Optical Retail in Øvre Eiker: Current Status and Outlook

Øvre Eiker has a small but stable optical retail sector. In 2025, two companies operate in the municipality, with a focus on Hokksund. Sales have grown gradually in recent years, from 4.2 million NOK in 2023 to 4.2 million in 2025. Employment figures have been more variable, but stabilized at 4–5 employees in 2024–2026. The only activity in the municipality is in Hokksund, where one AS dominates with 7 employees and an EBITDA of 146,000 NOK. The other company form, ENK, has no activity. Prospects for new players are moderate, with a focus on stability and local adaptation.

Sales in the optical retail sector in Øvre Eiker have grown from 3.5 million NOK in 2016 to 4.2 million in 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. Employment figures have been more variable, with a peak of 6 employees in 2018 and a low of 2 employees in 2020. In 2025, there are 4 employees, showing stabilization after a period of decline. The table below shows detailed development over time:

This development indicates a moderate but stable sector with growth potential in the future.

In Øvre Eiker, two companies operate in the optical retail sector:

1. Hokksund Optiske As (Stasjonsgata 34, Hokksund)

• Organizational form: AS
• Founded: 2007
• Employees: 7
• Sales: 4.2 million NOK
• EBITDA: 146,000 NOK
• EBITDA margin: 3%

1. Optiker Bjørn Magne Ramberg (Røkebergveien 188, Vestfossen)

• Organizational form: ENK
• Founded: 1995
• Employees: 0
• Sales: 0 NOK
• EBITDA: 0 NOK

The organizational form AS dominates with 1 company, which has higher income and employees compared to ENK. The second company has no activity, which may indicate a potential opportunity for reactivation or restructuring.

All activities in the optical retail sector in Øvre Eiker are located in Hokksund. Here, one company operates with 7 employees, and it is the only area with activity in the municipality. There are no activities in Vestfossen or other districts. The only company in Vestfossen has no sales or employees, which suggests a potential opportunity for development in other districts if there is reactivation.

Within the optical retail sector in Øvre Eiker, there are no bankrupt companies. Both companies are registered as non-bankrupt. However, one company (Optiker Bjørn Magne Ramberg) has no activity, which may indicate potential challenges for future players. It is important to assess local competitiveness and customer base before investing in this sector.

For new players in the optical retail sector in Øvre Eiker, it is important to consider the small-scale but stable sector. Sales have grown gradually, and there is a stable employee level of 4–5 employees. The only activity area is in Hokksund, which can be an advantage for local adaptation. Prospects are moderate, but with a focus on quality and service, development is possible. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in the municipality for this industry.

Compared to the optical retail sector, agriculture in Øvre Eiker has a much larger scale, with 6 companies and 18 employees in 2026. Agricultural sales have grown strongly, from 39.9 million NOK in 2016 to 62.9 million in 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 10.4%. EBITDA for agricultural companies is also higher, with examples such as Borge Butikk As (electronics store) with 2.8 million NOK in EBITDA. However, the optical retail sector has better margins (3% vs. agriculture's average of 1.5%). This shows that agriculture is a more volume-oriented sector, while optical retail has higher efficiency.

Optical retail in Øvre Eiker is a small but stable sector with growth potential. Sales have grown gradually, and there is a stable employee level. The only activity area is in Hokksund, which can be an advantage for local adaptation. Prospects are moderate, but with a focus on quality and service, development is possible. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in the municipality for this industry.