Amritsar shawl sector posts new highs

20 Sep '08

2 min read

The history of Amritsar shawl industry in Punjab is centuries old, the hand woven and beautifully embroidered shawls have made a prominent place for themselves in the domestic as well as international market. Although the industry by nature is seasonal, the demand of shawl remains high throughout the year, as tourists purchase it in large quantities as souvenirs.

With winters round the corner there is a boom in the sector and the manufacturers are all geared up to offer the best shawls to the buyers who are spread across globe. With modernization entering various spheres, the effect can also be seen in this industry as the producers have installed high tech machines in the otherwise labour intensive units.

Initially it was difficult for the Amritsari shawls to make their way in the market that was dominated by shawls made in Kashmir, but due to innovative patterns, experimentation with colour schemes and acquiring latest trends, these shawls have been able to capture a good market share.

Not only the shawls but stoles have also become a huge hit among global customers and has become the latest rage in the fashion circuit. The stoles are comparatively smaller in size when compared to shawls and are not necessarily woolen.

Industry insiders are extremely happy the way the sector is shaping up and approaching winters are only a topping on the cake. Countries like USA, Middle East, Japan, Australia and Europe have placed large orders for shawls and stoles from Amritsar.

The industry that once earned merely Rs400 to Rs500 million through exports has touched the mark of Rs5000 million within a short span of time.

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