Footshop Group Eyes Western Europe With Ambitious French Expansion Following Strong Growth

Czech retailer Footshop Group has announced ambitious plans for Western European expansion, highlighted by a strong first half of the year. The company recorded an impressive 38% revenue growth in H1, reaching €36.8 million. Currently operating five successful stores across Eastern Europe's capital cities, Footshop is now setting its sights on opening a flagship store in France by 2026, marking a significant step in its strategic move into Western European markets.

Founded in Prague by Peter Hajducek in 2012, Footshop has swiftly grown into a prominent player in the streetwear and sneaker industry. Over its 13-year history, the company has cultivated a substantial customer base, boasting 3.5 million subscribers to its newsletters. Its digital platforms, the Footshop and Queens sites, offer an extensive range of footwear and apparel from leading brands such as Nike, Adidas Originals, Puma, New Balance, Asics, and Birkenstock. These platforms collectively generated 82 million visits and 585,000 downloads over the past 12 months, underscoring their strong online presence.

Peter Hajducek, the founder, emphasized the significance of the recent period, stating, "The first half of 2025 marked a key milestone for us: Our international expansion and strong collaborations showed that our business model is both robust and attractive. We’re now focusing on establishing a long-term presence in Western Europe, especially in France." He further elaborated on the strategic importance of the French market: "France is a strategic market for us. It is mature, demanding, but also open to change. We believe there is a place [in France] for a digital-native independent player that is deeply connected to European urban culture."

In line with its expansion strategy, Footshop has rolled out its e-shop in 10 new markets this year. For its inaugural French physical location, the company is actively seeking suitable premises in key cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseilles. This new store will join its existing physical footprint, which includes successful outlets in Prague, Budapest, Bucharest, Bratislava, and Warsaw. These five stores collectively attract more than one million visitors annually, demonstrating the brand's appeal in a physical retail setting.

Footshop's ultimate goal is to become a leading European force in the streetwear segment. To support this vision and enhance operational efficiency, the company has made significant investments in automating its 10,000-square-metre warehouse in Prague. This modernization has yielded tangible benefits, with Footshop reporting a 40% reduction in labor costs and a notable acceleration in order processing times, ensuring a smoother and faster customer experience.

Financially, the group continues to demonstrate robust performance. Having previously recorded a revenue of €61.6 million, with an impressive 75% generated outside the Czech Republic, Footshop is projecting to exceed the €82 million mark this year, representing an annual growth of 40%. The second quarter saw particularly strong growth in the Sport segment, which expanded by 44.5%. Looking ahead, Footshop intends to further capitalize on this momentum by introducing premium cycling apparel, diversifying its product offering and tapping into new market opportunities.