Clothing Stores in Ullensvang: Industry Analysis and Development Trends

Clothing stores in Ullensvang form a small but active industry with 9 companies registered in the municipality. In recent years, the industry has shown a mix of stability and challenges, with a total sales turnover increase of +1.5% from 2024 to 2025. Employment figures have been more variable, with a significant decline of 22% in 2025. Activity is concentrated in Odda, where 4 companies and 28 employees represent the entire industry. A single bankruptcy case (Malli As) underscores the need for economic resilience in the industry.

Sales turnover for clothing stores in Ullensvang has shown a gradual increase from 2016 to 2025, peaking at NOK 40.3 million in 2025. The most significant increases occurred in 2021 (+15.8%) and 2023 (+12.4%). In 2025, a weak increase of +1.5% was recorded, but there is still a decline compared to 2024. Employment turnover has been more unstable, with a significant decline of 22% in 2025. The highest increase was recorded in 2023 (+11.8%). Odda has been the only location with activity, with an EBITDA margin of 6% and an operating margin of 6%.

In Ullensvang, 9 companies are registered in the clothing store industry, with a mix of AS and KBO forms. The key companies include:

• Terje As (Røldalsvegen 19, Odda): 12 employees, NOK 23.9 million in sales, EBITDA of NOK 1.4 million
• Cubus Odda Avd 88c (Kremarveien 10, Odda): 6 employees, but no sales or EBITDA
• Hanevik Invest As (Eitrheimshaugen 4, Odda): 6 employees, NOK 2.6 million in sales, but EBITDA of -NOK 47,000
• Økonom Storhaug As (Røldalsvegen 21, Odda): 4 employees, NOK 4.2 million in sales, EBITDA of NOK 548,000
• Malli As (Almenningsvegen 5, Odda): Bankrupt, no sales or employees

A bankruptcy estate (Malli As Konkursbo) is also registered at the same address.

All 4 companies in the clothing store industry in Ullensvang are registered in Odda, with a total of 28 employees. Odda has the following key figures:

• Sales: NOK 30.7 million
• EBITDA: NOK 1.9 million
• Average EBITDA per employee: NOK 81,700
• Gross margin: 41%
• Operating margin: 6%

There is no activity in other parts of the municipality.

The industry has been marked by a single bankruptcy case (Malli As) in 2022, which has affected economic stability. Among the remaining companies, there is a mix of strong and weak performers:

• Strong companies: Terje As (NOK 23.9 million in sales, EBITDA of NOK 1.4 million) and Økonom Storhaug As (NOK 4.2 million in sales, EBITDA of NOK 548,000)
• Weak companies: Cubus Odda Avd 88c (no sales or EBITDA) and Hanevik Invest As (EBITDA of -NOK 47,000)

Several companies with 0 employees (Dartnorge As, Esco As, Lothepus As) are also registered, which may indicate potential challenges in operational economics.

For entrepreneurs in the clothing store industry in Ullensvang, it is important to be aware of the following:

1. Concentration in Odda: All companies are registered in Odda, which can provide both advantages and challenges in terms of competition and market share.
2. Stable sales: Despite a decline in 2025, the sales turnover has been positive over time, with an increase of +1.5% from 2024 to 2025.
3. Employment turnover: The sharp decline of 22% in 2025 highlights the need for economic resilience and efficient operations.
4. Bankruptcy risk: A single bankruptcy case (Malli As) highlights the need for a solid financial plan and operational strategy.

SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Odda and provide advice on how to ensure economic stability in a competitive industry.

Creative, arts, and entertainment activities industry in Ullensvang has 16 companies, showing that clothing stores are a smaller part of this broader industry. Compared to the clothing store industry, the broader industry has:

• More companies: 16 companies vs. 9 in clothing stores
• Lower sales turnover: NOK 49.5 million in 2025 vs. NOK 40.3 million in clothing stores
• Lower employment turnover: 39 employees in 2026 vs. 28 in clothing stores

Peer companies in the broader industry include:

The broader industry has a more stable sales turnover, but the clothing store industry has a higher EBITDA margin (6% vs. 4.3% in the broader industry).

The clothing store industry in Ullensvang is a small but active industry focused on Odda. Despite a single bankruptcy case and variable operational economics, the sales turnover shows a gradual improvement over time. Entrepreneurs should be aware of the concentration in Odda, the need for economic stability, and potential competitive challenges. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations and provide advice on how to ensure a profitable and sustainable operation in this industry.