The Clothing Retail Sector in Kongsberg: Key Figures, Companies, and Outlook

Kongsberg has an active clothing retail sector with 16 registered companies in the municipality, although there are 31 companies in the area. Key figures show that the area has been marked by fluctuations in both sales and number of employees over time. The most well-known names include H&M, Lindex, and Dressmann, which have been stable players in the municipality. In 2025, a significant sales decline was registered, which may indicate challenges in the sector. At the same time, the number of employees has shown a weak upward trend in recent years, although there is a clear decline in 2026. This shows a dynamic sector with both opportunities and risks for new players.

Sales and number of employees in the clothing retail sector in Kongsberg have shown variations over time. Sales experienced a significant decline of 40.9% from 2024 to 2025, which is one of the most pronounced fluctuations. The number of employees had a weak upward trend from 2022 to 2024, but a decline of 10.6% from 2025 to 2026. This shows a sector that has been marked by both economic fluctuations and changes in the labor market. The most stable companies have shown positive growth in certain years, while others have experienced losses in both sales and operating results.

In Kongsberg, the most well-known companies in the clothing retail sector are AS-organized, with 15 companies and 110 employees. The key names include:

• Arnold Berg As (17. mai gata 6) with 15 employees and an EBITDA margin of 25%.
• H&M Hennes & Mauritz As (Karsches gate 7) with 15 employees and an EBITDA margin of 4%.
• Lindex As (Karsches gate 3) with 10 employees and an EBITDA margin of 3%.
• Dressmann As (Karsches gate 3) with 9 employees and an EBITDA margin of 16%.

There are also smaller companies such as Future Kids As and Kristine Klær As, which have shown more unstable financial results. It is important to note that all companies in this sector are registered as not bankrupt, but some have negative EBITDA values.

Kongsberg is the headquarters of the clothing retail sector, with 14 companies and 106 employees. Hvittingfoss has a smaller presence, with one company and four employees. There is a clear concentration of activity in Kongsberg, which can be an advantage for new players looking to establish themselves in the municipality. The table below shows a comparison of key figures for the two areas:

The clothing retail sector in Kongsberg has shown relatively stable bankruptcy statistics, with none of the registered companies in bankruptcy. Nevertheless, some companies have experienced financial challenges, such as Future Kids As with a negative EBITDA of -9% and Kristine Klær As with a sales decline of 6% in 2025. This shows that although bankruptcy is not a major problem, financial fluctuations can be a challenge for companies in the sector. It is important to be aware of operating results and EBITDA margins when considering establishing oneself in the municipality.

For entrepreneurs considering establishing themselves in the clothing retail sector in Kongsberg, it is important to be aware of the fluctuating trends in sales and operating results. Although there is a concentration of companies in Kongsberg, it can be challenging to compete with established players such as H&M and Lindex. It is also important to assess financial indicators such as EBITDA margin and operating results, as some companies have shown negative values. Nevertheless, there may be opportunities for new players looking to establish themselves in a sector with a solid foundation in the municipality.

Compared to the broader category of creative, arts, and entertainment activities, which has 53 companies in Kongsberg, the clothing retail sector is a smaller part of this group. The broader category experienced a sales decline of 37.6% from 2024 to 2025, showing that the entire sector has been marked by fluctuations. Key figures for peer companies in this category include:

• Shoeday Kongsberg (shoe store) with 2 employees and an EBITDA of 634.0K.
• Himla Fint As (knitting store) with 1 employee and an EBITDA of 375.0K.
• Antikk Jeong (second-hand store) with 0 employees and an EBITDA of 0.

It is important to note that the clothing retail sector has a different structure and financial profile compared to other players in the broader category.

Kongsberg has an active clothing retail sector with both established companies and opportunities for new players. It is important to be aware of the fluctuating trends in sales and operating results, as well as the concentrated geographic distribution of activity. Entrepreneurs should consider financial indicators such as EBITDA margin and operating results, as well as competition from established players. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in the municipality for this sector, with a focus on natural conditions and development perspectives.