Hair Salon Industry in Gjøvik: A Comprehensive Analysis

Hair salons form a stable and established part of Gjøvik's local economy, with 16 registered companies operating across the municipality. The industry employs approximately 73 people as of 2026, showing a slight decline from previous years but maintaining a consistent presence since 2016. Key players include long-standing AS entities like Madonna Frisørene Gjøvik As and newer entrants such as Majestic Barber As. The sector demonstrates mixed financial performance, with some businesses reporting strong EBITDA margins (up to 20%) while others, like Blond Gjøvik As, face challenges with negative profitability.

The industry's geographic concentration in Gjøvik proper (15 companies) contrasts with minimal activity in Biri (1 company). This suggests opportunities for expansion in peripheral areas, though competition remains fierce among existing operators.

Sales Development (2016–2025):

• Total sales increased from NOK 23.4M in 2016 to a peak of NOK 53.2M in 2024, before falling to NOK 42.3M in 2025.
• The largest increase was recorded in 2019 (+46.9%) and 2020 (+17.1%), but a sharp decline of -20.4% occurred in 2024–2025.

Employee Development (2016–2026):

• Employee numbers remained around 73–84 people from 2016 to 2022, before a weak decline to 72 people in 2026.
• The most significant change occurred in 2017–2018, with a decline of -19.0%.

Average figures:

• Average sales per employee: NOK 711.9K (2026)
• Average EBITDA margin: 8% (2026)

Organizational Forms:

• AS companies dominate with 13 companies (81.3%) and 68 employees.
• ENK companies account for 3 companies (18.7%) with 4 employees.

Key Companies:

• Madonna Frisørene Gjøvik As (18 employees, NOK 524.0K EBITDA)
• Kleppe Frisør As (10 employees, NOK 1.3M EBITDA)
• Siv's Hårstudio As (2 employees, 20% EBITDA margin)
• Blond Gjøvik As (4 employees, -9% EBITDA margin)

Special Observations:

• Frisørhjørnet Ann Kristin Hamborg and Goodfellas As report zero sales and income.
• Studio.b As in Biri has no activity.

Analysis:

• Gjøvik is the main hub for the industry, with 15 companies and 70 employees.
• Biri has minimal activity (1 company) with no sales or income.
• This shows a clear concentration in central parts of the municipality, with potential opportunities for development in peripheral areas.

Bankruptcies:

• No bankruptcies are registered in the industry in Gjøvik (all companies are not in bankruptcy).

Financial Challenges:

• Blond Gjøvik As reports a -9% EBITDA margin and negative operating profit.
• Frisørhjørnet Ann Kristin Hamborg and Goodfellas As have zero sales and income.

Stable Companies:

• Kleppe Frisør As and Siv's Hårstudio As achieve high EBITDA margins (11% and 20% respectively).
• Madonna Frisørene Gjøvik As has stable growth (6% annual) and good liquidity (NOK 3.5M equity).

Outlook for Founders

Positive Trends:

• The industry has shown greater growth than the average in Norway (particularly in 2019–2020).
• High EBITDA margins (up to 20%) at some companies indicate potential for profitability.
• Low competition density in Biri (1 company) provides opportunities for development in peripheral areas.

Challenges:

• Stable employee numbers (72–73 people) indicate limited workforce growth.
• Negative development in 2025 (-20.4% in sales) may indicate market disturbances.
• High competition density in Gjøvik (15 companies) requires differentiation to create unique value.

Recommendation:

• Focus on quality and specialization (as seen in Siv's Hårstudio As) can provide competitiveness.
• SmartGrunder can help founders find optimal locations in Gjøvik for hair salons.

Outlook for the Parent Industry (Hair Salon)

Comparison with the Parent Industry:

• The Hair Salon industry in Gjøvik has 77 companies (versus 58 in the hair salon industry), with 92 employees (versus 72 in the hair salon industry).
• Sales in the hair salon industry reached NOK 70.6M in 2024 (versus NOK 53.2M in the hair salon industry).

Peer Companies in the Hair Salon Industry:

Analysis:

• The hair salon industry has higher sales and more employees, but also more variation in industries (including skin care and beauty salons).
• The hair salon industry has better EBITDA margins (up to 20%) compared to the hair salon industry (highest 1.4M EBITDA for Innlandet Hudklinikk As).

Hair salons in Gjøvik constitute a stable, but competitive industry with both stable companies and challenges for new entrants. The most successful companies have high EBITDA margins (up to 20%) and focus on quality. This shows that differentiation and specialization can provide competitiveness.

For Founders:

• Biri and other peripheral areas in Gjøvik offer opportunities for development.
• SmartGrunder can help find optimal locations and strategies for hair salons in the municipality.

For Local Decision-Makers:

• Support for innovation and quality assurance in the industry can strengthen Gjøvik's economic position.
• Increased focus on digitalization and marketing can help companies compete in a more competitive industry.