The Optician Industry in Askøy: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

Overview of Optician Stores in Askøy

The optician industry in Askøy is relatively small, with four registered companies in the municipality. Most of these are AS companies, and the activity is concentrated in Kleppestø. Although the industry has shown variations in sales and employees over time, it has experienced a significant decline in 2025. This may be due to a combination of market conditions and internal challenges at individual companies. Nevertheless, there are opportunities for new players looking to establish themselves in a town with a certain level of stability and local access.

Economic Overview

Sales and Employees Over Time:

• Sales: Optician stores in Askøy had an increase in sales from 2016 to 2024, with a peak of NOK 16.1 million in 2024. Then there was a sharp decline of 38.8% in 2025, to NOK 9.8 million.
• Employees: The number of employees increased gradually from 2016 to 2024, with a peak of 34 employees in 2024. In 2025 there was a decline of 2.9%, and in 2026 there was a further decline of 9.1%, to 30 employees.

Trend Analysis: Sales had a positive trend until 2024, but the sharp decline in 2025 shows potential challenges. Employees have been more stable, but the latest decline may be a signal of increased pressure on the operating result.

Companies in the Industry

In Askøy, the following companies are registered in the optician industry:

1. Askøy Optikk As (Gamle Kleppestøvegen 2, Kleppestø) – 21 employees, founded 2010-08-20, AS company form.
2. Kleppestø Optikk As (Gamle Kleppestøvegen 2, Kleppestø) – 9 employees, founded 2008-02-18, AS company form.
3. Askøy Optikk As (Gamle Kleppestøvegen 2, Kleppestø) – 0 employees, founded 2026-06-29, AS company form.
4. Askøy Optikk As (Gamle Kleppestøvegen 2, Kleppestø) – 0 employees, founded 2026-06-29, AS company form.

Organizational Forms: There are two AS companies with 30 employees and NOK 16.8 million in operating income. This shows that the most stable companies are the older AS companies, while the newer companies have lower activity or are in the start-up phase.

Business Geography

Optician stores in Askøy are concentrated in Kleppestø, which has:

• 2 companies
• 30 employees
• NOK 16.8 million in operating income
• NOK 11.5 million in gross profit
• 6% EBITDA margin

Kleppestø is therefore the only town area in the municipality with activity in this industry. This can be an advantage for new players looking to establish themselves in an existing core area with potential customers.

Business Dynamics and Bankruptcy Statistics

Bankruptcy: There are no registered bankruptcies in the optician industry in Askøy, which shows a certain level of stability.

Operating Results: Some companies have negative or zero EBITDA, such as Kleppestø Optikk As, which had an EBITDA of NOK 64,000 in 2025. This may indicate increased operating costs or lower sales in certain periods.

Outlook: Although the industry has shown variations, there are no serious bankruptcies, which can be an advantage for new players looking to establish themselves in the municipality.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs in the optician industry in Askøy, it is important to be aware of the latest trends:

• Sales decline in 2025: The sharp decline of 38.8% in 2025 may be a signal of market conditions or competitive pressure.
• Concentration in Kleppestø: It is possible to take advantage of existing core areas with potential customers.
• Stable number of employees: Although the number of employees has decreased slightly in 2026, there are still 30 employees in the industry, which may indicate a certain level of operational stability.

Recommendation: Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in Kleppestø, where there is an existing core area. However, they should be prepared for potential challenges in sales and operating results, especially after the latest decline.

Agriculture is a broader industry in Askøy with 20 companies, compared to the 4 companies in the optician industry. The main differences are:

• Sales: Agriculture had a decline of 19.6% in 2025, while opticians had a decline of 38.8%.
• Employees: Agriculture had 50 employees in 2026, while opticians had 30 employees.
• EBITDA margin: Agriculture had a higher EBITDA margin in 2024 (4.4%) compared to opticians (6%).

Peer companies in agriculture: Examples of companies in agriculture that are not opticians include computer stores, electronics stores, and musical instrument stores. These companies have a broader variation in operating results, which can be an advantage for entrepreneurs seeking diversification.

Conclusion

The optician industry in Askøy is small but stable, with a focus in Kleppestø. Although there has been a sharp decline in sales in 2025, there are no bankruptcies, which indicates a certain level of operational stability. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in Kleppestø, where there is an existing core area. However, they should be prepared for potential challenges in sales and operating results. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Askøy for optician stores, with a focus on natural business opportunities.