Optical stores in Fredrikstad: Current Status, Development, and Opportunities

The optical store industry in Fredrikstad shows a mix of stability and variation. With 16 registered companies and over 100 employees in 2026, the industry is represented in several central areas of the municipality. The most well-known players include Synsam, Boots Apotek, and Specsavers, which operate with high EBITDA margins and stable income. At the same time, data shows that some companies, such as Onsøy Synssenter and Interoptik, have experienced challenges with zero income or negative results. This indicates that the industry has both strong and weak players, which could create opportunities for new entrants looking to establish themselves in a competitive market.

From 2016 to 2026, sales in the optical store industry in Fredrikstad grew by 28.3% in 2017, but experienced a dramatic decline of 88.0% in 2026. Total sales in 2026 amounted to NOK 14.6 million, compared to NOK 122.2 million in 2025. Employees increased by 2.6% from 2025 to 2026, reaching 118 employees. This growth has been gradual, with an increase of 12.9% from 2023 to 2024. However, there is a clear warning in the extreme variations in sales and income, which could affect the industry's future development.

In Fredrikstad, there are 16 companies registered in the optical store industry, distributed across various organizational forms. Most are AS companies (12 companies), with an average income per employee of NOK 1.4 million. The most well-known companies include:

• Synsam Fredrikstad (St Hans gate 1): 17 employees, NOK 25.5 million operating income, 18% EBITDA margin
• Boots Apotek Fredrikstad (Mosseveien 16): 14 employees, NOK 25.0 million sales, 1% EBITDA margin
• Brilleland Avd 462 (Dikeveien 28): 14 employees, NOK 16.4 million operating income, 6% EBITDA margin

There are also companies facing challenges, such as Onsøy Synssenter (Gressvik) and Interoptik Gangestad, which have zero income and negative results. This shows that the industry has both strong and weak players.

Optical store activity in Fredrikstad is distributed across several geographical areas, with varying levels of activity:

1. Fredrikstad: 7 companies, 65 employees, NOK 92.3 million operating income
2. Rolvsøy: 2 companies, 25 employees, NOK 26.9 million operating income
3. Sellebakk: 1 company, 13 employees, NOK 13.5 million operating income
4. Kråkerøy: 1 company, 8 employees, NOK 13.5 million operating income
5. Gressvik: 1 company, 7 employees, zero income

There is particular attention to Gressvik, where Onsøy Synssenter has no sales or operating income. This could indicate a potential market opportunity for new entrants in the area.

The industry has not registered any formal bankruptcies in 2026, but there are several companies with negative EBITDA or operating results. Examples include:

• S Gangestad As: NOK -93,000 operating result
• Hjem As: NOK -24,000 EBITDA
• Rudi Larsen Invest As: NOK -40,000 EBITDA

This shows that some companies face financial challenges, even though they are not bankrupt. It is important to assess financial stability before investing in the industry.

For entrepreneurs in Fredrikstad, the optical store industry is a mix of opportunities and challenges. With high EBITDA margins (up to 18%) at some of the most successful companies, such as Synsam and Sellebakk Synssenter, there is clear potential for profitability. At the same time, data shows that the industry has been marked by large variations in sales, with a sharp decline of 88% in 2026. This could indicate market disruptions or competitive pressure. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in areas with high activity, such as Fredrikstad and Rolvsøy, and focus on differentiation to avoid bankruptcy risk.

When compared to the broader agriculture industry in Fredrikstad, the optical store industry shows a different dynamic. Agriculture has 56 companies and total sales of NOK 14.6 million in 2026, while optical stores have 16 companies and sales of NOK 14.6 million. This shows that agriculture has a larger market share, but optical stores have higher EBITDA margins (up to 18%) at some companies. Peer companies in agriculture include electronics stores and phone shops, which can be competitors or complementary actors. This could provide entrepreneurs with opportunities for collaboration or differentiation.

The optical store industry in Fredrikstad has both strengths and challenges. With high EBITDA margins at some of the most successful companies, as well as a growing number of employees, there is clear potential for profitability. At the same time, data showing large variations in sales and a sharp decline in 2026 indicates that the industry may be affected by market disruptions. Entrepreneurs should consider establishing themselves in areas with high activity and focus on differentiation to avoid bankruptcy risk. SmartGrunder can help find optimal addresses in the municipality for this industry.