Cosmetics Retail in Bergen: Industry Analysis and Development Trends

The cosmetics retail industry in Bergen shows a mix of stability and dynamism. With 91 registered companies in the municipality, including well-known names such as Rituals and Kicks, the industry is well represented. Annual revenue has grown from NOK 52.8 million in 2016 to NOK 305.5 million in 2025, despite variations over the years. EBITDA margins range from 6–12%, and there are no registered bankruptcies in the industry. Prospects for new entrants appear positive, especially in high-consumption areas such as Bergen and Rådal.

Economic Trends

From 2016 to 2025, the cosmetics retail industry in Bergen has shown an increasing trend in annual revenue, rising from NOK 52.8 million to NOK 305.5 million. There have been variations, with a decline of 25.1% between 2022 and 2023, followed by a strong increase of 81.2% in 2024. Employment figures have been more stable, with an average annual growth of 2.3% over the period. EBITDA margins range from 6–12%, and average gross profit is 1392%.

Key Figures in Table Form

Development Over Time

Annual revenue grew by 142.8% from 2016 to 2017, but also experienced a decline of 18.9% between 2018 and 2019. Employment figures have been more consistent, with a maximum increase of 21.3% from 2017 to 2018.

Major Players in the Industry

The most well-known companies in the cosmetics retail industry in Bergen include:

• Rituals Cosmetics Norway AS (multiple locations in Bergen, Rådal, and Nyborg)
• Kicks Norge AS (multiple locations in Bergen, Rådal, and Fyllingsdalen)
• Fredrik & Louisa AS (Laguneveien 1, Rådal)
• Pink By Utseende.no Bergen AS (Småstrandgaten 3, Bergen)

Organizational Forms

Most companies are registered as AS (23 companies, 216 employees). There is also one Nuf form and one Enk form. The AS form dominates with higher revenue and employees, while the Nuf form has a higher EBITDA margin (15%) compared to the average.

Distribution of Activity in the Municipality

Cosmetics retail activity is most concentrated in the following areas:

Key Areas

Bergen and Rådal are the most active areas, with 9 and 6 companies respectively. Fyllingsdalen and Nyborg also have significant activity, although the number of companies is lower. There is no activity in Kokstad and Blomsterdalen, where companies have low revenue or negative growth figures.

Bankruptcies and Stability

There are no registered bankruptcies in the cosmetics retail industry in Bergen over the period. However, data shows that some companies have negative growth figures or low margins:

• Kokstad: -21% annual growth and 78% gross profit
• Blomsterdalen: -3% annual growth and -3% EBITDA margin

Industry Dynamics

Most companies have positive growth, with the highest EBITDA margins in Fyllingsdalen (12%) and Loddefjord (12%). Rituals and Kicks have higher revenue and employees, while smaller companies such as Vita Lagunen have no revenue or employees.

Prospects for New Entrants

The cosmetics retail industry in Bergen shows potential for growth, especially in high-consumption areas such as Bergen and Rådal. The large companies such as Rituals and Kicks have established themselves well, but there is room for new entrants who can differentiate themselves through unique product portfolios or customer customization. Increased focus on digital marketing and local adaptation can provide advantages. Prospects for 2026 show stabilization of revenue after a strong increase in 2024.

The cosmetics retail industry in Bergen is a stable and growing industry with good opportunities for new entrants. With 91 companies, high consumer spending power, and a well-organized landscape, Bergen is an attractive place for investments. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find optimal locations and strategies to establish themselves in this industry.