The following research report contains market research, analysis, statistics and business intelligence relating to research on Apparel Retailing In Norway.

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ABSTRACT
Norway's market for apparel continues to prosper. It is, however, increasingly dominated by large chains spread around Norway. These stores often retail accessories and cosmetics/toiletries as well.

COVER ME

Norway is a sparsely populated country of 4.5 million, but that hasn't stopped apparel chains from spreading everywhere. The 25 leading stores had 1718 total outlets in 2001, with widely varying sales per store. These 25 chains accounted for over 70 percent of the market. The top five rang up one-third of total sales. Far and away the leader is the Swedish Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), with nearly US$ 400 million in sales, or 13 percent of the market.

These chains cover a variety of formats. The bigger ones manage to attract older clients as well as the fashion-conscious youth who buy the most clothing. They also do a signficant business in accessories and cosmetic/toiletries, with among the largest selections in Norway of these items, especially in the popularly priced segment. Other chains go after youth almost exclusively and tend to feature loud current music and the latest fashions. A couple focus more on dressy and business attire.

SIZE MATTERS?

Norway's apparel retailing is colored by the structure of Norwegian retailing. There are no local versions of what Americans know as department stores. Some that appear to be department stores are in reality malls without internal walls. Moreover, Norway has almost no mass discounters. The Norwegian government has normally refused to grant permits for very large stores. A policy of discouraging automobile usage combined with protection of smaller shops has given rise to many small shopping centers with small stores within walking distance of most houses and apartments. The one exception is Smart Club, two very large stores (one in Oslo, one near the Swedish border) that combine mass merchandise with a large supermarket that is a cross between Price Club (in its appearance and sometimes large package size) and a regular large U.S. supermarket. Smart Club retails discount clothes, but its offering is eclectic and not always comprehensive. Smart Club in Oslo does the largest sales volume of any single store in Norway.

NEITHER RAIN NOR SLEET NOR SNOW...

Prices run the gamut from inexpensive clothing produced largely in the Far East to pricey items from other European countries and the U.S. Interestingly, much outwear and anything remotely connected with outdoor activity tends to be sold through sporting goods chains. Norway produces little in the way of clothing because of the extremely high cost of labor, but does manufacture high quality, high price outer wear and accessories. Norwegians appreciate quality in outdoor clothing given the climate and considering the conventional wisdom here that "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." American producers would find it extremely difficult to compete on the low end, but there is definitely room for quality products at reasonable prices and especially for branded products.

DISCLAIMER
Information in this report relies on sources including Government Publications, Opinions of industry experts and other public sources. Infomat can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for loss or damage caused by any use thereof. All prices subject to change without notice.

$3500 USD
For the 2008 Edition

Published: 2006 August
Market: Mens Womens Childrens
Region: Norway
Industry: Retail
Pages: 45
Delivery: 7-12 Business Days
SKU: infre0000336