Patna: The onset of winter has triggered a sharp rise in sales of warm clothing and heating appliances with retailers reporting a strong surge in demand for geysers, heaters and blankets. As temperatures dip, shoppers are thronging markets to buy essentials to stay warm and comfortable.Traders said sales of geysers, heaters and winter wear rose by 40–50% over the past week and are expected to increase further if the cold persists. “The sale has improved in the last few days as it is quite cold, particularly in the morning and evening hours,” said a trader.Demand for room heaters, electric kettles and geysers has been especially high. Prices range from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 for room heaters and Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,000 for geysers. Warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters and blankets has also seen a notable spike, with several retailers reporting a 40-50% rise in sales. “We are expecting strong sales this season, and traders are well-prepared. The heating appliances sales in Chandni Chowk market are expected to generate between Rs 20 and Rs 25 lakh this season,” said Rajesh Khaitan, an electric shop owner in Chandni Chowk.After a sluggish start to the season, sales have now picked up to around 50% of last year’s levels, with traders optimistic about the weeks ahead. “The sale, which was almost negligible at around 20% compared to last year, has now reached 50%. We are praying for the cold weather to continue for some more days,” said a retailer.City markets are offering a wide range of heating appliances across branded and non-branded segments. R S Jeet Singh, an electronics shop owner at Chandni market, said, “We have a wide variety of heating gadgets starting from Rs 200 to Rs 18,000. The products include immersion rods, blowers, room heaters and geysers, catering to different budgets and needs.”Prices vary depending on brand and features. Non-branded blowers cost between Rs 800 and Rs 1,200, while branded ones range from Rs 900 to Rs 2,500. Room heaters with single to double rod halogen systems are priced between Rs 300 and Rs 1,800. Geysers, available in capacities from 3 litres to 25 litres, are priced between Rs 3,200 and Rs 18,000.City resident Ajit Kumar Jha, who recently bought two blowers, said, “The chilling cold has made it difficult to live without a heating system, particularly during the morning and evening hours.”The Tibetan Lhasa Market, set up at the high court shrine complex, is also drawing crowds with a wide selection of woollens, including sweaters, jackets, shawls, mufflers, gloves and children’s wear. Prices range from Rs 50 for socks to Rs 4,000 for premium woollens. “We have brought better quality and trendier designs this time. The response so far has been very encouraging,” said trader Tenzin Yarphel.Shoppers said reasonable pricing and durability were driving purchases. “The prices are reasonable and the clothes last long,” said a resident of Rajendra Nagar.
