Brand Story

Heritage in China’s Hardware Capital

Yongkang, our birthplace in China’s Zhejiang province, is widely regarded as the nation’s “Hardware Capital”. This city has been a powerhouse of manufacturing for decades, known for its skilled artisans and thriving hardware industry. Backed by over 30 years of hardware manufacturing and supply expertise, we carry forward Yongkang’s legacy of quality craftsmanship. In fact, China’s hardware sector as a whole has spent the past 30+ years building a prominent global presence, with Yongkang enjoying a particularly high reputation worldwide. This rich heritage gives AIYI a strong foundation in technical know-how and reliability from day one.

From Yongkang to Johannesburg

AIYI’s journey to South Africa began in late 2012, when our founders traveled to Johannesburg to explore new opportunities. Impressed by the city’s vibrant market and the region’s demand for quality hardware, we officially established the AIYI brand in 2013 in Johannesburg, opening our first 400㎡ store in Johannesburg. Starting with just a few rows of reliable hardware tools, we built our business on a simple promise: good quality, fair price.

That small store was more than just a shop — it was the beginning of a long-term commitment to serving South Africa with products people can trust.

A New Chapter of Growth (2024)

Over the next decade, AIYI built a reputation in Johannesburg for dependable products and honest value. This success culminated in a major milestone in 2024: the opening of our new flagship store. Spanning an impressive 3,000 square meters, this modern outlet showcases the full breadth of our inventory and reflects how far we’ve come. The new store’s expansive showroom and warehouse space means customers can find thousands of products under one roof – from household and construction hardware to bathroom fixtures, appliances, electrical supplies, and the latest LED and solar lights. Importantly, our original store location continues to operate and serve the community, so we now have multiple locations in Johannesburg. This expansion not only triples our physical footprint but also reinforces our long-term commitment to the South African market. It’s a proud new chapter in the AIYI story, demonstrating our growth from a small shop into one of the area’s go-to hardware destinations.

Serving South Africa and Beyond

From our Johannesburg base, AIYI has always aimed to serve customers across South Africa and neighboring countries. We understand that in the hardware business, trust and local relationships are as important as product variety. That’s why we have worked to integrate into the local culture and community. We employ local team members and collaborate closely with the community, ensuring we stay attuned to local needs and customs. This localized approach echoes the success of other Chinese enterprises in Africa – for example, some major Chinese companies operating in South Africa keep over 90% of their staff local to bridge cultural gaps and actively root themselves in the community through training and social initiatives. By embracing the local way of life and giving back, AIYI strives to be not just a foreign importer, but a trusted local brand.

At the same time, we bring the strengths of Chinese manufacturing to our customers. In recent decades, Chinese hardware products have earned worldwide recognition for offering solid quality at competitive prices. China today is the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of hardware goods, which speaks to the reliability and popularity of its products on the global stage. AIYI is proud to be a bridge between this Chinese hardware expertise and the needs of Southern African communities. By combining Chinese efficiency with local insight, we ensure our customers get the best of both worlds – robust, well-made products at prices that make sense for local families and businesses.

The Value-for-Money Promise

Throughout our journey, one principle has remained at the core of AIYI: we are “the value-for-money choice” for hardware. What does that mean to us? It means we believe quality should never be out of reach, and a tight budget should never force anyone to settle for subpar tools or materials. We carefully source and test our products to make sure they meet rigorous quality standards, yet we price them fairly so that everyday customers can afford what they need. From a simple door hinge to a high-tech solar light, every item we sell reflects our commitment to durability and performance at a reasonable cost.

When you shop with AIYI, we want you to walk away confident that “choosing AIYI” was the right decision – that you got a good deal on a good product. This promise of reliable quality and honest pricing is more than just a slogan for us; it’s the guiding philosophy behind how we do business. We know that our customers entrust us with their projects, homes, and safety when they buy our hardware. In return, we strive to ensure that trust is always rewarded. With AIYI, you can be certain that you’re getting value you won’t regret – a sturdy handshake of quality and value that says *thank you* for choosing our brand.

In short, the story of AIYI is one of heritage and heart. From our roots in Yongkang’s hardware heartland to our growth in South Africa, we have always stood for quality, affordability, and community. We’re excited to continue serving the builders, innovators, and everyday heroes who rely on us – in South Africa and beyond – for many years to come. When it comes to hardware, choosing AIYI means you can’t go wrong.