Knit Store in Arendal: An Analysis of Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

Arendal has an active knit store industry with 8 companies registered in the municipality. The industry has shown stable sales growth over the past years, increasing from NOK 14.9 million in 2016 to NOK 22.8 million in 2025. However, the number of employees has shown variations, decreasing from 47 in 2017 to 29 in 2026. The most well-known companies include Norsk Flid Husfliden Arendal As and Garn Og Sybutikken As, which operate with high margins and stable income. The industry has no registered bankruptcies, indicating a stable industry, but variations in company size and operating results are evident.

Sales and employees in the knit store industry in Arendal (2016–2025):

Sales have grown by 53% over the period, but the number of employees has been more volatile. The most stable development is in 2023–2025, with sales increasing by over 6% per year. Margins are high, with an average EBITDA margin of 9%, indicating good operational efficiency in the industry.

There are 8 companies registered in the knit store industry in Arendal, with the following details:

1. Norsk Flid Husfliden Arendal As (Tollbodgaten 2) – 15 employees, NOK 12.1M in sales, EBITDA NOK 1.6M.
2. Garn Og Sybutikken As (Østre gate 5) – 8 employees, NOK 4.3M in sales, EBITDA NOK 123,000.
3. Nye Blå Tråd As (Harebakken senter) – 7 employees, NOK 4.5M in sales, EBITDA NOK 274,000.
4. Andersens Hobby As (Eydehavn) – 0 employees, NOK 1.9M in sales, EBITDA NOK 433,000.
5. Data Strikk Marit Irene Sigbjørnsen (Myreneveien 26D) – 0 employees, NOK 0 in sales.
6. Hazel And Hazel As (Otterslandveien 149) – 0 employees, NOK 0 in sales.
7. Novah Design As (Bjornesveien 84) – 0 employees, NOK 183,000 in sales.
8. Prestvik Holding As (Otterslandveien 149) – 0 employees, NOK 0 in sales.

Most companies are organized as AS, with 3 companies operating with over 10 employees. Some companies have no employees or sales, which may indicate newly established or underdeveloped businesses.

All 8 companies in the knit store industry are registered in Arendal, with the following distribution:

• Arendal (3 companies): Tollbodgaten 2, Østre gate 5, Harebakken senter.
• Eydehavn (1 company): Nedre Gartavei 48.
• Harebakken senter (2 companies): Langsæveien 5.
• Otterslandveien 149 (2 companies): Hazel And Hazel As and Prestvik Holding As.

No companies are registered in other districts of Arendal. The most active companies are located in central areas such as Harebakken senter and Tollbodgaten, indicating a focus on accessibility and customer traffic.

Bankruptcy Statistics and Operational Risk:

There are no registered bankruptcies in the knit store industry in Arendal over the period. However, data shows that 4 of the 8 companies have 0 employees or 0 sales, which may indicate underdeveloped or newly established businesses. This could be a risk for future operational stability, especially if such companies do not develop. Margins vary significantly, with Andersens Hobby As having an EBITDA margin of 22%, while Garn Og Sybutikken As has a margin of 2%, indicating different levels of operational efficiency.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

The knit store industry in Arendal shows potential for growth, with sales increasing by over 50% over the past 9 years. Stable margins and no bankruptcies indicate a robust industry. Entrepreneurs should, however, be aware of variations in company size and operating results. It is possible to leverage existing customer access in central areas such as Harebakken senter and Tollbodgaten. However, bankruptcy risk could be a challenge for new companies, especially if they cannot maintain high margins like those demonstrated by Andersens Hobby As.

Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities industry in Arendal has 87 companies, compared to 8 in the knit store industry. Sales in the broader industry grew by 1.5% from 2016 to 2017, but later declined by 29.6% in 2024–2025. The number of employees also declined by 3.9% over the same period. Peer companies in the broader industry include well-known names such as Match Harebakken Avd 294 (NOK 11.0M in sales) and H & M Hennes & Mauritz As Avd 843 Arena Senter (NOK 38.2M in sales). This shows that the knit store industry operates in a competitive, but more dynamic broader industry, where large companies can influence the market.

Knit store industry in Arendal has shown stable sales growth over the past years, with high margins and no bankruptcies. However, there are variations in company size and operating results, which could be a challenge for new entrepreneurs. The broader Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities industry has a larger market share and higher sales, but also shows a decline in recent times. Entrepreneurs should consider leveraging existing customer access in Arendal and collaborating with local companies to strengthen their position. SmartGrunder can help find optimal addresses and strategies to develop a profitable knit store business in the municipality.