The Pet Shop Industry in Stavanger: Current Status and Outlook

The pet shop industry in Stavanger is a mix of established and newer companies with variable economic performance. In 2025, there are 30 registered companies in the municipality, but only 16 of these report activities. Stavanger dominates with 6 companies and 31 employees, while Hafrsfjord and Hundvåg each have 2 companies. The industry has experienced a significant increase in sales and employees from 2016 to 2022, followed by a decline after 2022. EBITDA margins are negative for most companies, but some have achieved positive results.

Sales for the pet shop industry in Stavanger rose from NOK 36.4 million in 2016 to a peak of NOK 139.7 million in 2022, before declining to NOK 61.5 million in 2025. The number of employees followed a similar trend, increasing from 51 in 2016 to 99 in 2022, and then declining to 56 in 2026. EBITDA margins have been negative for most companies, with an average margin of -7% in 2025.

In Stavanger, there are 16 registered companies in the pet shop industry, with AS as the most common organizational form (10 companies). The key companies include Petxl Stavanger (12 employees), Musti Amfi Madla (10 employees), and Happyhoof.no As (1 employee, but with 38% sales growth in 2025). Some companies, such as Musti Lagerzoo, have reported zero sales and employees. There are no bankruptcies in the industry, but several companies have negative EBITDA.

Stavanger has 6 companies and 31 employees, with operating income of NOK 47.7 million and EBITDA of -NOK 3.4 million. Hafrsfjord has 2 companies and 19 employees, with EBITDA of NOK 911.6 thousand. Hundvåg has 2 companies and 5 employees, with EBITDA of NOK 71.9 thousand. Stavanger has higher sales and employees, but lower EBITDA margins compared to Hafrsfjord.

The industry has been dynamic, with an increase in the number of employees from 2016 to 2022, followed by a decline. No companies have gone bankrupt, but several have negative EBITDA. Sales increased by 57.8% from 2021 to 2022, but declined by 48.1% from 2022 to 2023. There is a clear link between high sales volume and negative results, which may be due to high operating costs.

For entrepreneurs in Stavanger, the pet shop industry can be challenging, but there are opportunities in a market with 30 companies. Stavanger has the highest activity, but EBITDA margins are negative for most. Happyhoof.no As shows that it is possible to achieve high sales growth (38% in 2025) with a small organization. Entrepreneurs should consider cost optimization and differentiation to compete in an industry with high operating costs.

Compared to education (parent_category), the pet shop industry has lower sales (NOK 61.5M in 2025 vs NOK 64.0M for education) and fewer employees (56 vs 57). Education has a more stable development, with higher average sales growth. A peer company in education, Hesteutstyr As (riding equipment), has NOK 2.5M in sales and 1 employee, showing that small companies can be profitable in the local area.

The pet shop industry in Stavanger has both challenges and opportunities. With 30 companies and a market share in a large municipality, it may be possible to establish oneself, but high operating costs and negative EBITDA margins are challenges. Entrepreneurs should focus on efficiency improvements and unique offerings to compete. SmartGrunder can help find the optimal location in Stavanger for a new pet shop.