Coccodrillo plans multi-brand format and seeks Czech franchisees

Coccodrillo aims to grow in the Czech Republic by broadening its range and recruiting new franchise partners. The children’s clothing retailer is adding brands and preparing a multi-brand format designed to attract more customers. According to information published by Franchising.cz on 2 November 2026, its Czech network comprises 15 shops, 14 of them run by franchisees. The changes therefore affect a network built largely around franchise partnerships.

From children’s clothing to a broader range

Coccodrillo has operated in the Czech market since 2009. Its current growth plans go beyond its own children’s clothing brand, with additional products catering for other needs of children and parents. Ahead of this year’s back-to-school campaign, it introduced Mokida school accessories, including backpacks, into its shops.

Lemon Explore is another part of this expansion. Through this brand, Coccodrillo is developing its sportswear and outdoor clothing range, including clothing for winter activities. Alongside everyday children’s clothing, its shops now offer products for school, sport and outdoor pursuits.

The planned multi-brand format is intended to go further. Coccodrillo wants to bring in brands targeting customer groups beyond parents of children. The aim is to offer a wider selection under one roof and make better use of each location’s commercial potential. It is important, however, to distinguish between Mokida and Lemon Explore, which are already stocked, and the further development of the multi-brand format, which is still at the planning stage.

Reviewing locations and seeking partners

The broader product range is accompanied by an ongoing review of the shop network. Coccodrillo analyses individual shops’ performance, leaves unprofitable locations and seeks sites with greater sales potential. Its strategy is therefore not simply to add new outlets, but also to adjust the footprint of its existing network.

For prospective franchisees considering the Czech market, a key point is that the brand is also seeking new business partners. Only one of its current 15 Czech shops operates outside the franchise model. Franchise outlets therefore account for the bulk of the network introducing the broader range.

Coccodrillo expects applicants to have commercial flair, an interest in working with customers and the ability to navigate a changing business environment. These requirements reflect the brand’s stated direction: alongside running children’s clothing shops, it wants to develop its range and reach additional customer groups. The stated purpose of the broader range is to make better use of individual locations, rather than simply increase the number of brands stocked.

What premises does the brand require?

When selecting a new outlet, Coccodrillo places particular emphasis on location. It favours towns and cities with more than 20,000 residents and sites with high footfall. Suggested locations include high streets, town and city centres, and shopping centres. Choosing a site is therefore one of the first practical matters a prospective partner needs to address.

The shop itself should measure approximately 55–60 square metres, have a display window and a ceiling height of at least 2.9 metres. Applicants must hold a lease or proof of ownership and allow for fitting out the interior to the brand’s standards. Choosing a town is not enough: the specifications of the premises and their suitability for adaptation also matter.

The brand says a shop can open in as little as 30 days. This should be understood as a stated possibility, rather than a guaranteed timetable for every project. Practical preparations need to take account of the particular premises, their fittings and any alterations required. These factors also affect the initial investment, which is calculated individually.

Investment, stock and operational support

According to the published information, the initial investment starts at CZK 350,000. The precise amount is determined individually, depending on the premises and the fittings and equipment required. Prospective franchisees should therefore treat this as a starting figure to assess alongside the requirements of their chosen site, not as a fixed price for opening any shop.

The franchisee must also fund a refundable deposit for stock supplied to them. This requirement needs to be budgeted for separately from the investment in the shop. Coccodrillo provides partners with support from shop design through to day-to-day operations.

The model also makes use of sales data. The brand adjusts stock supplies to individual outlets according to turnover and takes back unsold goods. Alongside expanding the range, its franchise system therefore includes ongoing management of deliveries based on shop performance.

Practical takeaway: Prospective franchisees should first check the suitability of the location and the technical specifications of the premises, then obtain an individual quotation for both the investment and the refundable deposit. During discussions, it is worth distinguishing the current range from the planned multi-brand format and clarifying exactly what the proposed shop will stock.