Industry · municipality
The Clothing Store Industry in Porsgrunn: Companies, Statistics, and Outlook
A detailed analysis of the clothing store industry in Porsgrunn based on market data and company information
Executive Summary
The clothing store industry in Porsgrunn represents an important part of the municipality's creative and culture-related sectors. With 16 registered companies in 2026, data indicates a relatively stable presence in the central areas. The industry has been marked by fluctuations in sales and employees over the years, with a significant decline of 30.7% in sales from 2024 to 2025. This underscores the need to analyze both historical trends and current conditions to identify potential development paths.
Economic Overview
Sales and Employee Development
Sales:
- 2026: NOK 120.1 million (down from 2024: NOK 173.5 million)
- Annual decline of 30.7% from 2024 to 2025
- Highest sales peak in 2022: NOK 175.2 million
Employees:
- 2026: 161 employees (increase from 2025: 166 employees)
- Decline of 3.0% from 2025 to 2026
- Highest number of employees in 2025: 166
Comparison with the Overall Sector
- Creative, arts, and entertainment activities have 75 companies in the municipality, compared to 47 in the clothing store industry
- Sales in the overall sector: NOK 153.1 million in 2025 (decline of 30.2% from 2024)
- Employees in the overall sector: 213 in 2026 (decline of 2.7% from 2025)
Companies in the Industry
Registered Companies
- Total of 16 companies in the clothing store industry in Porsgrunn
- All companies are AS (limited company)
- New companies:
- Only Stores Norway As (founded 2024)
- Trendhuset Jans Klær As (founded 2022)
- Established companies:
- H & M Hennes & Mauritz As (founded 1988)
- Kappahl As (founded 1982)
EBITDA and Financial Indicators
- Highest EBITDA margin: Cubus Down Town (9%)
- Lowest EBITDA margin: Isaksen (−6%)
- Negative EBITDA:
- Isaksen (−NOK 381,000)
- Bik Bok (−NOK 328,300)
- Positive EBITDA:
- Decades Downtown (21%)
- Dressmann As (16%)
Business Geography
Distribution by Neighborhood
- All 23 companies in the industry are registered in Porsgrunn
- Central addresses:
- Storgata 70 (H&M, Cubus, Kappahl, Pasquinell, Bik Bok)
- Kulltangvegen 70 (Only Stores, Carlings, Decades, Match, Trend Sko)
- Other addresses:
- Augestadvegen 7 (Klara Telemark)
- Storgata 83 (Trendhuset Jans Klær)
Consequences for Business Development
- Strong concentration in the central areas
- Potential advantages:
- High traffic and visibility
- Established business culture in the area
- Challenges:
- Competitiveness among companies in the same location
- Dependence on tourist and local population needs
Business Dynamics
Bankruptcies and Financial Challenges
- No bankruptcy registrations in the clothing store industry in Porsgrunn in 2026
- Negative EBITDA for 5 companies:
- Isaksen (−NOK 381,000)
- Bik Bok (−NOK 328,300)
- Trendhuset Jans Klær (0)
- Carghi As (0)
- Lindex As (0)
- Positive EBITDA for 11 companies:
- Cubus Down Town (NOK 1.6 million)
- Dressmann As (NOK 1.4 million)
- Decades Downtown (NOK 1.9 million)
Development Trends
- Largest increase in EBITDA margin:
- Klara Telemark (from −11% in 2024 to 8% in 2025)
- Largest decline in EBITDA margin:
- Trend Sko (−NOK 972,000 in 2026)
- Stable companies:
- H&M (NOK 1.9 million in 2026)
- Kappahl (NOK 1.5 million in 2026)
Outlook
Development Trends for Entrepreneurs
- Stable companies:
- H&M and Kappahl have shown good financial stability over the years
- New opportunities:
- Trendhuset Jans Klær (founded 2022) has shown potential with 7 employees in 2026
- Development challenges:
- The clothing store industry experienced a sharp decline of 30.7% in sales from 2024 to 2025
- Many companies had negative EBITDA in 2026
- Recommendations for entrepreneurs:
- Focus on locations with high traffic (Storgata, Kulltangvegen)
- Develop unique product combinations to differentiate from competitors
- Collaborate with local creative sectors to strengthen market position
Outlook for the Overall Sector
Overall Sector: Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities
- Total of 75 companies in the municipality (compared to 47 in the clothing store industry)
- Sales in 2025: NOK 153.1 million (decline of 30.2% from 2024)
- Employees in 2026: 213 (decline of 2.7% from 2025)
Peer Companies in the Overall Sector
| Name | Industry | Sales (2025) | EBITDA | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skotreff | Shoe Store | NOK 12.5M | NOK 830,4K | 7 |
| Husfliden As | National Clothing Store | NOK 10.6M | NOK 621,0K | 10 |
| Magnussen Spesialsko Porsgrunn | Shoe Store | NOK 2.1M | NOK 211,3K | 1 |
| Samlerbua Safe As | Secondhand Store | NOK 461,0K | NOK 69,0K | 0 |
| Eurosko Down Town | Shoe Store | NOK 0 | NOK 0 | 9 |
Conclusion on the Overall Sector
- The clothing store industry is part of a larger sector with 75 companies
- The overall sector experienced a less severe sales decline (−30.2%) compared to the clothing store industry (−30.7%)
- Diversification within creative sectors can provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop in Porsgrunn
Other companies in kreative, kunst og underholdningsaktiviteter (not in clothing store)
| Company | Industry | Address | Sales | Employees | EBITDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skotreff | footwear store | Augestadvegen 7, 3914 Porsgrunn | NOK 12.5M | 7 | NOK 830.4K |
| Husfliden As | national clothing store | Storgata 110, 3921 Porsgrunn | NOK 10.6M | 10 | NOK 621.0K |
| Magnussen Spesialsko Porsgrunn | footwear store | Grensegata 6, 3916 Porsgrunn | NOK 2.1M | 1 | NOK 211.3K |
| Samlerbua Safe As | second-hand goods store | Lahellevegen 1, 3919 Porsgrunn | NOK 461.0K | 0 | NOK 69.0K |
| Almviks Landhandel | knit store | Gullåsvegen 9, 3947 Langangen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Atdetgårann As | knit store | Skomværgata 4, 3921 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 2 | NOK 0 |
| Blomster Små Thomassen | knit store | Grava terrasse 5B, 3940 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| City Garn As | knit store | Kulltangvegen 70, 3921 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 5 | NOK 0 |
| Deila Design As | knit store | Cappelensveg 39, 3933 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Deila Design As | knit store | Cappelensveg 39, 3933 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Drive On Trading V/jan Olaf Lauritsen | second-hand goods store | Bjørndalsjordet 35, 3919 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Eurosko Down Town | footwear store | Kulltangvegen 70, 3921 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 9 | NOK 0 |
| Huset Med Det Rare I Da | knit store | Øvre Lundeveg 124, 3941 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Låven Antikk Og Auksjon As | second-hand goods store | Bjørndalvegen 4, 3946 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Låven Antikk Og Auksjon John Rømyr | second-hand goods store | Skiensgate 21, 3912 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Nesten Nytt | second-hand goods store | Heigata 4, 3920 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Olavesen Business | knit store | Rødsåsen 57, 3928 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Rundpinnen As | knit store | Gullåsvegen 9, 3947 Langangen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Saksen & Co As | second-hand goods store | Storvegen 14, 3919 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Samlerbua Holding As | second-hand goods store | Lahellevegen 1, 3919 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Storemyr | second-hand goods store | Myrhaugvegen 48, 3947 Langangen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Storemyr | second-hand goods store | Myrhaugvegen 48, 3947 Langangen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Thomas Berg Olsen / Td Design | knit store | Rønningvegen 56, 3925 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Verdande Heim As | knit store | Furukollen 5, 3924 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Henab Sko As | footwear store | Storgata 70, 3921 Porsgrunn | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK -13.0K |
| Sy Butikken Porsgrunn Rikke L Evensen | knit store | Cappelensveg 34, 3933 Porsgrunn | NOK 1.2M | 0 | NOK -17.0K |
| Morris Down Town Porsgrunn Avd 6116 Down Town Porsgrunn | footwear store | Storgata 70, 3921 Porsgrunn | NOK 4.1M | 12 | NOK -54.8K |
| Trend Sko Down Town As | footwear store | Kulltangvegen 70, 3921 Porsgrunn | NOK 9.2M | 9 | NOK -972.0K |
Conclusion
The clothing store industry in Porsgrunn presents both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs. With 16 companies in the municipality and a concentration in the central areas, it is clear that location and visibility are important factors. At the same time, data shows a sharp decline in sales from 2024 to 2025, underscoring the need for innovation and differentiation. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs identify optimal locations and develop strategies that align with both local needs and broader market developments.