Home appliance, auto firms fear localised lockdowns will hit festive sales

Real estate companies remain optimistic on strong order book

Restrictions, curfews, and partial lockdowns in various states amid a continuing surge in cases have plunged retailers, car makers, and consumer appliance manufacturers into despondency.
 
The timing could not be worse. Next week sees a flurry of regional festivals including Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in the south and Ram Navami and Baisakhi in the north when consumers deem it auspicious to buy big ticket items.
 
April is a crucial month in the consumer appliance annual calendar since it kicks off their summer season sales. Almost 10-15 per cent of home appliance sales in the June quarter are