17th HOME IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE

How do Greek consumers decide to repair, renovate or upgrade their homes? Who influences their choices, and what path do they follow before making a purchase? These questions will be explored in a new Focus Bari study, presented by Xenia Kourtoglou, MSc, Founder of Focus Bari & Resilience Expert, at the 17th Home Improvement Conference, on 9 December 2026, at the Benaki Museum.

The presentation builds on last year’s study, “Greeks and Their Homes: An Evolving Relationship”, which found that 71% of Greeks consider home improvement important, four in five had carried out repairs, maintenance or renovations over the previous two years, while 73% were hesitant to undertake further work because of rising costs.

This year, the research shifts from needs and intentions to purchasing decisions, mapping four consumer journeys: minor repairs (DIY), energy efficiency upgrades, major renovations (Do It For Me), and electronic, electrical and technological upgrades.

It will examine where consumers look for information, whom they trust and who influences their final choice of products, stores and professionals. Last year’s research found that 49% plan to split their future purchases equally between physical and online stores, highlighting the importance of an omnichannel approach.

The Focus Bari study brings a consumer behaviour perspective to a programme centred on technology and the future of Home Improvemen
Fotis Antonopoulos, Applied Intelligence Architect and founder of Infera, will present “AI: The Manual You Needed but Nobody Gave You”, highlighting practical applications of Artificial Intelligence.
Michalis Andrikopoulos, Building Technologies Manager at KAFKAS, will present “The Home of the Future: From Smart Homes to Autonomous Homes”, focusing on automation and energy management.
The programme also features significant international contributions. Tony Walker of Bunnings will explore developments in global Home Improvement retail. Fiorella Origlia, founder of LaRévolution, will examine new strategic partnerships between retailers and suppliers in the European DIY market. Elisa Servais, Retail Design Strategist and President of the European Chapter of the Retail Design Institute, will present the Convergion Model, a framework for the store of the future.

The 17th Home Improvement Conference is organised by Karydakis Media, under the auspices of the Hellenic Retail Business Association (SELPE), and serves as the annual B2B meeting point for retailers and suppliers of home improvement products, services and technology.