Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo has selected a prominent location in central Prague for its long-awaited entry into the Czech market.

The company will open its first Czech store in Hybernia Palace at Náměstí Republiky 3, one of the capital’s busiest commercial areas.

According to information published by iDNES.cz, the retailer has already signed a lease agreement for the property. The opening, however, is still several years away, with the project expected to be completed no earlier than the first quarter of 2028.

The future store will occupy approximately 7,700 square meters spread across four retail floors within Hybernia Palace.

The move marks another step in Uniqlo’s European expansion strategy. While the company continues to grow globally, executives have repeatedly identified Europe as one of its most promising markets.

“In Europe, where we see enormous potential, our growth is significantly faster than in Japan or the United States,” Taku Morikawa, who leads the company’s European operations, recently told Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung.

Founded in Hiroshima in 1984, Uniqlo has evolved from a single-store operation into one of the world’s largest apparel retailers. The company now operates thousands of stores internationally, including more than 1,000 locations in China and over 100 across North America.

The brand has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. Once known primarily for low-cost basics, Uniqlo has repositioned itself within the mid-market segment, placing greater emphasis on product quality, design details and carefully developed color collections.

It has also raised its profile through collaborations with internationally recognized figures, including tennis player Roger Federer and actress Cate Blanchett.

Newer stores increasingly feature self-checkout systems, clothing alteration services and collection points for used garments through the company’s RE.UNIQLO recycling program. Selected locations also offer personalized embroidery and custom printing services.

Retail experts say Prague remains one of the most attractive destinations for international brands entering Central and Eastern Europe.

According to Zdeněk Zádrapa, Head of High Street & Tenant Representation at CBRE, major retailers are increasingly looking beyond traditional shopping centers and searching for landmark locations that can serve as both a flagship store and a statement of intent in a new market.

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