Climate Change Disrupts Clothing Markets in South Punjab

APP

Khanewal: Climate change is increasingly affecting not just the environment but also the clothing markets in South Punjab, where erratic weather patterns are confusing customers about their clothing purchases.

Retailers and farmers alike are feeling the pinch as unpredictable weather leads to a decline in sales and financial strain. Shopkeepers in the region report a sharp drop in the sale of new clothes, particularly in rural areas, due to the challenges posed by the changing climate.

Muhammad Saqib, a shopkeeper in Khanewal, highlighted the severe impact of these climate variations on consumer behavior. “The weather patterns have become too erratic. People are uncertain about when to shop for the new season,” Saqib told APP.

He noted that many customers are postponing their purchases, waiting for more stable weather conditions before buying seasonal clothes. “Sales have dropped significantly compared to previous years,” he added.

The uncertainty about seasonal transitions is contributing to the hesitation in purchasing new clothing. With winter arriving later and summers becoming increasingly unpredictable, consumers are struggling to decide whether to invest in lighter summer wear or heavier winter clothing. The traditional seasonal sales cycles are no longer reliable, leaving retailers with difficulties in managing their stock.

The situation is further exacerbated by the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. Erratic rainfall and extreme weather events have severely damaged crops, impacting farmers who rely on their harvests for income.

Many are now forced to reduce non-essential spending, including clothing purchases, due to shrinking resources. Saqib emphasized that the combination of disrupted weather patterns and agricultural losses is leading to significant challenges for both retailers and consumers in the region.

Rana Abdul Waheed, a shopkeeper on Old Shujabad Road, who invested Rs 20 million in his clothing business, has reported a dramatic drop in sales. “I employ six boys at my shop. During peak season, we used to earn Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000 per day.

Now, sales have plummeted to Rs 5,000 on most days,” he lamented. This decline has not only impacted his livelihood but also affected his employees who rely on this business for their income. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful for a recovery in sales in the near future.

Waheed attributes the drop in sales to inflation and the financial strain on farmers, a vital sector in the region. “When farmers suffer, everyone feels the pinch,” he explained. “People simply don’t have the money to spend on new clothes, especially when they’re dealing with agricultural losses.”

The inflationary pressures have exacerbated the situation. As prices for essential goods rise, families are prioritizing basic needs like food and shelter over clothing. This has left shopkeepers with unsold stock and struggling to cover their overhead costs, including employee wages.