Ludhiana, Oct. 11 -- With the peak winter season just around the corner, Ludhiana's hosiery and textile industry is seeming cautiously optimistic after years of tepid sales, even as it continues to grapple with cash flow issues, changing consumer preferences and unpredictable weather.

Industry leaders say that forecasts predict an intense winter this year, prompting an increase in advanced orders from prominent winterwear markets such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. However, the pace of manufacturing remains slow, and limited cash flow is keeping the overall business outlook cautious, they added.

Vinod Thapar, president of Knitwear and Textile Club said," We have received 15 to 20% more advanced bookings th...