The Cosmetics Industry in Holmestrand

The cosmetics industry in Holmestrand has experienced a significant decline in both sales revenue and number of employees over time. According to data from 2016 to 2020, sales statistics show a decline from NOK 7.5 million in 2016 to NOK 0 in 2020 and beyond. This decline has been gradual, with an annual reduction of approximately 7–13% before the crisis in 2020, followed by a sharp decline of 100% from 2019 to 2020. The number of employees has also fallen drastically, from 6 employees in 2016 to 1 employee in 2020. This indicates a highly unstable industry in the municipality, with potential challenges related to competition, consumer trends, and economic pressure.

The table below shows the development in sales and number of employees over time:

This development is particularly dramatic in 2020, where sales and employees fell to zero or minimal levels. It is possible that external factors such as the pandemic have exacerbated an already weak trend in the industry.

In Holmestrand, 12 companies are registered in the cosmetics industry. These companies are distributed across different organizational forms, with most being ENK (sole proprietorships), while some are AS (limited liability companies) or ANS (non-profit organizations). Some companies have reported no sales or employees, which may indicate that they are in the start-up phase or have low activity.

Examples of companies in the industry include:

• Advisor Line Kihl Hansen (ENK) at Snekkestadveien 75

• Evernordic As (AS) at Hvitsteinbakken 1B
• Kristoffersen Mary Kay (ENK) at Eidstoppen 1
• Silva (ENK) at Skafjellveien 82

Organizational form statistics:

• ENK: 10 companies
• AS: 2 companies
• ANS: 1 company

It is worth noting that Chance Invest As has reported negative values for operating profit and EBITDA, which may indicate financial challenges. Most other companies, however, have not reported any revenues or employees, which may indicate low activity or a new start.

The cosmetics industry in Holmestrand is distributed across several districts and areas within the municipality. The most active companies are found in Holmestrand itself, with companies such as Advisor Line Kihl Hansen, Hilde Michelsen, and Mor I Fokus Bakken. Other companies are located in Sande in Vestfold, Hof, and Sundbyfoss.

Distribution of companies by location:

• Holmestrand: 6 companies
• Sande in Vestfold: 2 companies
• Hof: 2 companies
• Sundbyfoss: 1 company

This distribution shows that the industry is spread across the municipality, but with a clear focus on Holmestrand as the main area of activity. This can be an advantage for new companies wishing to establish themselves in one of the most active areas.

The industry has experienced a highly unstable development over time, with a sharp decline in both sales and number of employees. There are no reported bankruptcies in the industry, which indicates that companies have managed to survive, even though they have experienced financial challenges. Some companies, such as Chance Invest As, have reported negative values for operating profit and EBITDA, which may indicate financial problems.

Bankruptcy statistics:

• No companies in the industry have been declared bankrupt.

Bankruptcy participants:

• No companies in the industry are registered as bankruptcy participants.

This shows that the industry, despite experiencing a significant decline in activity, has managed to avoid bankruptcy. This may indicate that companies have been able to adjust their operations or finance themselves through other means.

The outlook for new entrants in the cosmetics industry in Holmestrand is challenging, but not without opportunities. Data shows that the industry has experienced a sharp decline in sales and number of employees, especially after 2019. This indicates that market conditions, competition, and consumer trends have been highly pressuring for existing companies. Nevertheless, new companies have been established in 2024 and 2025, which may indicate a certain level of interest in the industry.

Possible challenges for new entrants include:

• Low market activity: Sales and number of employees have fallen to zero or minimal levels.
• Competitiveness: Existing companies have very low activity, which may indicate weak competitiveness.
• Financial challenges: Some companies have reported negative values for operating profit and EBITDA.

Possible opportunities for new entrants include:

• New market segments: It may be possible to establish oneself in new market segments or offer unique products or services.
• Low competition: There are few companies in the industry, which may give new entrants an advantage.
• Support from the municipality: It may be possible to receive support from the municipality to establish oneself in Holmestrand.

The cosmetics industry in Holmestrand has experienced a significant decline in both sales and number of employees over time. This indicates that the industry has been under pressure from several sides, including competition, consumer trends, and financial challenges. Nevertheless, new companies have been established in 2024 and 2025, which may indicate a certain level of interest in the industry.

For new entrants, it may be challenging to establish oneself in an industry that has experienced a sharp decline. Nevertheless, there may be opportunities to establish oneself in new market segments or offer unique products or services. It is also possible that the municipality may provide support to new companies wishing to establish themselves in Holmestrand.

The cosmetics industry in Holmestrand has experienced a significant decline in both sales and number of employees over time. This indicates that the industry has been under pressure from several sides, including competition, consumer trends, and financial challenges. Nevertheless, new companies have been established in 2024 and 2025, which may indicate a certain level of interest in the industry.

For new entrants, it may be challenging to establish oneself in an industry that has experienced a sharp decline. Nevertheless, there may be opportunities to establish oneself in new market segments or offer unique products or services. It is also possible that the municipality may provide support to new companies wishing to establish themselves in Holmestrand.