Athens, May 5, 2026 – Fourlis Group and the MARGARITA Special Education Workshop have joined forces to promote the professional inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in the labor market, actively contributing to the enhancement of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

As part of this collaboration, four hires have already been completed across the Group’s brands, specifically IKEA, INTERSPORT, and Foot Locker.

This initiative forms part of a broader framework of actions by Fourlis Group aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Group implements initiatives that enhance accessibility and participation for people with disabilities, including accessibility audits in its stores in collaboration with civil society organizations, as well as employee training programs on diversity and inclusion. Through these efforts, the Group seeks to foster a work environment that respects and highlights the uniqueness of every individual.

“At Fourlis Group, we believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental elements of a modern and dynamic workplace. Through our collaboration with the MARGARITA Special Education Workshop, we create meaningful employment opportunities and contribute to a labor market that is open to everyone”, said Mrs. Lyda Fourlis, Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility Director at Fourlis Group.

The MARGARITA Special Education Workshop is a nonprofit organization that provides education, vocational training, and support to young people with intellectual disabilities and autism, with the aim of fostering autonomy and their social and professional inclusion. At the same time, it prepares candidates through programs that develop professional and social skills, while offering support both to employees and store teams through job coaching and continuous monitoring of their integration. This joint initiative between the two organizations is implemented based on the Supported Employment methodology.

“Access to employment is a key factor for the autonomy and social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Our collaboration with Fourlis Group is an important example of how businesses can actively contribute to creating equal opportunities for access to work”, said Dimitris Tourlidas, Head of the Employment Integration Department at the MARGARITA Special Education Workshop.

Both organizations express their intention to continue and expand their collaboration, creating more employment opportunities for people who face barriers to accessing the labor market.