The sudden cold wave that has gripped north India has brought a smile on the faces of woollen and hosiery retailers in Ludhiana.

While it’s too late for the manufacturers to derive any benefit from the inclement weather as they have already stopped winter production and are gearing up for summer, the drop in temperature has aided retail sales of woollens.

With no respite from cold wave and constant drop in temperature, people who did not buy winter garments earlier are now thronging shops and showrooms for purchase of jackets, woollen caps and pullovers to counter the winter onslaught.

According to Balbir Singh Bhamba, a garment manufacturer and exporter, “Almost all manufacturing units wrap up manufacturing of winter garments in December. Around this time, we are making summer garments. Therefore, the change in weather is not going to help us. But we are happy that the retailers would be able to clear stocks. We just hope that they are able to clear all their stocks, so that they can place good orders next winter.”

Manpreet Bunty, president of the Akalgarh Market Association, said, “Earlier, we were worried as sales were not as expected due to constant rise in temperature, but as the weather has taken a sudden turn it has changed the situation and a good footfall is being seen in all garment markets. It is a win-win situation for the customers, as due to lack of sales till January first week, retailers had started offering good discount which continued even after weather change. We hope that with such rush of customers, retailers will be able to end this season with good sales.”