"Last year, we met many Ukrainian retail entrepreneurs who wanted to open their stores in Prague and reduce in some way their losses from closed stores in the occupied areas of Ukraine," says Marjan Gigov of Colliers, adding that Ukrainian entrepreneurs’ demand for new retail space and outlets is still growing.

Recently, for example, a Ukrainian couple who were already active in fashion in their homeland opened a boutique in Slovanský dům. Called ODYAH, which is Ukrainian for clothing, the store offers creations from top Ukrainian fashion brands such as Bevza (a brand favoured by a number of global celebrities, led by names such as Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski), CultNaked (a favourite of the Jenner sisters and Ariana Grande) and many other big-name designers. The store quickly established itself and became a fashion shopping destination not only for Ukrainians living in Prague but also for Czech and foreign customers looking for top design and quality.

Another project, which is heading to a premium Prague location near Pařížská Street, is a French "Bridge-to-Luxury" fashion brand operated by Ukrainian partner ZADIG & VOLTAIRE. The Westfield Chodov shopping centre recently opened SANDRO and MAJE stores, which are also operated by the aforementioned Ukrainian partner and their franchise holder for the Czech market. Mass brands, which had to close a number of stores in Ukraine, are also looking for space not only in Prague but also in Brno and Ostrava. They seek to enter new markets, including the Czech market. Here, one can mention the fashion store ARBER.

"Ukrainians are successful in other segments as well. For example, the elegant cosmetic studio Romana Beauty, owned by Romana, originally from Lviv, recently opened its store in Prague’s Slovanský dům building. We are also looking for premises in the centre of Prague for the Ukrainian Brow Bar," says Marjan Gigov, adding that with the prolonged conflict, we can expect the arrival of other brands and more significant local development of Ukrainian business.