Saman Ali

Saudi Gazette

 

DAMMAM — If you happen to be on the busy streets of Dammam, stroll down to the perfume market where the air is thick with French and Arabic scents. The Hai al Souk area is always bustling with people visiting paint, hardware, and cloth shops.



As you drive toward the main down town market, you dodge trucks and lorries loaded with vegetables and other perishable items.



Honking cars and cycles hinder your walk when you suddenly notice colorful shops and stores around you — you are on the street of perfume and scent sellers.



On your left are Oud and Arabic-scented wood vendors, and your right is a haven for those who are waiting to indulge in the luxury of having French, Italian or branded American perfumes: Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Givenchi, Prada — all available under one roof.



According to Abdul Aziz, a salesman, the perfume wholesale market is more than 20 years old, but the main building was built only 10 years ago. Many vendors who sold perfumes outside on stalls later moved in the main building and established their own shops with pictures and catchphrases to attract buyers.



There is no noise, no one pushes or nudges you. It is calm and serene. A few compound buses are parked outside. Young married couples are seen trying different brands and seeking each other’s opinions.



Old Saudi men sniff different bottles and request for the shop owner’s opinion, and women look for names in Arabic and English.



Two American women pass by talking about their favorite brands.



One interesting fact that compels people to buy more than one perfume is that a-year-old brand would be sold on half price once a new version gets in the market.



For example, if you bought Burberry pour Homme for SR245 last year, you might get it for SR100 this year.



People are more interested in new names: Puff Diddy, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Jay Lo are sold more than Christian Dior, YSL or any other old brands, as young boys and girls, and even women, are attracted to these names.



If the word TESTER written on the perfume bottle on your dresser does not bother you, then you can buy it for SR15 to 20. “There is no difference between the original bottle and the tester,” assured Abdul Aziz.



“When we buy 20 to 30 cartons we get testers for free and sometimes we put them on sale too.



“When people are going back home on vacation, they like to buy these testers for a cheaper price. I have clients who have my mobile number; they keep in touch to know about sales and discounts,” he added.



Corn and peanut sellers try to lure customers, but not many stop to enjoy the savory snacks.



Sources confirmed that consumers’ demand for fragrances and perfumes is largely dependent on demographics and lifestyle trends, in particular the importance of luxury and status.



Outside one shop is a display of Roberto Cavalli’s new brand of Oud. It is interesting to know that a renowned Italian house of fashion is making Oud for Arabs here.



A truck stops and cartons of perfumes are unloaded and placed on the floor. The weather is hot and humid and one cannot stop wondering if the men unloading ever get a chance to smell this aromatic burden?