Winter Clothing Demand Rises as Temperatures Drop in Hyderabad
As the winter season sets in, the demand for warm clothing such as sweaters, mufflers, caps, jackets, and blankets has surged across Hyderabad. Temporary roadside stalls selling winter wear have popped up all over the city, and shoppers can be seen lining up to buy items to shield themselves from the chilly weather. Interestingly, as temperatures continue to fall, the prices of these goods have been climbing.
In the past two weeks, residents have been actively purchasing thermals, sweatshirts, sweaters, sweatpants, and jackets. Accessories like socks, woollen caps, and gloves have also been in high demand. Temporary stalls, especially in areas like Chaderghat-Koti, Victory Playground, MGBS, Chandrayangutta, Mehdipatnam-Tolichowki, Secunderabad, Kukatpally, and Langar Houz, have been bustling with activity. Many of these traders come from the Northeastern states and other regions, selling a variety of winter essentials.
Traders revealed that they traveled to Hyderabad from Northern and Eastern states such as Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Nepal, and Tibet. They bring a wide range of warm clothing made from materials sourced from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Nepal. At Chaderghat, one trader mentioned that “Nepali sweaters” are especially popular. These are handmade by families throughout the year and sold during the winter season.
Rinzen, a trader from Nepal who set up her stall near Koti, shared that their collection includes sweaters, mufflers, jackets, and other winter gear. The prices vary depending on the size and quality of the product. “Children’s sweaters cost between Rs 400 and Rs 1,200, while adult sweaters are priced from Rs 600 to Rs 2,500,” she explained.
However, customers have noted that prices have risen this year. Muzammil, a resident of Shalibanda, said, “Last year, jackets were priced between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000. This year, the same jackets are being sold for Rs 1,800.” Similarly, Shekhar, a resident of Amberpet, pointed out that Nepali sweaters, which used to cost Rs 600 to Rs 800, are now being sold for Rs 1,200. He added, “Even though these vendors don’t pay rent for their roadside stalls, they are charging higher prices.”
Despite the price hike, customers have praised the quality of clothing available at these stalls, particularly in areas like Chaderghat, MGBS, and Koti, which are considered some of the city’s oldest markets. Meanwhile, new markets have emerged in neighborhoods such as Raidurgam, Rajendranagar, Serilingampally, Ameerpet, and various locations in Secunderabad.
The winter clothing business in Hyderabad generates significant revenue, with lakhs of rupees earned during the peak season from October to January.
