The Clothing Retail Industry in Lillehammer: An Analysis of Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

Industry Overview

The clothing retail industry in Lillehammer is an important part of the municipality's economy, with 56 registered companies in total. Of these, 16 are detailed in the data, including well-known names such as H&M, Lindex, and Belsvik. The industry has been marked by fluctuations in sales and employees over the years, with a sales decline of 21.6% from 2024 to 2025. However, the data show that there is a stable structure with 250 employees in 2026 and an EBITDA margin of 4% for the entire industry. This indicates that clothing stores in Lillehammer have a certain degree of resilience, even though the development has been uneven.

The clothing retail industry in Lillehammer has experienced a complex development over the past few years. Sales have fluctuated between a decline of up to 11.8% in 2021 and an increase of 5.4% in 2024. In 2025, however, a significant decline of 21.6% was recorded, which may be due to external factors such as economic fluctuations or changes in customer behavior. The number of employees has been more stable, with a decline of 3.3% from 2025 to 2026, but an increase of 6.3% from 2021 to 2022. The EBITDA margin is at 4%, showing that the industry has a certain degree of economic efficiency, even though there are variations between individual companies.

In Lillehammer, there are 56 companies registered within the clothing retail industry, but only 16 of these are detailed in the data. The most well-known companies include H&M, Lindex, and Belsvik, all of which have been operationally stable over the years. Some companies, such as The Lounge, have experienced significant sales increases (40% in 2025), while others, such as Zavanna and Cathinkas, have experienced negative EBITDA values. The organizational form of most companies is AS, with 31 companies and 250 employees. This indicates that the industry is dominated by large, established companies with a certain degree of structure and stability.

All activities within the clothing retail industry in Lillehammer are concentrated in the municipality's center, with 31 companies and 250 employees. Operating revenues amount to NOK 225.7 million, while sales revenues are NOK 225.0 million. This shows a small difference between operating revenue and sales, which may indicate high operating costs or low margins. Nevertheless, there is significant income in the form of wages (NOK 45.1 million) and an EBITDA of NOK 10.9 million, showing that the industry has a certain degree of economic activity in the municipality.

The industry has been relatively stable in terms of bankruptcies and insolvencies, with no registered bankruptcies among the detailed companies. This indicates that clothing stores in Lillehammer have a certain degree of resilience, even though there are variations in the individual companies' financial health. For example, Cathinkas and Zavanna have experienced negative EBITDA values, while companies such as The Lounge and Kappahl have experienced significant increases in sales and EBITDA. This shows that there are both challenges and opportunities for companies in the industry, depending on their operations and market strategy.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs considering starting a clothing store in Lillehammer, the data show that there are both challenges and opportunities. Sales have been declining in recent years, with a significant decline of 21.6% from 2024 to 2025. However, there is a certain degree of stability in the number of employees and the EBITDA margin, which may indicate that it is possible to establish oneself in a competitive market. Entrepreneurs should focus on differentiation, cost efficiency, and market strategy to ensure good financial health. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Lillehammer for clothing stores, based on data and market analyses.

The overarching industry 'Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities' in Lillehammer has 80 companies, showing that the clothing retail industry is part of a larger market. Sales in this industry have also been marked by fluctuations, with a decline of 22.9% from 2024 to 2025. However, the overarching industry has a more stable development in the number of employees, with an increase of 4.0% from 2025 to 2026. Peer companies in this industry include shoe stores, second-hand stores, and knitting stores, all of which have different economic challenges and opportunities. Entrepreneurs should therefore consider both the clothing retail industry and the overarching industry to find the best opportunities.

The clothing retail industry in Lillehammer is an important part of the municipality's economy, with 56 companies and 250 employees. The industry has been marked by fluctuations in sales and employees over the years, but has shown a certain degree of stability and resilience. Entrepreneurs should consider both the opportunities and challenges in the industry, with a focus on differentiation, cost efficiency, and market strategy. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Lillehammer for clothing stores, based on data and market analyses.