The Clothing Retail Industry in Stord: Companies, Statistics, and Outlook

The clothing retail industry in Stord is an important part of the municipality's economy, with 26 registered companies (16 listed here). The industry has been marked by fluctuations in both sales and number of employees over time, with a dramatic 55% sales decline in 2025. Although one bankruptcy has been registered (Nobel Mote As), data shows that several of the largest companies (such as H&M, Kappahl, and Lindex) continue to operate with positive results. Prospects for new entrants are mixed, with both challenges and opportunities in a competitive market space.

Sales and employees over time

Sales in the clothing retail industry reached its peak in 2023 with 110.5 million NOK, but fell by 55% in 2025. The number of employees has also continuously decreased since 2016, from 147 to 88 in 2026. The most dramatic sales decline occurred between 2024 and 2025, which may be due to economic pressure or changes in consumer behavior.

Economic indicators

• Average EBITDA margin: 6% (2023)
• Average gross profit margin: 7883% (data may be inaccurate)
• Bankruptcy: 1 company (Nobel Mote As) in 2025

Major players in the industry

Organizational forms

• AS: 13 companies (90 employees)
• DA: 1 company (Brudesalongen Da)
• ENK: 2 companies (Christine Paulsen, Flawlessfit As)

Bankruptcies

• Nobel Mote As: 4.8M NOK in sales, 0 employees, EBITDA 194.0K NOK

Focus areas in Stord

Most clothing stores in Stord are located on Hamnegata 11, a central area with several well-known chains. There is also activity at Torgbakken 2 and Ringvegen 44. The most central address is Hamnegata 11, which hosts several of the largest companies.

Bankruptcy and operational results

• Bankruptcy: 1 company (Nobel Mote As) in 2025
• Companies with zero sales: Match Stord Avd 305, Match Heiane Avd 306, Cubus Thon Center Stord Avd 87b, Vesle Vikjo As, Zavanna Heiane Storsenter Avd 837
• Negative EBITDA: Bik Bok Thon Center Stord Avd J14 (-5%), Zavanna Heiane Storsenter Avd 837 (-11%)

Bankruptcy and negative operational results are sporadic, but indicate that some companies are facing economic challenges. Most of the large companies, however, have stable or positive operations.

Outlook for new entrants

The clothing retail industry in Stord shows signs of a highly competitive market space, with both large chains and small local companies. The dramatic sales decline in 2025 (55%) indicates that the industry may be sensitive to economic fluctuations. New entrants should consider:

• Market positioning: Focus on unique product categories or local connections
• Cost control: Low EBITDA margin (average 6%) requires efficient operations
• Competitiveness: Large chains (H&M, Lindex) dominate, but small companies can find niche areas

SmartGrunder can help founders find optimal locations in Stord for clothing stores, based on market needs and operational conditions.

The clothing retail industry is part of the creative, arts, and entertainment activities group, which has 41 companies in Stord. Comparison of data:

Peer companies in the broader industry

The broader industry has somewhat better sales figures, but shows the same decline in 2025. New entrants should consider expanding to related sectors such as shoe stores or knitwear stores.

The clothing retail industry in Stord shows both opportunities and challenges. With 26 companies and a central location on Hamnegata 11, it is a competitive market space. However, the industry has been marked by a dramatic sales decline in 2025, which may be a signal of economic pressure. New entrants should consider focusing on unique product categories, efficient operations, and potential niche areas in broader industries such as shoe stores or knitwear stores. SmartGrunder can help identify optimal locations and strategies to compete in this dynamic market space.