The observations and market feed backs received at Ply Reporter desk find sales above expected mark for laminate in April month. According to analysed feeds, organized companies in decorative laminate category have been able to achieve around 70 to 80 percent of sales volumes compared to their average monthly sales done during month Jan, Feb and March. Despite of sharp spike in Corona cases in many states, the sales in laminate category are a positive sign for branded products.
According to people in sales and distribution line, the first fort night of April month was very normal and markets did not panic till 15th April. But second half of the month did incite some panic due to increasing cases in many states along with metro and big cities. The pioneer players from decorative laminate category such as Merino, Greenlam, Century Laminates, Royale Touche, Stylam have reportedly done similar levels in domestic markets during April as reflected from market reports. The reason for a decent run despite a covid scare is due to low levels of inventories in markers during past few months.
The market scenario for mid segment Laminate companies looked a bit lagging behind compared to organized players. The sales numbers for semi-branded players were reported to be around 55-60 sales compared to past months average. The fluctuation in prices, implementation of new price list and related confusions in trade circles hampered the sales and after 15th of April, markets stagnated faster for these brands. Majority of brands were busy implementing the 3rd price rise of decorative laminates following spurt in prices of kraft paper, decorative base paper and Melamine powder. In April second half small and mid-sized laminate companies became tight fit due to less manpower in their manufacturing plants and steep fall in payments from the markets.
The second wave of Covid 19 had reached to some Indian states in beginning of April month, mainly in states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, MP and Delhi, and these states had restricted some business activities. In second half of the month, number of states announced Curfew, Lockdown, Night Curfew of Northern India, but southern India market reported to run smooth. The branded decorative Laminate companies, have advantage of pan India presence, depot and offices, which had reported to support them in April sales whereas mid segment brands lack this facility.