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Sales increase at lingerie stores

By By Amal Al-Sibai JEDDAH -- Sales have been increasing at lingerie and accessories stores here that have employed women, according to owners and shop assistants.

The owners had until last Thursday to comply with a government order to replace their male employees. Some businesses had started employing female staff over the last two months.

The rise in sales is seen by many as public approval of the Royal Decree issued last year by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Customers have reportedly welcomed females employed as assistants, supervisors and accountants.

Rania Abdul Fattah, who works at a lingerie shop in Roshana Mall, said: "Employing women at lingerie shops is a relief for both customers and Saudi women seeking stable jobs. The owner of this business, who was quick to implement the Royal Decree, noticed a sharp rise in sales over the past two months. I have been particularly busy at the store since the beginning of this week. The women who come in are relieved to see me. They are not shy to ask my help to find the right size and color, and about special bargains and discounted items."

Although Fattah enjoys working as a saleswoman, she said there are some drawbacks. She urged business owners to provide their female employees with medical insurance and more money to cover transport costs. She complained that at her previous sales job her salary was only SR2,500, with half of it being spent on paying for private transport to-and-from work. She said owners should pay their workers a minimum of SR3,000 a month, as stipulated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Female activists are pushing for a monthly salary of SR5,000.

Rana Idrees, a supervisor at a women's clothing store, said: "I have been working at the store for three months, and the women who shop here are delighted they are being served by women. It is extremely embarrassing for women to buy such personal items from men."

The required working hours are eight hours a day, split into two shifts - one in the morning and the other in the afternoon until 10 P.M.

Saeed Adham, the owner of a lingerie store in Jeddah, said the Royal Decree is good for business and provides a steady income for women. "Since we started employing women three months ago, we have recorded a marked increase in profits and overall sales. I am still looking for qualified female accountants and sales representatives for the other two branches of my business in other malls. In the near future, I plan to raise the monthly salary of my female employees to over SR3,000 and to offer transport services," he said.

© The Saudi Gazette 2012