According to a recent study, Saudis spend a more considerable amount of money on clothes and footwear than people from other countries. In Saudi Arabia, people waste 10 percent of their spending budget on designer clothing and shoes.
The study also showed that the French spend 4.5 percent of their income on clothing and footwear, the British and the Germans spend 6 percent, whereas the average American spends only 4 percent on them.
The study showed that designer clothing sales in Saudi Arabia had soared to SR8.55 billion last year from SR8.36 billion in 2000. Saudis have a fascination for buying things that are famously branded.
This study reveals the consumer tendencies of Saudis. Men have transformed themselves into models walking on catwalks: English ‘ghutras’, French sunglasses and Italian boots. As for women, their shopping skills have attained the ultimate standards of excessiveness, thus making our shopping centers and malls targets for international fashion businesses from Paris to New York.
This change that our society has presently embraced is the result of a mentality developed in the days when Saudi Arabia began to prosper.
Back then, the community used to be simple and people were content with what they had without being extravagant and showing off. As Saudi Arabia began to prosper a new trend appeared making people believe they must spend money to appear good even if they had to starve to death or live in poverty.
Designer clothes have become the sign that distinguishes people. In consumer-led communities, appearances and looks are important and valuable.
This study must encourage educators, psychologists, psychiatrists and sociologists to look into the reasons that have led to this unbalanced situation. We are spending more money on clothes than what people in countries where their incomes are much more than ours spend.
The spread of consumerism and the tendency to show off are things that are very alarming. We need to reconsider the way we are spending and living and work toward bringing a realistic balance in our lifestyle. I honestly wished the study revealed figures showing Saudis as the biggest spenders on items such as books, computers, theater and education. These are things that develop cultured, refined and enlightened humans.
