Knit Stores in Bamble: Industry Analysis and Outlook

The knit store industry in Bamble consists of six registered companies, but shows weak economic results. Sales data is zero for all registered years, and the number of employees has been highly variable, with a decline from four employees in 2019 to one employee in 2020. Most companies are sole proprietorships (ENK), and several have negative operating results. The industry has not experienced bankruptcy, but shows signs of economic challenges. At the same time, there is potential in the broader creative sector in the municipality, which has higher sales and more companies, although it also shows declining trends.

The knit store industry in Bamble has been marked by zero sales for all registered years (2016–2026). The number of employees has been unstable, with a decline from four employees in 2019 to one employee in 2020. The most significant change was recorded in 2019, when the number of employees increased by 100% from two to four. In 2020, however, a decline of 75% was recorded, from four to one employee. This shows weak development in the industry, with periodic fluctuations in workforce size.

Sales data for the industry is consistently zero, indicating that the registered companies have not achieved significant turnover. This may be due to a combination of small scale, lack of market share, or economic challenges in the sector.

There are six registered companies in the knit store industry in Bamble. Most are sole proprietorships (ENK), with one AS (Madame Bolette Patch Og Gave As). The most notable companies include:

• Aasland Shop (Langesundveien 113, Stathelle): ENK, founded in 2021, 0 employees, zero sales.
• Madame Bolette Patch Og Gave As (Furulundveien 14, Langesund): AS, founded in 1991, 0 employees, operating result of -7,000 NOK.
• Pynten Design Haugen (Blåbærveien 5, Stathelle): ENK, founded in 2020, 0 employees, zero sales.

Most companies have not reported positive economic results, and several have negative operating results or zero sales. This indicates that the industry in Bamble is marked by small, newly established companies with limited economic results.

The six companies in the knit store industry in Bamble are distributed as follows:

• Stathelle: Aasland Shop, Pynten Design Haugen (two companies at the same address).
• Herre: Amigurumi Thorsen, Moens Garnstudio.
• Langesund: Madame Bolette Patch Og Gave As.

There is no detailed data on the distribution of activities within the municipality, but it appears that the companies are spread across several neighborhoods. Stathelle has the most significant presence with three companies, while Herre and Langesund have one company each.

The knit store industry in Bamble has not experienced bankruptcy, but several companies have negative operating results. Madame Bolette Patch Og Gave As has an operating result of -7,000 NOK, and several companies have zero sales. This indicates that the industry is marked by small, newly established companies with limited economic results.

There are no registered bankruptcies in the industry, but there are signs of economic challenges. Most companies have not achieved positive economic results, and several have zero sales. This may be a consequence of small scale, lack of market share, or economic challenges in the sector.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs considering starting a knit store in Bamble, it is important to be aware of the economic challenges in the industry. Sales data is zero for all registered years, and the number of employees has been highly variable. This indicates that it may be challenging to achieve stable economic results in the industry.

At the same time, there is potential in the broader creative sector in the municipality, which has higher sales and more companies. Entrepreneurs should consider differentiating themselves through unique products or strengthening their online presence to compete in a weakly developing industry.

The broader creative, arts, and entertainment activities sector in Bamble has 30 companies, compared to six companies in the knit store industry. Sales in the sector have been higher, with 130.1 million NOK in 2016 and 52.8 million NOK in 2025. The number of employees has been more stable, with 173 employees in 2016 and 88 employees in 2026.

The most notable companies in the sector include:

• H & M Hennes & Mauritz As Avd 867 Brotorvet (Gangveien 5, 3960 Stathelle): 19 employees, sales of 33.4 million NOK, EBITDA of 1.5 million NOK.
• Eurosko Brotorvet (Gangveien 5, 3960 Stathelle): 10 employees, sales of 16.2 million NOK, EBITDA of 1.1 million NOK.

Compared to the knit store industry, the broader creative sector has higher sales, more companies, and more stable employee numbers. This indicates that there may be greater potential in the broader sector, although it also shows declining trends.

The knit store industry in Bamble is marked by weak economic results, with zero sales for all registered years and an unstable number of employees. Most companies are sole proprietorships, and several have negative operating results. This indicates that the industry is marked by small, newly established companies with limited economic results.

At the same time, there is potential in the broader creative sector in the municipality, which has higher sales and more companies. Entrepreneurs should consider differentiating themselves through unique products or strengthening their online presence to compete in a weakly developing industry. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Bamble for this industry, with a focus on development opportunities and local conditions.