A more stable inflationary environment and lower interest rates boosted consumer confidence, with positive knock-on effects for consumer credit in 2025. In addition to improved economic indicators, higher financial literacy increased consumers’ willingness to borrow. Consumers were inclined to take on loans in order to exert tighter control over budgets and purchase products and services, although caution remained the watchword for many Czech households. The widening array of lenders and product

Overall, financial cards and payments in the Czech Republic witnessed further growth in cards in circulation and transaction volume and value terms in 2025, albeit at slower rates than in 2024. Moreover, debit cards remained the dominant category, driving growth, along with pre-paid cards, while charge cards and credit cards experienced niche and limited appeal, respectively. Many Czechs owned more than one bank card, as they also had more than one bank account, which supported debit cards. In g

Credit cards in the Czech Republic saw rises in cards in circulation and transaction volume and value terms in 2025. The category was dominated by personal credit cards, which tended to be used for higher-value purchases. However, Czech consumers continued to prefer debit cards and other alternative payment types, such as loans or instalment plans for larger purchases. In general, local consumers try to avoid accumulating revolving debt, which militates against the use of credit cards.

Within debit cards in the Czech Republic, the number of cards in circulation and transaction volume and value sales increased in 2025, albeit at slower rates than 2024. Debit cards remained the main choice of Czech consumers. Personal debit cards dominated, although the take up and use of commercial debit cards is on the rise. There is a strong trend towards digital over physical cards in this category, as consumers look for more convenient and secure products. The shift to digital cards is info

The number of pre-paid cards in the Czech Republic continued to rise in 2025. The number of open loop pre-paid cards continued to rise at a faster rate than that of closed loop pre-paid cards. This was partly due to this growth being derived from a lower base, but also because some consumers were put off by using cards restricted to one retailer, when wider-ranging options were available. Closed loop cards are mostly used for transportation and gifting, rather than everyday spending. Meanwhile,

Charge cards in the Czech Republic remained a niche category in 2025. Circulation and transactions remained on a downward trajectory at the end of the review period. Stringent application criteria and the requirement to pay off balances in full every month continued to limit interest in charge cards. Increasingly, usage is limited to larger companies and, to a lesser extent, affluent consumers. Moreover, usage levels among core consumers are in long-term decline due to the preference for alterna

Sportswear in the Czech Republic demonstrated robust growth in 2025, with a 4% increase in retail value terms, reaching CZK27.2 billion. This growth is attributed to the rising demand for private label sportswear, the desire for comfortable everyday wear, as well as increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with sports. Sales are expected to continue growing moving forward, with a forecast CAGR of 5% to reach CZK34.1 billion by 2030, driven by the consumer emphasis on comfort, style

Footwear in the Czech Republic experienced solid retail value growth of 4% in 2025, driven by the athleisure trend and sneaker mania, with e-commerce playing a significant role. Sustainability and customisation are key trends shaping the market, with brands introducing eco-friendly materials and customisable products. Sales are expected to continue growing, with a forecast CAGR of 5% in retail current value terms over the next five years, reaching CZK31.2 billion in 2030. Footwear is an attracti

Childrenswear in the Czech Republic demonstrated resilience in 2025, with modest 2% retail current value growth driven by rising disposable incomes and the consumer preference for practicality and affordability. Despite a declining birth rate posing a challenge to growth, the category is expected to continue its positive growth trajectory, with sales enhanced by the growing demand for premium and sustainable clothing options, despite the competition from the thriving resale market. To succeed, b

Apparel and footwear in the Czech Republic experienced growth in 2025, driven by stabilising inflation and increasing consumer spending on non-essential items. In 2025, the industry saw positive retail current value growth across all channels, with footwear and sportswear recording the most dynamic growth. Apparel and footwear is characterised by a highly fragmented competitive landscape, with global players, domestic brands, and online players competing for share. Sustainability and inclusivity

Womenswear in the Czech Republic is characterised by modest retail value growth, driven by a shift towards sustainable and premium products, despite competition from resale and rental. The retail value of womenswear stood at CZK32.3 billion in 2025, with a growth rate of 3%. The rise in the employed female population, which stood at 2.4 million in 2025, contributed to the demand for womenswear. E-commerce is a key driver of growth, with companies leveraging big data and analytical tools to perso

Jeans in the Czech Republic demonstrated retail current value growth of 3% in 2025 to reach CZK6.8 billion . Key drivers included the adoption of sustainable materials, customisation options, and the omnichannel presence of brands. Retail sales are forecast to continue growing at a CAGR of 3% to reach CZK7.8 billion in 2030. However, the category faces challenges from the growing popularity of resale platforms and outlet stores offering significant discounts on global brands.

Menswear in the Czech Republic experienced stable retail current value growth of 3% and positive albeit low growth in volume terms in 2025, driven by changing consumer preferences and the increasing average gross income. The category is still somewhat underdeveloped compared to others in apparel and footwear, but the shift from necessities to desires has driven growth. With a forecast CAGR of 4% to CZK21,962 million by 2030, menswear is expected to continue its steady growth trend, driven by inc

Hosiery in the Czech Republic is characterised by growing demand for affordable yet quality products, driven by consumers seeking multipack hosiery items at discounted prices. Non-sheer hosiery remains the largest category, driven by its higher replacement rate and appeal to both men and women. Sales are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4% in current value terms to reach CZK2,098 million in 2030, making it an attractive category due to its growth potential. The expanding influence of e-commerce and

Apparel accessories in the Czech Republic experienced modest growth in 2025, with retail value sales reaching CZK2.2 billion, representing 2% growth from the previous year. This growth was driven by the increasing popularity of Chinese fashion platforms and was despite the rising demand for luxury resellers and rental platforms. Sales are expected to continue growing, with a forecast CAGR of 3% over the next five years, driven by the increasing demand for fashionable and affordable accessories.

As a well-educated and health-conscious population, Czechs are keen to eat well and rely on manufacturers to provide them with healthy products that align with their needs. Consumers are drawn to foods labelled as bio, helping them to navigate towards produces offering higher quality and natural positioning.

Consumers are drawn to hot drinks offering added value, with no caffeine options the most popular health-related claim in 2024. Natural and bio claims are also prominent reflecting the rising demand for higher quality and less processed products with fewer additives.

Soft drinks is being shaped by health and wellness trends in 2024, with low sugar and natural claims attracting the attention of consumers. Bottled water leads in terms of health claims with good source of minerals and natural featuring on many labels and in marketing literature.

Czechs are increasingly drawn to healthier snacks, with natural and high protein lines showing strong growth in 2024. Gluten free is a prominent claim that is benefitting from wider availability via retailers offline and online, with brands and private label giving consumers a greater choice of products.

Low fat claims are well-established in dairy products and alternatives, although consumers are starting to realise fat itself is not the enemy. Health claims are expanding with high protein, organic (bio) and plant-based making headway.

Vegetarian claims are widespread in cooking ingredients and meals, with vegan also gaining ground. Natural and specifically “bio” claims are enticing Czechs looking for products deemed to be higher quality, as they typically involve less processing and fewer artificial additives and preservatives.

High fibre is a prominent claim with whole-wheat baked goods enticing health-conscious consumers in 2024. Manufacturers are keen to leverage this trend in other staple foods such as pasta. Czechs look to bio and natural claims as an indicator of higher quality foods.

Off-trade volume sales of soft drinks in the Czech Republic remained broadly stable in 2025, supported by the gradual improvement in household purchasing power after two years of heavy inflationary pressure. While retail value sales increased, this was driven primarily by higher average prices and selective premiumisation rather than outright volume gains. Category performance was uneven. Carbonates continued to decline due to a colder summer and ongoing concerns around sugar intake, although pr

Carbonates recorded declining off-trade volume sales in the Czech Republic in 2025, influenced by several overlapping trends. The colder-than-usual summer significantly reduced demand for refreshing beverages, reversing the uplift seen in previous years when heatwaves had supported consumption. At the same time, carbonates continued to face pressure from shifting consumer preferences, as more Czechs favoured perceived healthier alternatives – particularly functional bottled water, RTD tea, and n