A pop-up store in Prague’s Westfield Černý Most shopping center allows customers to purchase lost online parcels without knowing their contents. Buyers lined up outside the shop this weekend eager to see whether their mystery boxes contained electronics, clothing, or household items.
The concept, brought to Prague by French startup King Colis, has gained attention across Europe for turning lost packages into a lottery-style shopping experience. Customers can find anything from everyday items to high-value products.
“The excitement comes from not knowing what you will get,” said Killian Denis, co-founder of King Colis. “People are curious, and it adds a playful element to shopping.” He added that some customers in previous European events have found luxury watches or even small gold bars.
According to King Colis, 10 tons of parcels—roughly 30,000 packages—from countries including France, Germany, and Spain are available at the Prague pop-up this weekend.
Storage Wars on a smaller scale
The store offers two types of parcels: standard and premium, priced by weight. Standard boxes cost CZK 50 per 100 grams, while premium boxes are CZK 75 per 100 grams. Shoppers are given a maximum of ten minutes to select parcels, and returns are not permitted. Fast-pass tickets are available for CZK 365, allowing priority entry.
For many buyers, the appeal is both entertainment and value. “I came to pick a box for my birthday,” Eva, one of the early visitors, told iDnes.cz. “I’m happy with whatever is inside.” Shoppers have reported finding everything from headphones and smartwatches to household tools and clothing, often sharing laughs over unexpected items.
King Colis has operated in several European countries since 2023, responding to the millions of packages lost annually due to incorrect addresses or shipping errors. The Prague pop-up reflects a broader trend of experiential retail, where stores aim to attract foot traffic through novel concepts rather than traditional product displays.
While the initiative primarily targets curious shoppers, it also touches on sustainability. By reselling lost parcels that might otherwise end up as waste, the model gives discarded items a second life. Denis noted that the company plans to return to Prague in the future, depending on customer response.
What visitors should know
The King Colis pop-up at Westfield Černý Most will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday, October 12. Customers are advised to consider their budget, as individual purchases can add up to thousands of crowns if multiple parcels are chosen.
As the concept expands across Europe, similar events are scheduled this month in Sweden, Spain, and Italy. Czech consumers interested in the experience can also follow King Colis online for future pop-ups in Prague.