Renewed interest from markets in the southern states ahead of the festival season has boosted the city’s apparel sector.
Indore is a major centre for small and medium-sized readymade garment makers, who rely mainly on southern markets.
The Covid-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on Indore’s garment and textile industry, causing several facilities to cut production by up to 50%, but new inquiries from southern India, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have bolstered the local industry’s prospects.
Indore is a major trade centre for readymade supplies across the country with Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh as major markets, sharing over 60% of business. Industry players said orders could be much higher but the looming threat of a third wave of the pandemic has kept a lid on growth.
Textile dealers in Indore say they have seen an increase in bookings from traditional markets and if this trend continues, they may make some business this season. Local garment manufacturers purchase raw materials from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bhilwara and Surat. Akshay Jain, president, president of Indore Retail Garments ‘Association said, “No one knows how the situation will turn in a week’s time”.