Manav Mander Ludhiana, November 22 Keeping in view the previous few seasons, hosiery industry has kept its production low owing to short winter season and less demand. But, the sudden showers last week made the temperature dip, which further led to rise in demand for woollens. Presently, there is an upsurge in the market and the demand has increased as compared to supply. Manufacturers are not able to fulfil the supply. Retailers have exhausted their first lot. Many are placing their orders again. Sunil Singla, a trader in hosiery material, said the demand for woollens had seen an upward trend after the rain. “Not only local stuff but even kids material from Kolkotta is in great demand in the market. Customer is asking for variety. There is great pressure on manufacturers at present. The season has picked up well and hopefully it will continue on the same note throughout,” he said. “Demand for woollens has been considerably low during the last few seasons. Keeping in view the short season we have also cut short our production because the leftover orders go waste. No retailer picks these in the following season. But, after sudden dip in the temperature this month the demand has actually picked up,” said Varinder Kumar, MD, Satyam Knitwear. Time has passed when retailers used to pick stock in advance. Today, they place next order only after exhausting the one in hand. Even manufacturers have kept their production limited keeping in view the change in trends. “We are feeling the pressure this year as repeat orders have come early in November. We are happy with the things and are hopeful that this season will prove beneficial for us,” said, Sunil Jain, MD, Mona Exports. Meanwhile, Sanju Dhir, chairman of the Ludhiana Woollen Manufactures Association, said the demand had definitely increased after drop in the temperature. He said small shopkeepers were picking up less material owing to the Goods and Service Tax (GST). “They do not want to come under the GST ambit. Hence they are placing fewer orders this year. They do not come under the GST purview,” he added. Sanjay Sood, a retailer from Ghumar Mandi, who was happy over the turn of things, said, “It seems this year is going to be a good one. From past few years, winters started only in late December, but this year showers have worked wonders for us. The first lot has already been cleared and we have both our hands full.”

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