Industry · municipality
The Clothing Store Industry in Bamble: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks
A detailed analysis of the clothing store industry in Bamble municipality based on local data and market conditions.
Brief Overview of the Clothing Store Industry in Bamble
The clothing store industry in Bamble is an important part of the municipality's local economy, with 23 registered companies in 2025. This sector has shown both strength and instability over the years, with a significant sales decline of 61.2% from 2024 to 2025. Stathelle is the industry's main hub, with 9 companies and 78 employees, while Langesund has a very limited presence with only one company. The sector has a mix of AS and ENK entities, with AS dominating both in the number of companies and employees. This analysis provides an overview of companies, economic trends, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Economic Trends in the Clothing Store Industry
Economic Trends
From 2016 to 2025, the clothing store industry in Bamble has shown a complex development. Sales figures have varied between NOK 42.5 million and NOK 117.5 million, with a significant decline of 61.2% in 2025. The number of employees has also shown variations, with a decline from 152 employees in 2016 to 78 employees in 2026. This decline is particularly evident after 2024, where sales figures fell by 6.8%, and employees by 9.6%. However, there was an increase in 2023, where sales rose by 12.2% compared to 2022.
Key Companies in the Clothing Store Industry
Key Companies in the Industry
The following companies are registered in the clothing store industry in Bamble:
| Company | Location | Number of Employees | Company Form | Sales (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H&M Hennes & Mauritz As Avd 867 Brotorvet | Gangveien 5, Stathelle | 19 | AS | NOK 33.4M |
| Cubus Stathelle Avd 836 | Gangveien 5, Stathelle | 10 | AS | NOK 15.2M |
| Lindex As Avd Brotorvet | Gangveien 5, Stathelle | 10 | AS | NOK 14.7M |
| Fru Jensen As | Valleveien 1000, Stathelle | 8 | AS | NOK 6.2M |
| Decades Brotorvet Avd 435 | Brotorvet Shopping Center, Stathelle | 7 | AS | NOK 6.6M |
| Dressmann As Avd 218 Brotorvet | Gangveien 5, Stathelle | 7 | AS | NOK 11.9M |
| Mettes Brudedesign | Storgata 1, Langesund | 1 | ENK | NOK 0 |
Most companies are AS entities, with a dominant presence in Stathelle. There are also some ENK entities, but these have fewer employees and lower sales.
Geographic Distribution of Business
Distribution of Business in the Municipality
The clothing store industry in Bamble is heavily concentrated in Stathelle, which has 9 companies and 78 employees. Langesund has a very limited presence, with only one company and one employee. There is a clear geographic concentration in Stathelle, which is the main commercial area in the municipality. This indicates that Stathelle is the most attractive location for clothing stores, with higher sales and more employees compared to Langesund.
Dynamics and Stability in the Industry
Industry Dynamics
The industry has shown a certain degree of stability over the years, with some companies having been in operation since 1987. However, there has been a significant decline in sales and number of employees from 2024 to 2025. There are no registered bankruptcies in the industry, which suggests that most companies have managed to stay afloat. This may be due to a combination of efficient operations and a good market position in Stathelle.
Outlook for Entrepreneurs in the Clothing Store Industry
Outlook for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs considering starting a clothing store in Bamble, it is important to be aware of the recent decline in sales and number of employees. This indicates that market conditions have been challenging, especially after 2024. Nevertheless, it is possible to find a place in Stathelle, which remains the most active area for clothing stores. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on innovation and differentiation to compete with existing companies.
Outlook in the Creative, Art, and Entertainment Activities Sector
Outlook in the Broader Creative Sector
In the broader creative, art, and entertainment activities sector in Bamble, there are 30 companies, showing that the clothing store industry is part of a larger sector. Sales figures for this sector have also shown a decline of 55.7% from 2024 to 2025, indicating that the entire sector has been affected by the same market conditions. However, the clothing store industry has a better development compared to other parts of the sector, such as knitting stores, which have lower sales and more companies with zero sales.
Other companies in kreative, kunst og underholdningsaktiviteter (not in clothing store)
| Company | Industry | Address | Sales | Employees | EBITDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurosko Brotorvet | footwear store | 0, 3960 Stathelle | NOK 16.2M | 10 | NOK 1.1M |
| Aasland Shop | knit store | Langesundveien 113, 3961 Stathelle | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Amigurumi Thorsen | knit store | Ringveien 8, 3965 Herre | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Moens Garnstudio | knit store | Ringveien 64, 3965 Herre | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Pynten Design Haugen | knit store | Blåbærveien 5, 3960 Stathelle | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Pynten Design Haugen | knit store | Blåbærveien 5, 3960 Stathelle | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Madame Bolette Patch Og Gave As | knit store | c/o Roar Lunde|Furulundveien 14, 3970 Langesund | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK -7.0K |
Conclusion and Future Opportunities
The clothing store industry in Bamble has shown both strength and instability over the years. With a concentration in Stathelle and a decline in sales and number of employees in 2025, it is important for entrepreneurs to carefully consider market conditions. Nevertheless, it is possible to find a place in the municipality, especially in Stathelle, which remains the most active area. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations and strategies to compete in this sector.