Woollen clothing sales hit hard by a comparatively warm winter in Kolkata

Kolkata's woollen clothing retailers are facing a significant dip in sales this winter, as the city has experienced uncharacteristically mild temperatures. Popular shopping hubs such as New Market, Gariahat, and Hatibagan, which traditionally see a surge in sales during the winter months, are witnessing lower revenue this year.
While initial sales were promising, they soon faltered as there was not much of a temperature dip this year. "I am suffering from losses this month since people are not buying jackets anymore," said Ibrahim Saiq, a shopkeeper in Hatibagan. Mohammad Asar Ikhlas, who sells jackets and caps in New Market, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Last year, sales continued even until January. This year, it’s quite less."

Some shops are already seeing a shift in demand, with customers asking for summer collections instead of winter wear. "A lot of people are asking for summer collections already," remarked a shopkeeper in Gariahat, indicating that the early onset of spring-like weather is affecting consumer purchasing patterns. Retailers are now adjusting to the new trends, hoping for a late surge in sales as the city experiences the tail end of its usually chilly winter.