The apparel industry in Noida is struggling. Sales have gone down 25 per cent in the last six months. The ongoing recession has hit sales in international markets. Several apparel manufacturers are hoping to shift from the export to the domestic market in the face of the drop in sales. They feel the domestic market is doing well and is capable of offsetting the losses. Industries are being helped in this through the one district, one product scheme and other policies. However, October onwards is usually a good season, so Noida’s apparel units are hoping the next few months will be better.

Apparel is one of the largest industries in Noida and the district is also recognised as a readymade garment hub. There are over 3,000 garment units in GB Nagar, employing more than ten lakh people. In the past one year, 1,39,255 people were employed and an investment of Rs 2,824.45 crores was made. Apparel exporters are hoping for more subsidies and updated laws relating to labor, industry infrastructure and financing, and consistent schemes and policies and incentives. While electricity rates in Noida come to about Rs 10 per garment on an average, power is free for garment manufacturers in China.