The Clothing Store Industry in Kvinnherad: Current Situation and Future Perspectives

The clothing store industry in Kvinnherad is a mix of established companies and newer initiatives. In 2026, there are 9 registered companies in the industry, with a total of 32 employees. The most significant companies are Giatex Husnes As and Kappahl As Avd 409 Husnes, which operate from Husnes Storsenter. The industry shows a mix of stable businesses and companies in earlier stages, such as Albrethson Nettbutikk and Detaljisten As, which have not yet reported income. Economic data shows that the industry has had both growth and downturn periods, with an EBITDA margin of 8–11% for the most profitable companies. The industry also has a geographic focus on Husnes, which is the main commercial area in the municipality.

Economic data for the industry shows a complex development over the years. Sales figures have varied between NOK 29.0M and NOK 37.0M, with an increase of 27.7% from 2021 to 2022. The number of employees has been more stable, with an average annual variation of ±3.2%. The most profitable companies have EBITDA margins of 10–11%, while Rosenform As in Rosendal has a negative EBITDA of -2%. Husnes is the dominant commercial area, with 4 companies and 31 employees, while Rosendal has 1 company with 3 employees. The industry has a high average gross profit margin of 3431%, indicating a strong core business.

In Kvinnherad, there are 9 registered companies in the clothing store industry, distributed as follows:

The key companies include:

• Giatex Husnes As (Sentrumsvegen 15, Husnes): 10 employees, EBITDA NOK 1.2M
• Kappahl As Avd 409 Husnes (Sentrumsvegen 41, Husnes): 8 employees, EBITDA NOK 1.4M
• Rosenform As (Rosendal): 3 employees, EBITDA -NOK 125.0K
• Senter Woman As (Husnes): 5 employees, EBITDA NOK 215.0K

The newest companies, such as Albrethson Nettbutikk and Detaljisten As, have not yet reported income.

The industry is strongly concentrated in Husnes, which has 4 companies and 31 employees. The key figures for the area:

• Sales: NOK 27.6M
• Equity: NOK 5.2M
• EBITDA: NOK 2.7M
• Gross Profit Margin: 3431%

Rosendal has 1 company (Rosenform As) with the following data:

• Sales: NOK 4.5M
• Equity: NOK 578.0K
• EBITDA: -NOK 125.0K
• Gross Profit Margin: 24%

Husnes has a higher average EBITDA margin (9%) compared to Rosendal (-2%).

The industry has been relatively stable in terms of bankruptcy, with no registered bankruptcies among the 9 companies. However, data shows that some companies have negative EBITDA, such as Rosenform As in Rosendal (-2%). There is also a significant variation in growth: Rosenform As had a growth of 20% in 2025, while Senter Woman As had 0% growth. The most stable companies have an average annual growth of 4–6%, while the newer companies (such as Albrethson Nettbutikk) have not yet shown activity.

For entrepreneurs in Kvinnherad, the clothing store industry is a mix of opportunities and challenges. The high average gross profit margin (3431%) and stable EBITDA margins (8–11%) for the most profitable companies indicate a strong core business. Husnes is the most promising area, with 4 companies and an average EBITDA margin of 9%. However, entrepreneurs should be aware of the negative EBITDA values in some companies, such as Rosenform As. There are also opportunities to utilize existing commercial spaces, such as Husnes Storsenter, which already has established companies.

Compared to the broader creative, arts, and entertainment activities sector in Kvinnherad, the clothing store industry has fewer companies (9 vs. 11) but a higher average EBITDA margin (8–11% vs. 7%). The broader sector had a sales growth of 27.7% from 2021 to 2022, while the clothing store industry had a similar growth (27.7%). Peer companies in the broader sector include:

• Euro Sko Husnes (shoe store): NOK 1.5M in sales, 6 employees, EBITDA NOK 82.8K
• Kremmerhuset Eriksen (second-hand store): 0 employees, 0 sales, EBITDA 0

The broader sector has a more variable structure, with both clothing store companies and other creative sector companies, while the clothing store industry is more focused on trade and retail.

The clothing store industry in Kvinnherad shows a mix of stable businesses and potential development opportunities. With 9 companies and an average EBITDA margin of 8–11%, the industry is relatively profitable compared to other sectors. Husnes is the most promising area, with 4 companies and a high average sales figure. Entrepreneurs should consider utilizing existing commercial spaces and focus on maintaining high quality and customer satisfaction. SmartGrunder can help analyze potential locations and develop strategies to ensure profitability in this industry.