Ludhiana’s Hosiery Industry Struggles as Winter Season Shortens

Ludhiana, Feb 10 (KNN) Ludhiana’s renowned hosiery and winterwear industry is facing a severe crisis due to a shrinking winter season.

With temperatures rising and the cold spell shortening, manufacturers and retailers are struggling to clear their stock, leading to significant financial losses and market uncertainty.

The city supplies sweaters, jackets, thermals, and woollens across India, but the unusually warm winter this year has hampered sales.

Nitin Singh, an employee at a well-known winterwear brand, revealed that while their company managed to clear stock, profits were lower than expected. “Retailers are unwilling to pay higher prices as winter sales have dropped drastically,” he said.

The unpredictability of the winter season is making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to plan production. Gurjot Singh, a retailer, explained the challenge: “Winter usually peaks in January with foggy mornings and cold days, but this year, temperatures rose after Lohri. We place orders months in advance, but a mild winter reduces sales, making it a risky business.”

The supply chain is also under strain, as wholesalers hesitate to place large orders. Hosiery manufacturer Satnam Singh emphasized the disruption: “With customers not buying as they used to, the market is logging, and businesses are struggling financially.”

Raman Kumar, an employee at a hosiery manufacturing company on Jalandhar Bypass, noted that demand typically peaks in January. “This year, winter barely lasted 15 days, and our stock is still piled up in warehouses,” he said.

Vinod Thapar, chairman of the Knitwear Club, voiced concern over declining earnings. “Retail sales contribute significantly to profits, but this year’s sudden weather change has hit demand hard, adversely affecting the manufacturing sector,” he stated.

As climate patterns shift, Ludhiana’s hosiery industry faces an uncertain future, urging businesses to adapt to the changing seasonal trends.

(KNN Bureau)