It has been reported by owners and shop assistants that sales have been increasing at lingerie and accessories stores in Jeddah where they have employed women.
Because of the recent progress in women and their capability to work in the country, the owners had until last Thursday to act in accordance with a government order to substitute their male employees. A number of businesses had started employing female staff over the last two months.
The increase in sales is noticed by many as public approval of the Royal Decree issued last year by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Customers have allegedly welcomed females working as assistants, supervisors and accountants.
A worker of a lingerie shop in Roshana Mall, Rania Abdul Fattah, said that 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. She has been particularly busy at the store since the beginning of this week. The women who come in are relieved to see her. They are not shy to ask her help to find the right size and colour, and about special bargains and discounted items.
Even though Fattah enjoys working as a saleswoman, she said there are some negative aspects. She urges business owners to offer their female employees with medical insurance and additional money to face transport costs. She complains that at her prior sales job her salary was only SR2,500, with part of it being spent on paying for private transport to-and-from work. She also said that owners have to pay their workers a minimum of SR3,000 a month, as specified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Female advocates are pushing for a monthly salary of SR5,000.
The necessary working hours are eight hours a day, divided into two shifts - one in the morning and the other in the afternoon until 10 P.M.
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