Greek retail groups have lined up to pay tribute to Stelios Sklavenitis, a co-owner of the Sklavenitis supermarket chain, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 52.
Sklavenitis was rushed to hospital in Athens on Saturday evening with severe breathing difficulties. Despite doctors' efforts, be developed multiple organ failure in the hours that followed, and passed away on Sunday morning.
Paying Tribute
Leonidas Vrettakos, the chief operating officer of AB Vassilopoulos, told news portal foodbusiness.gr that Sklavenitis' passing makes the "business world, and retail industry, poorer.
"We will always remember the sweetness of his character, and the morality and honesty that characterised him both as a businessman and as a human being."
Elsewhere, the Panteliades family, which operates the Metro chain, issued a statement that read, "For us, [Sklavenitis] are not just competitors. Above all, they are friends. We traveled through this market together in good times and in difficult moments, always with honesty and with unlimited mutual appreciation.
"Our sorrow for the death of Stelios is great and we will always remember him with love."
Strong Influence
Vassilis Korkidis, the president of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship said that he was "shocked" by the news, thegreekobserver.com reported.
"His memory will last forever in the world of commerce, as well as among employees and members of the public, for all the good things he generously offered. My warmest condolences to his family."
The president of the Central Union of Hellenic Chambers, Constantine Michalos, added, "“A man has gone from this life that was a shining example, for his flawless character and creativity.
"He was full of zest for life and a desire to contribute."
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
