Women are seen at a popular shopping mall in Riyadh in this file photo.

Published: Oct 9, 2011 23:48 Updated: Oct 10, 2011 00:10

ABHA: A debate is going on whether Saudi women who spend most of their time in malls and markets during the weekends are simply trying to alleviate their boredom or they are seriously addicted to shopping.

However, Saudi husbands are unanimous in their belief that women spend a lot of their leisure time at the shops.

“I do not go to the malls only for amusement, but also for my children and home,” said Saeedah Al-Amri, a Saudi teacher.

She said she was keen to keep abreast of price trends and new products. “Women are usually better than men in choosing the best products and buying them at reasonable prices because they have more patience,” she added.

Al-Amri, however, admitted that some women would go to the markets simply because they are addicted to shopping.

“This shopping obsession is not only preventing families from saving money for emergencies, but may lead them to poverty in the long run,” she warned.

Nura Al-Rafie, a Saudi businesswoman, said cosmetics and makeup products top the list of goods wanted by women. “Every woman, whether working or staying at home, is very keen to look good,” she said.

Al-Rafie warned women not to make shopping a means of entertainment and pastime.

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