AC, fridge sales...

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

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"NEARLY 15 DAYS of inventory remained unsold till Christmas across most northern wholesalers as the early winter discouraged advance purchases of cooling products," a senior executive at Blue Star said.

Consumers instead prioritised heaters, geysers and air purifiers, cannibalising AC and refrigerator demand across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, the executive said.

The slowdown forced manufacturers and retailers into last-minute inventory clearance. A significant portion of older, pre-norm stock remained unsold until the final week of December, prompting companies to explore bulk tie-ups with commercial buyers and quick-commerce platforms to liquidate inventory.