Panagiotis Stylianou: Marketing Director at Mangas Home Improvement

Panagiotis Stylianou is the Marketing Director at Mangas Home Improvement, an admittedly demanding position that requires him to be constantly alert with new and effective ideas regarding company activities or events and promoting the organisation’s products while maintaining the character it has managed to build over the years.

“The peculiarity of taking over the leadership of a family business has to do with the fact that, on the one hand, you are expected to develop and bring fresh ideas to the company, without however, straying from the principles and philosophy of your predecessors.”

Please provide a brief business description, summarising what your organisation does, its purpose, and what makes it unique.
“Our company offers products and services, both to individuals who want to renovate their home, but also to professionals, supplying them with excellent quality materials. We mainly deal in the wholesale of plumbing, but also in the retail of thousands of other products. Thanks to the reliability and quality of the services we offer, our company has developed, and today is considered one of the leaders in the sector of DIY, employing more than 100 people. What makes Mangas Home Improvement stand out from other DIY companies, is the knowledge and professionalism of the staff, as they can offer professional advice to cater for every need of our customers.
Furthermore, providing the best possible service to our customers is a primary goal for us, but also a constant challenge. In 2015, we proceeded with the construction of our new state-of-the-art store, offering visitors a pleasant shopping experience. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic, apart from the many problems it left behind, also created opportunity, as people have made online shopping part of their daily lives. Given these new, emerging needs, we launched our e-shop providing our customers with an additional option for their shopping experience.”

As an individual with a pioneering role, how have you played a key part in bringing about change, and how are these changes enhancing your potential for future growth?
“Studying the market in detail and tracing future trends, in 2019 we created the first DIY online store in Cyprus. However, as mentioned above, the pandemic brought major changes to the market, resulting in e-shopping growing faster than we had predicted. With the aim of making shopping easier, we renewed our e-shop, creating a tailor-made platform for all needs. With the help of the internet, and of course our excellent quality products, our company is recognised throughout Cyprus. This recognition is a motivation for us, so that we can proceed with the opening of new stores, possibly in other cities as well.”

As a pioneer, you are bringing a unique take to a product or service. Tell us about the products and services your organisation has introduced that will unlock heightened levels of consumer value.
“Our company mainly specialises in sanitary ware. With the experience and know-how, which we have gained over the years, we offer consumers greater shopping convenience. For this reason, we have installation crews for shower bases and shower doors, proving that the company’s goal is not only to increase sales, but also to help its customers. It is worth noting that 70% of the products are imported by the company itself, offering our customers additional options and different products, compared to other companies in the sector.”

What does it mean to be a pioneer in your industry today?
“The market is a constantly changing environment, in which any predictions and estimates can be overturned. This was something we experienced during the pandemic, with the rapid digitalisation of the market. To respond as best as possible to these constant changes of circumstances and needs, it requires one to be constantly alert. However, the right research and the study of international markets are the most important tools to implement your strategies, to keep up with the evolution, or even to make the change yourself. Foreign markets always offer opportunities and ideas, on which you can build and adapt to the needs of your own customers.”

How are your pioneering efforts preparing your company for a future that is more sustainable?
“Mangas Home Improvement’s main concern, aside from growth, is to become a sustainable organisation. We see that businesses all over the world are taking actions to become ‘green’, reducing their footprint on the planet. For our company to become more environmentally friendly, it requires significant changes. As an organisation, we are in the process of implementing certain actions, such as the considerably reduced printing of brochures, while our goal soon is to operate our store exclusively with the use of photovoltaic systems. In addition, we are interested in the acquisition of electric cars for the needs of the company. At the same time, we promote energy efficiency electrical devices with lower power consumption, highlighting the benefits they have both for the environment and for the consumers themselves.”

What factors, in your opinion, offer pioneering advantage of organisations?
“As mentioned previously, new technologies, the environment, and the opportunities offered by foreign markets are the most important elements so that a company can grow and stand out in a competitive environment. All you must do is have the ability and the will to adapt with the new trends.”