With a sharp decline in temperature Ludhiana has seen a rise in demand for winter wear. Manufacturers have received repeat orders to the extent of 15 percent. Fresh demand is expected to clear last year’s inventory lying with some manufacturers. They are also hopeful of clearing inventory. Currently, a majority of the units in Ludhiana work as vendors for other manufacturers. With repeat orders in hand, many manufacturers have delayed production for summer, which normally starts in the first week of December.

Having received good response from customers in October and November, big brands, which outsource finished products from the Ludhiana-based industry, have already placed repeat orders in November itself. The increase in demand from the domestic market, especially for winter wear, has provided a cushion to the slowdown in the exports market. Manufacturers feel winter may extend till March this year.

Ludhiana accounts for over 90 per cent of the total winter wear production in the country. Knitwear constitutes around 50 per cent of the domestic apparel market in India. There are around 12,000 units in Ludhiana, a majority of them in the micro, small and medium category who are engaged in the production of winter wear. The winter wear category comprises sweaters, hoodies, sweat shirts, jackets, shawls, cardigans and trousers.