Odlo Strengthens Norwegian Retail Presence With New Stores in Bergen and Tromsø

(November 6^th, Hünenberg, CH) – Odlo is pleased to share that Monte Rosa Sport (MRS) will open two new multi-brand retail stores in Bergen and Tromsø, Norway, on November 7^th and November 14^th respectively. The stores will showcase the three iconic brands within the MRS portfolio - Odlo, Janus, and Henri-Lloyd - creating a one-stop destination for the group’s pioneering sports apparel brands.

These openings build on the successful launch of MRS’s flagship multi-brand store on Bogstadveien in Oslo earlier this year and form part of the group’s ambitious strategy to strengthen its physical retail footprint across Norway. Bergen and Tromsø were selected as ideal locations for growth due to their strong cultural ties, rapidly growing tourism, and deep connection to outdoor life. The expansion underscores the importance of Norway - both as Odlo’s birthplace and as a key market for the group’s continued growth.

“Norway has a rich tradition of outdoor adventure — from the fjords to the Arctic — making it the perfect place to grow our brands,” said Hugo Maurstad, Managing Partner of Monte Rosa Sport. “Bergen and Tromsø are vibrant destinations in the heart of nature, and they reflect the spirit of Odlo, Henri-Lloyd, and Janus. These store openings form part of an ambitious growth journey for all three of our brands with our Norwegian customer base.”

Stefan Solfors, Chief Retail Officer at Odlo, added: “Born in Norway in 1946, Odlo has always been inspired by the Nordic climate and a dedication to exceptional quality. These new stores in Bergen and Tromsø celebrate our roots and Norwegian spirit, and we’re thrilled to showcase Odlo’s latest collections as part of the multi-brand MRS concept.”

As Norway's second-largest city, Bergen's unique mix of urban vibrancy and breathtaking nature is the perfect place for the new store that will open in Torgallmenningen 7. Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” it is also just a short distance from the Janus knitting facility and headquarters in nearby Espeland, which dates back to 1895.

Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” has become a premier destination for Arctic adventures. The new Tromsø store will open on Sjøgata 31-33, serving as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors alike.

These two new store openings are part of MRS’s ambitious Norwegian growth strategy for Odlo, Janus and Henri-Lloyd. Odlo and Janus already hold a deep connection with Norway, being founded there in 1946 and 1895 respectively. While Henri-Lloyd is a British heritage brand, the popularity of sailing in Norway and momentum already built in Oslo (through its partnership with Kongelig Norsk Seilforening) make it an important market.

MRS was founded in 2020, an investment company (part of Monte Rosa Capital) with the goal of developing and operationally improving authentic brands with solid histories and high potential.

The firm has a particular focus on businesses within sport. Odlo, Henri-Lloyd and Janus represent three authentic brands under the Monte Rosa Sport umbrella. They are all rich, heritage outdoor brands with strong relationships and reputations with their consumers.

They are also all pioneering within their industry:

• Odlo invented the first synthetic base layer as well as the three layer clothing system.

• Janus has produced high quality wool and merino products in Norway for more than a century.

• Henri-Lloyd reshaped the world of protective outerwear, introducing seam taping, Velcro closures and non-corrosive zippers to revolutionise waterproof clothing, redefining durability and performance.

Monte Rosa Sport has a very clear aim – to fuel each brand's performance through the group’s collective scale, while nurturing each brand's uniqueness and identity.

Born in Manchester, England in 1963, Henri-Lloyd’s mission was to create the very best weatherproof protection in the world for the then-pioneers in sailing and exploration, those who were determined to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of what was possible.

This pioneering spirit that defined the brand then still endures today, creating exceptional clothing for all conditions, supported by a commitment to sustainable practices.

Henri-Lloyd is more than a sailing clothing brand – it’s a lifestyle, a mindset and an invitation to enjoy the best days of your life.

In 2022, the Henri-Lloyd brand was acquired by the Monte Rosa Sport Group, based in Oslo, Norway. This change heralds a new chapter in the brand's evolution. With investment and focus on building a leading sailing apparel brands with world class design, quality and operations.

Henri-Lloyd

For 130 years, Janus has mastered the art of knitting wool. Its depth of experience and strong Norwegian heritage, rooted in Espeland in Bergen since 1895, means that Janus understands how to make quality garments. Every thread, every stitch and every design choice carries with it a legacy of knowledge and innovation.

When you choose Janus, you are not just choosing a wool garment. You become part of 130 years of tradition that goes hand in hand with quality and trust. From cold mornings in the nursery to mountain hikes in changing weather – its garments give you natural warmth for all of life's journeys. That is why generations of Norwegians have proudly chosen Janus, because since 1895 Janus has continuously worked to achieve real quality and comfort in practice. Janus uses soft merino wool, nature's miracle fiber known for its softness, thermo-regulation, and moisture control, and combine it with knitting technique and experience. The result? Clothes that not only feel comfortable, but that are also designed to last.

Merino wool apparel - Knitted in Norway – Janus Wool