A total of 16 brands entered the Czech retail market in the first six months of this year. According to Cushman & Wakefield data, the most represented categories were Food & Beverage (7 brands) and fashion (clothing, footwear and accessories – 4 brands). In total, 14 brands opened in Prague, one in Ostrava and one in Pardubice.
Food & Beverage remains a key driver of expansion into the Czech market
For several years now, the most common categories among new market entrants have been fashion (clothing, footwear and accessories) and Food & Beverage. The most significant entry in the first half of the year was clearly BOSS Café, which opened on Prague’s Na Příkopě Street next to the BOSS flagship store for Central and Eastern Europe. Notably, this is one of the first branches of this café concept worldwide. Besides Prague, coffee with the BOSS logo is available only in Bangkok, London and Metzingen.
In the Food & Beverage segment, the offer was further expanded by the first branches of Slovak café Choco Boss, Ukrainian supermarket Best Market and Canadian confectionery Choco Choo. Italian sports nutrition supplements brand Volchem opened its first store in the newly refurbished Grand shopping centre in Pardubice. Retail development was also supported by the reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Prague. Last year, the Cinnamood brand opened its store there, and this year it was followed by the German brand Home of Dumplings. YO! Sushi, part of the German Sushi Circle group, opened its first store in Prague’s Homepark Zličín. The group entered the Czech market last year with its Sushi Circle brand and is now introducing another standalone concept.
Jan Kotrbáček, Partner and Head of Retail Agency CEE, Cushman & Wakefield, commented, “The Food & Beverage segment has long been one of the most dynamic drivers of Czech retail. Prague today is no longer merely a transit destination; it is a city that international concepts perceive as a fully-fledged European market with a mature customer base, high tourist footfall and a vibrant local scene. The interest of renowned foreign brands in entering this market is the best confirmation that Prague is building an increasingly strong position in the European context.”
Fashion, footwear and accessories continue to strengthen
The fashion segment was also very active in the first half of the year. Romanian premium fashion accessories and fashion brand Alisa Enco entered the Czech market with its first store at the Mandarin Oriental Prague hotel on Nebovidská Street in Prague. American premium brand Kenneth Cole announced a major expansion into the Czech market, opening its first store in Prague’s Westfield Chodov shopping centre. The premium fashion segment was also enriched by the entry of Digel at Fashion Arena Prague Outlet in Prague.
So far, the luxury segment has been represented by just one brand: Italian chain Ermanno Scervino, which opened in the newly refurbished Fairmont Golden Prague hotel on Pařížská Street.
The Czech market attracts brands across segments
Two brands entered the Czech market in the home and electronics segment. Premium German outdoor furniture brand Dedon opened its first store on Petrská Street in Prague. Romanian brand Contakt, specialising in electronic accessories, launched operations in Prague’s Metropole Zličín shopping centre. Board game enthusiasts welcomed the first Warhammer store in the Černá růže arcade in Prague, where Spanish-Russian perfume brand By Velcheva also made its debut. Polish chain Smyk opened its first store offering children’s clothing and toys in Ostrava’s Avion shopping centre.
Jan Kotrbáček explained: “What we are seeing in the first half of 2026 is the result of several favourable trends coming together. The Czech Republic, and Prague in particular, is becoming a natural gateway to Central Europe for both premium and mass-market international brands. The infrastructure of high streets, the refurbishment of key locations and the growing purchasing power of local customers are creating an environment that offers brands real potential for long-term growth. Developments in the second half of the year should confirm that this year will be one of the strongest in the history of Czech retail.”
Another wave of new brand entries expected
The Czech retail market is set to be very busy in the coming months, and another record number of new market entrants can be expected. Food lovers can look forward to the arrival of well-known American doughnut brand Krispy Kreme, German burger concept Burgermeister, American fast-food chain Dave’s Hot Chicken, Slovak gelateria Arthur’s Gelato and Danish Japanese restaurant chain Sticks’n’Sushi.
Fashion lovers will welcome the entry of Italian fashion chain OVS, Polish fashion and accessories retailer Ochnik and American leather footwear brand Red Wing Shoes.
Family-owned jewellery brand Pasha Fine Jewellery, originally from California, will open its second store in the world on Prague’s Rytířská Street. The luxury market will also be enriched by the first Longines store in the Czech Republic, located on Pařížská Street. In the second half of the year, two new stores of major international brands are also expected to open on Pařížská Street in the Pařížská 25 project. The development of Pařížská Street will be further influenced by the reconstruction of Miloš Forman Square, where up to three new stores for luxury brands are planned, following an international architectural competition.
In addition, the market is awaiting the entry of Danish drugstore chain Normal, which has already opened its first branches in Slovakia, and German drugstore chain Müller. Gaming enthusiasts will also welcome the opening of SAW Esports Arena, the first international esports arena in the Czech Republic.
New flagship stores confirm Prague’s strategic importance for global retail brands
In addition to new market entrants, this year will be defined primarily by flagship stores of brands already present in the Czech market. LEGO will open its first flagship store on Prague’s Na Příkopě Street. A Nike flagship store will be established in the newly refurbished Koruna Palace on Wenceslas Square. Peek & Cloppenburg will open its first branch in central Prague on Na Příkopě Street, in the Palace of the former Czechoslovak Commercial Bank. On Pařížská Street, the renovated and expanded store of French luxury accessories brand Cartier will open, following the recently refurbished and expanded Brunello Cucinelli store, which reopened in the first half of this year, and the new Patek Philippe boutique, one of only five boutiques in Europe. Hodinářství Bechyně is also expected to unveil its new flagship store on Havířská Street.
