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

Knit store industry in Gjøvik shows a mixed picture of resilience and challenges. With 3 companies registered in the municipality, the sector employs 16 people as of 2026, reflecting a +33.3% increase from 2025. Sales revenue has fluctuated significantly, peaking at NOK 20.6M in 2016 but dropping to NOK 8.3M in 2024, before recovering slightly to NOK 9.2M in 2025. Notably, Husfliden Gjøvik As remains a key player, while Ulldotten Garn As and Heidi Linnerud are newer entrants. The industry faces challenges, including one company in bankruptcy proceedings, but recent growth in employee numbers suggests potential for recovery.

Sales Development (2016–2025):

Employee Development (2016–2026):

The sector experienced a sharp decline in sales and employment between 2016–2018, followed by a gradual recovery. The +33.3% increase in employees in 2026 suggests renewed activity, though sales growth remains modest.

Registered Companies in Gjøvik (2026):

1. Husfliden Gjøvik As (Hunnsvegen 2, Gjøvik)

• Organizational form: AS
• Founded: 2013-02-15
• Employees: 11
• Sales: NOK 9.3M
• EBITDA: NOK -68.0K
• Bankrupt: No

1. Ulldotten Garn As (Jernbanesvingen 6, Gjøvik)

• Organizational form: AS
• Founded: 2024-01-26
• Employees: 5
• Sales: NOK 0
• EBITDA: NOK 0
• Bankrupt: No

1. Heidi Linnerud (Eriksrudvegen 211, Biri)

• Organizational form: ENK
• Founded: 2024-12-14
• Employees: 0
• Sales: NOK 0
• EBITDA: NOK 0
• Bankrupt: No

Organizational form:

• AS: 2 companies, 16 employees, NOK 9.3M sales, NOK -68.0K EBITDA.

Locations in the Municipality (2026):

Details:

• Gjøvik (main area): 2 companies, 16 employees, NOK 9.3M sales.
• Biri: 1 company (Heidi Linnerud), 0 employees, NOK 0 sales.

Bankruptcies and Operational Challenges:

• Husfliden Gjøvik As reports a negative EBITDA (NOK -68.0K) and an operating profit of NOK -89.0K, but remains operational.
• Ulldotten Garn As and Heidi Linnerud have no reported sales or operating results, but are not bankrupt.

Operational Challenges:

• Low bankruptcy rate (1/3 companies) indicates the sector has some degree of stability, despite individual companies facing economic challenges.
• Husfliden Gjøvik As has higher operating costs (NOK 4.2M in wages) than sales (NOK 9.3M), which could affect future profitability.

For Entrepreneurs and New Entrants:

• Positive:
• +33.3% increase in employee numbers in 2026 indicates potential growth in the sector.
• New companies such as Ulldotten Garn As (2024) and Heidi Linnerud (2024) indicate interest in the sector.
• Development Challenges:
• Low sales growth (10.6% in 2025) compared to historical levels.
• High operating costs for existing companies may be a barrier for new entrants.

Recommendation:

• Focus on cost optimization and differentiation (e.g., unique products or digital channels) to strengthen competitiveness.
• SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Gjøvik for this sector.

Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities (2025):

• Sales: NOK 247.4M (a -19.0% decrease from 2024).
• Employees: 301 (a -0.3% decrease from 2024).

Comparison with the Knit Store Sector:

• Larger industry: Creative, arts, and entertainment activities have 51 companies in Gjøvik, compared to 3 companies in the knit store sector.
• Higher sales: NOK 247.4M (creative industry) vs. NOK 9.2M (knit store sector) in 2025.
• Lower operational challenges: The creative industry has higher EBITDA and larger companies (e.g., Hvittråd As with NOK 42.7M sales and NOK 3.9M EBITDA).

Peer companies in the creative industry (top 5 EBITDA):

1. Hvittråd As (NOK 3.9M EBITDA, NOK 42.7M sales)
2. Kappahl As (NOK 2.9M EBITDA, NOK 25.2M sales)
3. H & M Hennes & Mauritz As (NOK 2.4M EBITDA, NOK 52.5M sales)
4. Dressmann As (NOK 1.9M EBITDA, NOK 11.9M sales)
5. Cubus Cc Mart'n Gjøvik (NOK 1.9M EBITDA, NOK 20.3M sales)

Conclusion: The creative industry has greater scale and better economic results, which can provide learning opportunities for entrepreneurs in the knit store sector from competitors in adjacent sectors.

The knit store sector in Gjøvik shows greater stability than previously, with a +33.3% increase in employees in 2026 and a decline in bankruptcy risk. However, sales growth remains modest compared to the broader creative industry. Entrepreneurs should focus on cost optimization and unique value propositions to compete effectively. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations and strategies to establish in this sector in Gjøvik.