotidis, a born salesman, began his quest to maximize “sales on the shelf.” His pioneering ideas and innovative merchandising methods revolutionized the presentation of products in DIY chains, establishing him as a master in this field.
Today, Paris is applying his vast experience in the DIY sector and his profound knowledge of online sales to transform the stores his parents built. He is transitioning traditional stores, characterized by heavy shelves and racks filled with products, into attractive showrooms and phy-gital (physical and digital) stores. This transformation is a testament to our commitment to innovation and staying ahead of industry trends.
At STAND LINE, our journey continues, guided by our legacy of innovation, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We look forward to serving you and delivering innovative solutions for your store and warehousing needs.
“Your Success
Our Passion”
Yiannis, serving as the President of our group, and Yiota, acting as our Financial Advisor, have passed the reins of our company to the capable hands of their son, Mr. Paris Panayiotidis, our CEO, and their daughter, Ms. Katerina Panayiotidis, our CFO. Paris and Katerina, armed with their studies and Masters in Economics, Business Management, Product Design, and Engineering, were raised in this entrepreneurial environment.
With over 15 years of experience at STAND LINE, they possess a deep understanding of the equipment and merchandising needs of DIY chains. Paris, in particular, has embarked on a unique journey within our group. He was chosen by the world’s largest E-Commerce group, Alibaba, as the first pioneer partner in Europe. His groundbreaking services for B2B online sales have earned him this prestigious recognition.
Having supplied and equipped almost every DIY chain and hardware store in South-East Europe, they foresaw a changing landscape. The allure of the Chinese market and the desire for more cost-effective solutions led DIY chains to seek direct partnerships with Chinese manufacturers. It was during this pivotal period that they ventured into providing solutions for store and warehousing equipment.
However, the DIY industry continued to expand rapidly, opening new stores at an unprecedented rate. Recognizing the opportunity to leverage their expertise in merchandising, they founded STAND LINE in 2001. This new venture aimed to deliver innovative solutions for store equipment and warehousing equipment to DIY chains and hardware stores.
STAND LINE has weathered the ups and downs of the European economy, thanks to its strong foundations and unwavering values. Today, STAND LINE and its affiliated companies export products to over 35 countries across five continents, forming an integral part of a six-company group.