The Czech Republic continues to hold its ground as one of Central Europe’s most attractive retail destinations.

Last year, forty foreign brands made their debut in the country, confirming a steady inflow of international players despite ongoing economic uncertainty across the region.

According to a market overview by Cushman & Wakefield, the number of new entries remained in line with recent years, though slightly below the exceptional peak of 2024, when 47 brands arrived.

Food and drink lead the expansion

Restaurants, cafés and fast-casual concepts once again dominated the list of arrivals. The most closely watched launch was the American burger chain Five Guys, which opened its first Czech outlet in Prague’s Máj department store.

Other fresh names on the local dining scene included the health-focused dean&david, Mediterranean restaurant Koykan and Seven North, which opened inside the SiR Prague hotel. Live-music fans gained a new venue with the Piano Bar at Savarin Palace, while several specialty brands introduced new flavours to the market, from Italian aperitif Ciao Spritz to German cinnamon-roll concept Cinnamood.

Supermarket chains also played a role in expanding the country’s culinary offer. Sushi Circle and Yuzu from Germany, along with France’s Mai Sushi, entered the Czech Republic through partnerships with Kaufland, bringing ready-made Japanese cuisine to everyday shoppers. Meanwhile, Wundermart launched its minimarket concept at the Hilton Prague, targeting hotel guests and travellers.

Luxury finds a firm foothold in Prague

Several high-end brands chose Prague for their Czech debut, particularly in and around the newly opened Fairmont Golden Prague hotel.

Italian jewellers Pasquale Bruni and Damiani arrived alongside Latvia’s Grenardi, while the perfume house Nicolaï opened a boutique on Široká Street. A milestone came with the launch of Chanel Fragrance and Beauty on Na Příkopě, the first stand-alone store of its kind in the country.

Beauty and wellness brands follow suit

The health and beauty sector also recorded a noticeable rise in new arrivals. Italy’s Kiko Milano expanded its footprint into the Czech Republic, while the American chain Bath & Body Works brought its well-known fragrances and body care lines to local shoppers. Slovak retailer Ksisters joined the list, alongside further entries by Nicolaï and Chanel in the premium cosmetics space.

Fashion keeps its pace

Clothing, accessories and footwear accounted for fourteen new brands last year, making fashion the second most active category after gastronomy. Sweden’s Arket, part of the H&M group, opened in the heart of Prague, while Italian children’s brand Blukids followed close behind.

Eyewear and accessories also gained momentum with arrivals from Kodano and EssilorLuxottica, as well as lifestyle labels Peak Design and New Era.

Winter clothing brand RefrigiWear and the premium s.Oliver Black Label line added to the mix, broadening the range of mid-to-high-end fashion available on the Czech high street.

Jewellery brand Miramira from Spain chose Národní třída. Footwear brand Be Lenka from Slovakia opened at Arkády Pankrác, and sportswear entered the scene through Worldbox, a multibrand concept backed by the CCC Group.

From virtual reality to electric cars

Beyond food and fashion, several niche sectors also made their mark. The leisure segment saw the arrival of Another World, an American franchise that introduced a large-scale virtual reality arena in Prague’s Holešovice district.

In Moravia, the Chinese electric-car manufacturer BYD opened a showroom in Ostrava’s Forum Nová Karolina, signalling growing interest in the Czech market from Asian automotive brands. German bicycle maker Canyon Bikes launched locally, while Italy’s Novamobili brought its premium furniture to Czech interiors. Estonia’s Kamjo added a specialised sleep studio to the mix.

Bargain hunters welcomed the entry of German discount chain Woolworth, which offers low-cost household goods, clothing and basic food items, filling a gap in the value retail segment.

The electronics and lifestyle categories also expanded. British brand Armory London opened in Prague’s Palladium shopping centre with its range of hair-styling tools, and German toy maker Small Foot debuted at the Freeport Hatě outlet centre near the Austrian border.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more