The Cosmetics Retail Industry in Nordre Follo: Current Status and Future Prospects

The cosmetics retail industry in Nordre Follo is a relatively small but dynamic sector focusing on both traditional and modern offerings. In 2026, 16 companies are registered in the municipality, distributed across several districts, with Ski as the main hub for activity. The sector has been marked by significant variations in sales and employees over time, with a sharp decline in 2023 and 2024. Nevertheless, several active companies continue to operate with positive economics, particularly in Ski. Prospects for new entrants are mixed, with both challenges and opportunities linked to market development.

Economic data show that sales and number of employees in the cosmetics retail industry in Nordre Follo have been unstable over time. From 2016 to 2026, sales have varied between NOK 30.7 million and NOK 190.1 million, with a sharp decline of 64.4% from 2022 to 2023. The number of employees has also declined, from 232 in 2016 to 44 in 2026. The most significant sales increase was recorded in 2020 (+82.7%), while 2023 and 2024 marked two of the most significant declines. This indicates a sector marked by both crises and upswings, but with a general decline in recent years.

In Nordre Follo, 16 companies are registered in the cosmetics retail industry, distributed across different organizational forms and locations. The key companies include:

• Rituals Cosmetics Norway As Avd Ski Storsenter (AS, 14 employees, sales NOK 15.2 million)
• Kicks Norge As Avd 639 Ski Storsenter (AS, 13 employees, sales NOK 0)
• Britts Parfymeri (ENK, 4 employees, sales NOK 0)
• Adel Parfymer As (AS, 0 employees, sales NOK 0)
• Aloe Vera Fryd Ved Lise Sikora (ENK, 0 employees, sales NOK 0)

Most companies are organized as AS (13 companies) or ENK (3 companies). The most active companies are Rituals Cosmetics and Kicks Norge, while several other companies have registered 0 employees and 0 sales. This indicates that the sector has both established players and several recently started or less active companies.

Cosmetics retail activity in Nordre Follo is strongly concentrated in Ski, which has 3 companies and 31 employees, while Kolbotn has only 1 company and 9 employees. In Ski, there is clear economic activity, with sales of NOK 15.2 million and operating income of NOK 1.2 million. Kolbotn, on the other hand, has no economic activity, with 0 sales and 0 operating income. This shows that Ski is the main hub for the industry, while Kolbotn has a very small or no activity within cosmetics retail.

The industry has been relatively stable in terms of bankruptcy, with no registered bankruptcies in Nordre Follo. Nevertheless, several companies have registered 0 sales and 0 employees, which may indicate that some companies operate with low activity or are in the start-up phase. This may also be an indication that the industry has a high degree of competitiveness, with both established and new players trying to establish themselves. However, there are no concrete data on bankruptcy or closure, which indicates that the industry has been relatively stable over time.

For entrepreneurs considering establishing themselves in the cosmetics retail industry in Nordre Follo, it is important to take into account the recent years of decline in sales and number of employees. This indicates that the market has been marked by economic challenges, especially after 2022. Nevertheless, there are opportunities in Ski, which is still the main hub for activity. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on niche markets, such as eco-friendly products or specialized offerings, to stand out in a competitive market. It is also important to be flexible and adapt to changes in customer needs and consumption patterns.

The cosmetics retail industry in Nordre Follo has been a dynamic but unstable sector over time. With a decline in sales and number of employees in recent years, as well as a concentration of activity in Ski, there are opportunities for new entrants wishing to establish themselves in a market segment that still has potential. Entrepreneurs should consider focusing on innovation, niche markets, and adapting to changes in customer needs. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations and strategies to establish themselves in this industry in Nordre Follo.