The Kingdom’s clothing retail sector is a SR10 billion a year industry, said Mohammed Al-Shahri, textile and clothing committee chairman at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).

“This sector has developed considerably over the past two years since more and more Saudis are being drawn to fashion,” Al-Shahri told Arab News.

“Designers are keen on making clothes and accessories since it is considered a profitable business despite the initial challenges. Individuals have since been entering a market that had been long-monopolized by fewer companies.”

“International companies are also using exhibitions as a way to approach Saudi shoppers,” he said.

Jeddah’s malls and shopping centers were very crowded ahead of Eid, where both men and women found themselves victims of enormous price hikes.

Several shoppers told Arab News that extortionate prices prevented them from enjoying shopping before Eid.

Naser Khairi, a shopper, said that the prices of certain commodities had even doubled.

“The Trade Ministry should monitor prices and stop merchants from raising prices when and how they wish,” said Khairi.

“I often buy my clothes before Ramadan, but even that didn’t make a difference this year. I was shocked by the prices, but I can’t deprive my kids from the Eid spirit,” he said.

Psychiatrist Mohammed Al-Sayyed said families should be aware of shopping fever and plan ahead.

“The majority of families, unfortunately, cannot do that because they only get paid after the 20th of each month, leaving them with little time to do their holiday shopping,” he told Arab News.