Retail
The Retail Trade is an integral part of the Group’s history.First milestone was in 1945, when the Group’s founder, Nikiforos Th. Charagionis, set up his own confectionery at Korai Square in Piraeus, in the former offices of the German Administration. This company started out with the partner – his later wife – Irene Charagionis and with her assistance it was gradually expanded from the small store of 40 sq. m. to a complex of 1.000 sq. m.
The confectionery was named “Acropole” and became the city of Piraeus benchmark for many years. Its reputation had surpassed city limits and become known across Athens. In 1978 the complex of “Acropole” set up another shop with branded, for that time, toys. The cycle of “ACROPOLE” closed in 1988, after the Group had already focused on other activities.
The Group’s primary activity – the development and management of shopping centers and real estate – was a major factor in the re-growth of retail trade.
Retail Luxury Goods:
Charagionis Group has been since 1985 the Master Franchisee of the Italian House of luxury goods Gucci. The House’s first store was set up in Kolonaki, in the Shopping Center “Melathron” (at 5, Tsakalof St.) and soon became a reference point for all lovers of fashion and luxury.
The great revival of Gucci House, which started out in 1995, led to the strategic decision of setting up one more shop of that House in Kifissia. The second store was set up in 2001 in the Commercial Centre “Aegli” (at 8, Kolokotroni St). Finally, the now legendary shop at Kolonaki was relocated in April 2003 from the number 5 of Tsakalof Street to number 27, within a larger three-storey neoclassical building, to serve the growing demand for luxury goods.
In 2010 Charagionis Group signed a joint venture agreement with the Italian House, thus evolving the status of this extremely successful collaboration.
Retail Trade of Children Toys:
Recognizing the great gap in the market of the quality and creative children’s games, the Group started out a cooperation with the Spanish company IMAGINARIUM SA for the development of IMAGINARIUM shops network. In July 2005 it signed a Master Franchise and in November of the same year its first two shops were opened up.
The company IMAGINARIUM SA is one of the major toy retail companies worldwide. The idea of Imaginarium was conceived in 1992 in Zaragoza and ever since it was spread very quickly. Until now it operates in 33 countries in Europe, S. America, Africa, and Asia and its future plans include several more countries.
Hellenic Motor Museum:
One can find at the exit of the Museum a store with relevant material and memorabilia.
Address: Ioulianou 33-35 & C’ Septemvriou 74 – 78, Athens, Greece
Tel: +30 210 8816187
www.hellenicmotormuseum.gr