Japanese fashion giant and designer plans expansion into Czechia

Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo is planning its first store in Prague as part of its ongoing European expansion, according to Czech business daily Hospodářské noviny (HN).

Uniqlo, already operating in 11 (mostly) Western European countries, is seeking a prime location in Prague’s city center, according to local media. Tomáš Beránek of CZ Retail Advisors told HN the opening could come no earlier than post-2026, citing the time required to secure a suitable site and complete renovations.

Uniqlo’s entry would mark a significant step in its European strategy, adding Prague to its growing list of cities. No official announcement has been made regarding the final choice or timeline for the store’s opening.

According to HN, three potential locations are under consideration, all in prestigious areas. One candidate is the Hybernia Palace on náměstí Republiky, a baroque building opposite the Municipal House, currently undergoing renovation and expected to open in 2028.

The second is the former Komerční banka (KB) headquarters at 33 Na Příkopě Street, now owned by Trinity Bank. This site features vacant ground-floor retail space scheduled to open in 2026.

The third possibility is a location known as the Children’s House on Na Příkopě Street, previously occupied by Zara. That fashion company is relocating its Prague flagship to a larger space in the Van Graaf building on Wenceslas Square.

Na Příkopě Street, along with Pařížská, ranks among Prague’s most expensive shopping areas. Rents for smaller retail units average abou CZK 5,700 per square meter monthly, though rates for larger multi-floor spaces are generally lower, according to industry sources.

Founded as recently as 1984, Uniqlo operates in 25 countries and regions worldwide, with over 2,500 stores globally. As of September 2025, the closest country to Czechia where Uniqlo operates is Poland (in Warsaw).