Knit Store Industry in Tønsberg: A Comprehensive Analysis

The knit store industry in Tønsberg is a small but stable industry with 11 registered companies. Most companies have no employees, and those that do have a low number (maximum 8). Sales have been highly variable over time, with a sharp decline in 2020, but a partial recovery in 2021. The industry is dominated by a few companies (ENK) and a small number of AS companies. There are no bankruptcy registrations among the reported companies, but some show negative financial indicators.

Sales and Employees

• Sales: 13 million Norwegian kroner in 2016, but dropped to 21,000 Norwegian kroner in 2020 before a partial recovery to 48,000 Norwegian kroner in 2025.
• Employees: Fluctuation from 19 in 2016 to 11 in 2026, with stabilization after 2022.

Development

• Sales experienced a sharp decline of 98% in 2020, but increased by 388% in 2021. This may be due to the impact of the pandemic and subsequent recovery.
• Employees have been more stable after 2022, with small variations between 10–13 people.

Registered Companies

• To Små Nøster V/ Ellen Anette Haugerød (Fayes gate 7): ENK-form, 8 employees, established 2007.
• Syskrinet Håkon Sørum (Fayes gate 4): ENK-form, 3 employees, established 1995.
• Garnbunten Ide & Design AS (Revetal): AS-form, 0 employees, established 2007, shows negative EBITDA (-7,000 Norwegian kroner) and total debt of 218,000 Norwegian kroner.

Organizational Composition

• 2 ENK companies with 11 employees in total.
• 1 AS company (Garnbunten) with 0 employees and negative financial results.

• Tønsberg: 2 companies and 11 employees reported. Data for other areas in the municipality (e.g., Revetal, Våle) lacks details in the dataset.
• Most companies are located in Tønsberg, with a few in areas such as Revetal and Våle.

Limitations in Data

• There is insufficient detailed geographic data to provide a complete overview of the distribution of activity in the municipality.

Bankruptcies and Financial Dynamics

• No bankruptcy registrations among the reported companies.
• Garnbunten Ide & Design AS shows negative financial results: EBITDA margin of -14% and negative operating result (-12,000 Norwegian kroner) in 2024.
• Missing data: There are no details about bankruptcy processes or financial challenges outside the reported companies.

Development for Entrepreneurs

• Stability: The industry has shown stabilization in the number of employees after 2022, which could be positive for new companies.
• Niche Potential: With a focus on craftsmanship and design, it may be possible to differentiate in a small market niche.
• Outside Data: There are no details about competitors or market keys outside the reported companies. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in Tønsberg for this industry.

Comparison with the Parent Industry

• Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities: Has 151 companies in the municipality, compared to 11 in the knit store industry. Sales in the parent industry were 696.3 million Norwegian kroner in 2024, compared to 50,000 Norwegian kroner for knit stores.
• Peer Companies: Examples include Kappahl As (33.6 million Norwegian kroner in sales) and H&M (66.8 million Norwegian kroner in sales), which show significantly larger scale.
• Conclusion: Knit stores are a small part of a larger creative industry, with less financial strength but potential for specialization.

The knit store industry in Tønsberg is a small but stable industry with potential for specialization and differentiation. With stabilization in the number of employees and a partial recovery after 2020, it may be possible to establish oneself in a niche. At the same time, the parent industry (creative, arts, and entertainment activities) shows a larger scale and better financial results, which could provide opportunities for collaboration or inspiration. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations in Tønsberg for this industry.