Bengaluru, Feb. 11 -- Sales of winter wear were underwhelming for the second year in a row as an unusually delayed and milder winter disrupted demand for heavy winter wear, particularly in north and west India, executives at two of India's top clothing retailers said.

Initial optimism for a bumper season this year compounded the disappointment for retailers. While early signs of a La Niña - a weather pattern typically known for bringing freezing temperatures to India - triggered some early buying in the previous quarter, the season remained unusually mild, leaving stores with a surplus of winter clothing.

Excess rainfall and cyclonic activity during the festive period in parts of eastern and southern India further weighed on season...