Regardless of the problems that the measures related to the coronavirus crisis have brought to the retail segment – with shops in Czechia closed for 234 days, the longest period in all of Europe – new brands keep coming to the local market. Nine of them have arrived or will arrive during the first half of the year, the most prominent one of them being Ireland’s Primark fashion chain whose shop opening was expected with a great deal of anticipation.
This year’s first half has been the strongest in the past three years: six brands arrived in the country during the same period last year, and eight the year before. Some of the shops opening now are ones whose launch was postponed due to the pandemic: Primark, Cinemax and Mr. Jeff were waiting for the situation to stabilise and allow the start of operations.
Brands newly arriving in the Czech Republic during H1 2021:
| Brand | Country of origin | Segment | Shop type | Location | City |
| Primark | Ireland | Fashion | High street | Wenceslas Square | Prague |
| Versace | Italy | Fashion | High street | Pařížská | Prague |
| Dedoles | Slovakia | Fashion | Shopping centre | Galerie Butovice | Prague |
| Fielmann | Germany | Eyewear | Shopping centre | Westfield Chodov | Prague |
| Cozy Home | Russia | Furniture and home accessories | Shopping centre | Centrum Černý Most | Prague |
| Cinemax | Slovakia | Leisure | Shopping centre | Olympia Olomouc | Olomouc |
| Dobro & Dobro Cafe | Poland | F&B | High street | Purkyňova | Prague |
| Motiko | Moldova | F&B | Shopping centre | OC Nový Smíchov | Prague |
| Mr Jeff | Spain | Dry cleaning | High street | Chebská | Karlovy Vary |
Jan Kotrbáček, Partner & Head of CEE Retail Agency team, Cushman & Wakefield: “Retailers are well aware of the enduring potential of Prague’s centre, which has always been and will always be a sought-after tourist destination – and this major part of the local purchasing power will return as soon as it can. The local people’s purchasing power is growing too. Czechia remains the perfect place for retail brands to expand.”
Primark’s success is guaranteed
Ireland’s Primark fashion chain knows Prague’s potential very well and opened its first and largest high street shop in the CEE region on 17 June 2021. To that date, the chain’s other shops in the region have operated within shopping centres – in Poland and in Slovenia, and another one is planned as part of the extension of Bratislava’s Eurovea shopping centre.
Jan Kotrbáček, Partner & Head of CEE Retail Agency team, Cushman & Wakefield: “Primark’s launch in Prague is without a doubt the most important new brand entry on the local market in the family fashion and accessory segment – and not just this year but in almost the last 20 years. The last arrival of similar stature was the opening of H&M’s shop in 2003, and prior to that, there were brands such as Zara, C&A, Marks & Spencer and New Yorker. Primark is certain to join successful fashion and accessory retailers with accessible pricing in the Czech Republic. Globally, it has been one of the most successful and progressive businesses in its field, so I believe that it is sure to succeed in the Czech Republic too.”
Primark’s concept is attractive to customers thanks to a very wide range of products, constantly added new goods, new collections and, most importantly, very attractive pricing. In addition, its shop in the iconic Flow Building directly in Prague’s centre will offer interiors and equipment with a highly attractive architectural design and top-quality workmanship.
Jan Kotrbáček, Partner & Head of CEE Retail Agency team, Cushman & Wakefield: “The demand for Primark’s concept and goods will be great without a doubt; Czechs’ awareness of the brand is very good – in fact, many of them cross the borders, shopping for the brand in nearby cities abroad. This means that great interest among customers from all over the Czech Republic can be expected, whether they come to Prague specifically to shop at Primark or just use the opportunity and experience the shop while visiting Prague. The shop is also certain to benefit from foreign visitors, since as many as nine million of them come to Prague annually during ‘standard years’.”
