Industry · municipality
The Clothing Retail Industry in Sarpsborg: Current Status and Future Prospects
A Detailed Analysis of Companies, Economic Trends, and Development Opportunities
Executive Summary
The clothing retail industry in Sarpsborg is an important part of the municipality's retail sector, with 31 registered companies in 2025. The industry features a mix of established brands such as H&M and Lindex, as well as smaller local players. Economic data shows highly uneven development in recent years, with a sharp sales decline of 50% in 2025 compared to 2024. This underscores the need for a thorough analysis of the industry's dynamics and future resilience.
Economic Overview
Economic Trends
Sales: The industry reached a peak in 2024 with sales of NOK 301.4 million, but fell sharply to NOK 150.4 million in 2025. This is one of the most dramatic declines in the data, and no comparable decline has been recorded in the extensive creative and entertainment activities sector.
Wage expenses: Wage expenses have been relatively stable, with an average wage per employee of NOK 1.3 million in 2025. This is slightly lower than in 2024, but higher than in 2023.
EBITDA margins: The industry has an average EBITDA margin of 7%, which is lower than in the extensive creative sector (10%). This suggests that clothing stores in Sarpsborg have higher operating costs or lower prices than competitors in neighboring sectors.
Companies in the Industry
Key Players in the Industry
Largest Companies:
| Company | Number of Employees | Sales (NOK) | EBITDA (NOK) | EBITDA Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H&M Hennes & Mauritz As | 27 | 52.5M | 2.4M | 4% |
| Kappahl As | 10 | 16.8M | 1.9M | 11% |
| Lindex As | 9 | 14.7M | 0.5M | 3% |
Organizational Forms:
- 31 companies are registered as AS (96.8% of the total)
- 2 companies are registered as ENK (3.2%)
Interesting Observations:
- Arora As has a negative EBITDA of 3%, which may indicate increased operating costs or lower sales.
- Fitness Clothing As has no sales or operating profit, which may indicate a new start or a temporary pause in operations.
Business Geography
Geographic Distribution
Main Activity in Sarpsborg:
- 31 companies (96.8%) are registered in Sarpsborg, with 229 employees and sales of NOK 270.9 million.
- Ise and Skjeberg each have 1 company, but these have no sales or employees.
Key Locations:
- Roald Amundsens gate 36 (H&M, Lindex)
- Klokkergårdveien 31 (Arora, Kappahl, Bik Bok Thon Center)
- Herbergveien 2 (Fitness Clothing)
Conclusion: The industry is strongly concentrated in Sarpsborg, with little activity in the periphery. This suggests that customers prefer to shop in the city center, which could be an advantage for new players looking to establish themselves.
Business Dynamics
Operational Dynamics and Risk Factors
Bankruptcies: None of the registered companies have gone bankrupt, indicating relatively stable operations in the industry.
Negative EBITDA:
- Arve Tvete & Co As has a negative EBITDA of -7%
- Bik Bok Thon Center Borg has a negative EBITDA of -5%
Various Challenges:
- Arora As has a sales decline of 15% in 2025
- Fitness Clothing As has no sales or operating profit
Conclusion: Although no bankruptcies have been recorded, the data shows that some companies have very unfavorable financial results. This could be a signal of increased competitive pressure or changing consumer preferences.
Outlook
Future Prospects for Entrepreneurs
Sharp Decline in 2025: The 50% sales decline in 2025 compared to 2024 is a serious challenge. This may be due to several factors, such as increased competitive pressure, changing consumer preferences, or higher operating costs.
Possible Strategies:
- Focus on local markets and customer customization
- Develop unique product lines or services
- Collaborate with established brands such as H&M and Lindex
Important Observations:
- The industry has higher average wage expenses than the extensive creative sector
- EBITDA margins are lower than in competing sectors
Outlook for the Broader Sector
Comparison with the Broader Sector
Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities:
- 120 companies in the sector (the industry has 73 companies)
- Sales in 2025: NOK 286.7 million (the industry: NOK 150.4 million)
- Wage expenses: 315 employees (the industry: 252 employees)
Peer Companies in the Broader Sector:
| Company | Industry | Sales (NOK) | EBITDA (NOK) | EBITDA Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framsport As | Footwear Store | 102.3M | 10.3M | 10% |
| Btbs As | Footwear Store | 5.6M | 1.2M | 21% |
| As Husfliden Sarpsborg | Knitting Store | 5.4M | 0.58M | 11% |
Conclusion: The broader sector has higher sales and better EBITDA margins. This suggests that clothing stores may have higher operating costs or lower prices than competitors in neighboring sectors.
Other companies in kreative, kunst og underholdningsaktiviteter (not in clothing store)
| Company | Industry | Address | Sales | Employees | EBITDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framsport As | footwear store | Snekkerstubakken 26, 1738 Borgenhaugen | NOK 102.3M | 20 | NOK 10.3M |
| Btbs As | footwear store | Klokkergårdveien 37, 1711 Sarpsborg | NOK 5.6M | 5 | NOK 1.2M |
| As Husfliden Sarpsborg | knit store | Torggata 11, 1707 Sarpsborg | NOK 5.4M | 7 | NOK 580.0K |
| Antikk Karlsen As | second-hand goods store | Høysandveien 2, 1747 Skjeberg | NOK 3.0M | 1 | NOK 452.0K |
| Antikvariat Bryggen As | second-hand goods store | Bryggenveien 42, 1747 Skjeberg | NOK 2.5M | 2 | NOK 394.0K |
| Hobby & Sånt As | knit store | Klokkergårdveien 31, 1711 Sarpsborg | NOK 5.4M | 5 | NOK 207.0K |
| Ullerøylaaven Antik Og Kuriosa As | second-hand goods store | Ullerøyveien 404, 1747 Skjeberg | NOK 1.3M | 0 | NOK 158.0K |
| Sarpsborg Garn & Broderi As | knit store | Jernbanegata 13, 1706 Sarpsborg | NOK 1.2M | 1 | NOK 19.0K |
| Agrideler As | second-hand goods store | Alvimveien 45, 1722 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 4 | NOK 0 |
| Auksjonskammeret As | second-hand goods store | Greåkerveien 123, 1718 | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Borg Retro As | second-hand goods store | Greåkerveien 123, 1718 | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Borg Retro As | second-hand goods store | Greåkerveien 123, 1718 | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Bsofa Berisha | second-hand goods store | c/o EIENDOM OG UTLEIE ISE AS|Børtevannsveien 1A, 1730 | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Bsofa Berisha | second-hand goods store | c/o EIENDOM OG UTLEIE ISE AS|Børtevannsveien 1A, 1730 | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Crazed As | second-hand goods store | Jellestadveien 17, 1739 Borgenhaugen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Dalen Antikk | second-hand goods store | Skogholtet 22, 1715 Yven | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Design By Bjore | knit store | Moreneveien 7, 1712 Grålum | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| El Data Barwari | second-hand goods store | Nybrottsveien 1, 1712 Grålum | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| El Data Barwari | second-hand goods store | Nybrottsveien 1, 1712 Grålum | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Embaye Red Sea Forlaget | second-hand goods store | Syrinveien 29, 1711 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Euro Sko Stopp | footwear store | Lilletuneveien 2, 1711 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 5 | NOK 0 |
| Eurosko Amfi Borg | footwear store | Klokkergårdveien 31, 1711 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 9 | NOK 0 |
| Eurosko Storbyen | footwear store | Roald Amundsens gate 28, 1723 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 7 | NOK 0 |
| Happy Næss | second-hand goods store | St. Nikolas-gate 24, 1707 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Harald Gustavson Auksjonsforretning | second-hand goods store | v/Gro Gade|Bukkesten 10A, 1743 Klavestadhaugen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Husfliden Garn Og Gaver Abdullahi Azar | knit store | Skjebergveien 30, 1739 Borgenhaugen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Hæren Ttk | second-hand goods store | Maugestenveien 377, 1708 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Jonsdottir Brukthandel | second-hand goods store | Nordbergveien 47, 1738 Borgenhaugen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Kanso Sports As | footwear store | Kløvningsten 11, 1739 Borgenhaugen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Kaspar B Skjellin | second-hand goods store | Navestadveien 86, 1738 Borgenhaugen | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| La Loba Holodniuk | knit store | Hans Børstads vei 10, 1718 Greåker | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Lillian Antique Amnesia | second-hand goods store | Kulåsgata 22A, 1721 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| M&w Corporation Ayari | footwear store | Sverres gate 12, 1706 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Mia Alghoul Trollslott | second-hand goods store | Nipaveien 10, 1734 Hafslundsøy | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Nory As | footwear store | Høvreveien 6, 1712 Grålum | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Peter Skullestad | second-hand goods store | H. Halvorsens vei 17A, 1734 Hafslundsøy | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Retro Vinyl Patrick Arman Skramstad | second-hand goods store | Løkkeliveien 5, 1746 Skjeberg | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Sarpsborg Garn As | knit store | Roald Amundsens gate 36, 1723 Sarpsborg | NOK 0 | 14 | NOK 0 |
| Shf Mittvalg V/ Cathrine Hovland | second-hand goods store | Hannestadfjellet 43A, 1715 Yven | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Shf Mittvalg V/ Cathrine Hovland | second-hand goods store | Hannestadfjellet 43A, 1715 Yven | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
Conclusion and Recommendations
The clothing retail industry in Sarpsborg has both opportunities and challenges. With 31 companies and a concentration in the city center, it provides a solid foundation for established players. However, data showing a sharp decline in 2025 indicates that the industry must be aware of changing consumer preferences and competitive pressure.
Recommendations for Entrepreneurs:
- Focus on local markets and customer customization
- Develop unique product lines or services
- Collaborate with established brands such as H&M and Lindex
SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find optimal locations in Sarpsborg for clothing stores, with a focus on areas with high customer traffic and good visibility.