China/glassware Store Industry in Ringerike: A Comprehensive Analysis

Industry Overview

The China/glassware store industry in Ringerike is a small but active sector with four registered companies. Most of the activities are concentrated in Hønefoss, and the industry has shown both stability and challenges over time. The two most significant companies, Kitch'n Kuben and Kjøkkendrift No 1 Kuben, have shown variable economic development, while Gs Glass As has been inactive. The industry has a high average gross profit margin (2605%), but lower operational margins (3%).

The industry has experienced significant variations in sales and number of employees over time. Sales figures fell by 41.5% from 2016 to 2017, but have since stabilized with small increases in periods. In 2025, sales were NOK 6.6 million, which is almost unchanged since 2020. The number of employees has been more volatile, with a decline from 21 to 5 employees between 2016 and 2021, followed by a gradual increase to 9 employees in 2023. The EBITDA margin has varied between 0% and 7%, with Kitch'n Kuben being one of the most profitable businesses.

Four companies are registered in the industry:

1. Kitch'n Kuben (Kong Rings gate 1, Hønefoss) – AS, 6 employees, NOK 12.3M in sales, NOK 978.0K EBITDA
2. Kjøkkendrift No 1 Kuben As (Kong Rings gate 1, Hønefoss) – AS, 4 employees, NOK 6.7M in sales, NOK -40.0K EBITDA
3. Gs Glass As (Haga terrasse 7, Hønefoss) – AS, 0 employees, NOK 0 in sales, NOK 0 EBITDA
4. Gs Glass As (Haga terrasse 7, Hønefoss) – AS, 0 employees, NOK 0 in sales, NOK 0 EBITDA

Most companies are organized as AS, and two of them have been in operation since 2008 and 2017 respectively. Kjøkkendrift No 1 Kuben has been in loss in 2021, which shows an economic challenge for some businesses.

All businesses in the industry are located in Hønefoss, which is the only place in Ringerike with activity within this sector. Hønefoss has:

• 2 companies
• 10 employees
• NOK 19.2M operating income
• NOK 19.0M sales
• NOK 3.6M wages
• NOK 707.8K operating profit
• NOK 938.0K EBITDA
• NOK 494.6M gross profit
• NOK 3.5M equity
• NOK 6.1M debt
• 7% sales growth
• 4% EBITDA margin
• 2605% gross profit margin
• 3% operational margin

The industry has been relatively stable with no registered bankruptcies. Nevertheless, Kjøkkendrift No 1 Kuben shows a negative EBITDA in 2021, which may indicate economic challenges for some companies. Gs Glass As has been inactive, which may point to potential challenges in operations or market share. It is important to monitor economic trends to ensure sustainability in the future.

Outlook for Founders

The industry has potential for founders wishing to establish themselves in Ringerike, especially in Hønefoss. The high gross profit margin (2605%) shows that it may be possible to achieve good results with the right strategy. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the economic challenges shown in Kjøkkendrift No 1 Kuben. Founders should consider utilizing existing infrastructure and market share in Hønefoss, as well as focusing on efficient operations to ensure profitability.

The conference center sector in Ringerike is significantly larger than the china/glassware store industry, with 43 companies compared to 4 in this sector. Sales figures have grown by 35.4% from 2019 to 2020, but have later experienced a decline of 22.0% from 2024 to 2025. The number of employees has been more stable, with a decline of 21.0% from 2021 to 2022. The conference center sector has higher sales (NOK 460.1M in 2025) and more employees (246 in 2025) compared to the china/glassware store industry. Nevertheless, the china/glassware store industry has higher EBITDA margins (4% vs. 0.5% in the conference center sector).

The china/glassware store industry in Ringerike is a small but active sector with potential for founders. Hønefoss is the only place with activity, and the industry has shown both stability and challenges over time. With a high gross profit margin and existing businesses, it may be possible to achieve profitability. Founders should consider utilizing existing infrastructure and market share, as well as being aware of the economic challenges shown in some of the existing companies.