Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo is preparing to open its first physical store in Prague, according to Hospodářské noviny.

The company has been scouting rental spaceman in the city center, aiming to establish a flagship presence in the Czech capital.

For several years, Czech shoppers have only had access to Uniqlo through its European e-shop, which delivers to the country. The move into a permanent store marks a major shift in the brand’s local strategy and a response to growing customer demand.

Uniqlo, part of the Japanese group Fast Retailing, started in 1949 as a textile manufacturer before transforming into a retail chain in 1984.

The brand grew rapidly during the 1990s and has since become a global name, with branches across Asia, Europe, and North America. Its closest stores to Prague are currently located in Berlin and Vienna.

Known for its minimalist basics, Uniqlo offers clothing for men, women, and children.

Its collections emphasize affordability and quality, often praised for lasting longer than fast-fashion competitors.

The company is currently considering three possible locations – two of which are located in historic buildings directly on Na Příkopě Street, and the third in the upcoming Palác Hybernia project opposite the Municipal House, which is scheduled to open in 2028.

The brand has seen strong global growth in recent years, driven by its mix of functional design and competitive pricing.

The Prague expansion reflects a wider push across Europe as Uniqlo continues to compete with rivals such as Zara, H&M, and Primark.

Latest data

Uniqlo reported strong sales growth across several markets, with same-store sales in Japan rising 5.3% in August 2025, driven by popular summer collections and year-round products, while total sales climbed 7.2% year-on-year.

Internationally, revenue grew in South Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia, North America, and Europe during the three months ending May 2025, supported by successful summer ranges and new store openings.

Overall, Uniqlo’s parent company, Fast Retailing, raised its full-year profit forecast and is on track for another record year, reporting an 8.3% increase in revenue and a 1.5% rise in operating profit for the three-month period through May 2025.

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