Several Prague’s shopping malls experienced an unusual lull during the extended May holiday weekend, reminiscent of pandemic-era emptiness. From Arkády Pankrác to Westfield Chodov, the investigation revealed deserted parking lots and quiet corridors across the city’s major retail hubs.
At Arkády shopping center, the scene was particularly striking on Saturday morning, with unprecedented vacancy levels in both stores and parking areas. The situation became evident when a cashier at the Albert hypermarket couldn’t provide change for a 2000-crown note, citing the day’s low customer turnout.
The pattern repeated across other locations, with Kunratice and Novodvorská centers appearing equally abandoned. Even Westfield Chodov, typically the busiest mall, saw only teenagers lounging in common areas while shops remained customerless. A Ukrainian sales assistant at a luxury clothing store confirmed similar conditions at their Černý Most location.
Despite the quiet atmosphere, staff kept busy – organizing shelves, arranging new book displays, and preparing summer merchandise. Notably, opticians polished glasses and set up displays featuring Calvin Klein sunglasses priced at nearly 8,000 crowns.
The exodus from the city was particularly noticeable on May 2nd and 9th, with many Prague residents choosing to extend their holidays, leaving both shopping centers and roads noticeably empty.