Toy Shop Industry in Hamar: Current Status and Outlook

The toy shop industry in Hamar has shown both challenges and growth over the past few years. With 5 registered companies in the municipality, 3 of which are AS entities, and a total of 26 employees in 2026, data indicates stabilization after a period of decline. The most notable development is a 44.4% increase in the number of employees from 2025 to 2026, suggesting increased activity. At the same time, one of the largest players, Lekehuset Hamar AS, achieved an operating profit of NOK 71,000 and an EBITDA margin of 1% in 2026. The industry, however, faces a dynamic market situation with significant variations in sales and operating results over time.

Sales Development

Sales for toy shop companies in Hamar have been marked by large fluctuations. From NOK 31.5 million in 2016, sales dropped to NOK 3.6 million in 2019 before rising to NOK 6.0 million in 2020 and 2021. In 2026, sales remain at NOK 6.0 million, indicating stabilization after a period of significant decline.

Employee Numbers

The number of employees has shown a more gradual development, decreasing from 39 in 2016 to 16 in 2024 before a sharp increase to 26 in 2026. The most significant increase (44.4%) occurred within one year, which may indicate increased activity or adjustments in operational strategy.

Operating Results

The industry's EBITDA margin stands at 1% in 2026, showing a weak but stable operating result. Lekehuset Hamar AS has a higher margin compared to other companies in the industry, which may indicate efficient operations or special circumstances in this company.

Registered Companies

The following companies are registered in the toy shop industry in Hamar:

Organizational Forms

All companies in the industry are AS entities or ENK entities. 3 of the 5 companies are AS entities, and these have a combined total of 26 employees. There are no companies in the industry with organizational forms other than AS and ENK.

Distribution by Location

All 5 companies in the toy shop industry in Hamar are registered in Hamar city center. The distribution by location is:

There is no activity in other city districts or municipalities in this industry.

Operational Efficiency and Bankruptcy Statistics

None of the companies in the toy shop industry in Hamar are registered as bankrupt in 2026. However, data shows that several companies have zero sales and zero employees, which may indicate inactivity or recent start-up. For example, both Extra Leker Butikker As Avd Hamar and Kids Outlet Hamar 4 have zero sales and employees in 2026, even though they are registered as AS entities.

Operating Results Over Time

Lekehuset Hamar AS has been the only company in the industry with positive operating results in 2026. The other companies have zero sales and zero operating results, which may indicate weak development in the industry as a whole.

Development for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs considering starting a toy shop in Hamar, data shows a weak stabilization in the industry after a period of significant decline. The most notable development is a 44.4% increase in the number of employees from 2025 to 2026, which may indicate increased activity or adjustments in operational strategy. Nevertheless, it is important to note that several companies have zero sales and employees, which may indicate a weakly competitive industry.

Opportunities and Challenges

Lekehuset Hamar AS has proven to be a stable player with positive operating results, which may indicate strengths in a successful business model. Entrepreneurs should, however, be aware of the weak development in the industry as a whole, as well as the highly varied operating results between companies.

Comparison with the Parent Industry

Public administration and defense is a larger industry in Hamar with 8 companies compared to 5 companies in the toy shop industry. Sales for this parent industry have shown a more gradual development, decreasing from NOK 41.5 million in 2016 to NOK 8.7 million in 2018 before rising to NOK 17.9 million in 2021. In 2026, sales for this industry are at NOK 14.0 million, showing a more stable development compared to the toy shop industry.

Peer Companies

The following companies in the parent industry (public administration and defense) are not registered in the toy shop industry:

These companies show a broader variation in operating results and sales compared to the toy shop industry.

The toy shop industry in Hamar shows a mix of challenges and opportunities. With stabilization in the number of employees and a single player (Lekehuset Hamar AS) with positive operating results, the industry can be a potential market plus for entrepreneurs. At the same time, data shows weak development in the industry as a whole, as well as high variation in operating results between companies. Entrepreneurs should consider both the opportunities in a stabilized industry and the challenges that come with a weakly competitive sector. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find natural addresses in Hamar for this industry, based on data and local conditions.