The Clothing Retail Industry in Levanger: Current Status and Outlook

The clothing retail industry in Levanger has shown both stability and variations over the past few years. There are 15 companies registered in the industry, with a total of 105 employees and annual revenue of approximately 106.2 million NOK in 2025. The industry is dominated by AS companies (12 companies), and the most well-known names include H&M, Cubus, and Kappahl. Economic data shows a decline in revenue of 42.2% from 2024 to 2025, but an increase of 15.3% in the number of employees from 2025 to 2026. This suggests a possible stabilization in the industry, even though some companies (such as Bik Bok and Zavanna) report negative EBITDA margins.

Economic Trends

Revenue:

• 2016: 138.4 million NOK
• 2025: 66.5 million NOK (a decline of 42.2% from 2024)
• 2026: 98 employees (an increase of 15.3% from 2025)

Employees:

• 2016: 124 employees
• 2025: 85 employees
• 2026: 98 employees

Key Points:

• The industry experienced strong revenue growth from 2021 to 2023 (+9.8% annually), but a sharp decline in 2025. This may be due to external factors such as economic pressure or competitiveness.
• Employee numbers have shown a more stable development, with a decline of 15.3% from 2024 to 2025, but an increase in 2026.

Key Players in the Industry

15 companies are registered in Levanger, with the following selected examples:

Organizational Forms:

• 12 of the 15 companies are AS companies, with an average EBITDA margin of 7%.
• Some companies (such as Frost Levanger) have 0 employees and 0 revenue, which may indicate a recent start-up or specialized websites.

Geographic Distribution

All 15 companies in the industry are registered in Levanger, with the following important locations:

• Magneten Shopping Center (12 companies): H&M, Cubus, Kappahl, B Young, Match, Brn Best Retail, Carlings, Dressmann, Zavanna, Decades, Mini Multiples, Outlet Trøndelag.
• Moafjæra 14 (2 companies): Frost Levanger and Match Magneten.

Key Points:

• Magneten Shopping Center is the dominant neighborhood for clothing stores in Levanger, with 12 of 15 companies.
• Location is critical for success, as shopping centers are the main customer base for clothing stores.

Business Dynamics and Stability

Bankruptcy Safety:

• No companies in the industry are registered as bankrupt in 2025, which shows a relative stabilization after previous declining trends.

Outlook for Individual Companies:

• Bik Bok Levanger and Zavanna have negative EBITDA margins (-5% and -11%), which may be a signal of economic challenges.
• Match Magneten and B Young Levanger have high EBITDA margins (21% and 12%), which indicates efficient operations.

Conclusion:

• The industry has proven to be relatively stable, but some companies require attention regarding operational results and competitiveness.

Outlook for Founders

Short-term Challenges:

• A sharp decline in revenue of 42.2% from 2024 to 2025 may be a signal of economic pressure or changes in customer preferences.
• Some companies (such as Bik Bok and Zavanna) have negative EBITDA margins, which may be a challenge for new founders.

Long-term Opportunities:

• An increase of 15.3% in the number of employees from 2025 to 2026 suggests a possible stabilization.
• Magneten Shopping Center is an important location for clothing stores, and it may be possible to find available spaces in this shopping center.

Recommendation:

• Founders should consider placing stores in Magneten Shopping Center, where there is high customer traffic and existing clothing stores.
• It may be beneficial to analyze competitors (such as H&M and Cubus) to identify potential market spaces.

Outlook for the Parent Category (Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities)

Broader industry2 data:

• 31 companies in creative, arts, and entertainment activities in Levanger, with 125 employees in 2026.
• Revenue: 94.9 million NOK in 2025 (a decline of 34.2% from 2024), but an increase of 11.6% in the number of employees from 2025 to 2026.

Peer companies in the parent category:

• Bunadstuggu As (national clothing store): 5.0 million NOK revenue, 2 employees, 797,000 NOK EBITDA.
• X Kids As (knitting store): 6.0 million NOK revenue, 5 employees, 790,000 NOK EBITDA.
• Husfliden Levanger As (national clothing store): 4.3 million NOK revenue, 5 employees, 210,000 NOK EBITDA.

Conclusion:

• Creative, arts, and entertainment activities have a larger number of companies (31) than clothing stores (15), but clothing stores have higher EBITDA margins (average 7% vs. 5% in the parent category).
• Founders should consider placing companies in creative, arts, and entertainment activities in Levanger, where there is high customer traffic and existing companies in the sector.

The clothing retail industry in Levanger has shown both stability and variations over the past few years. With 15 companies and 105 employees, as well as revenue of approximately 106.2 million NOK in 2025, the industry is an important part of the local economy. Outlooks for founders suggest a possible stabilization, even though some companies face challenges. It is important to consider location in Magneten Shopping Center and analyze competitors to identify potential market spaces. SmartGrunder can help founders find available spaces in Levanger for clothing stores.