Last week, I complained that an article from Al-Watan newspaper, decrying harassment in lingerie shops, appeared to be a little too sensitive in finding harassment. I may need to retract that.

This piece, from Arab News, reports that Saudi women are also complaining about harassment in shops that sell cosmetics. Rude comments and behavior by the (male) shop attendants seems to be the issue. An easy solution—anywhere except in Saudi Arabia—would be to have female shop attendant, of course.

Complaints Galore About Salesmen’s Lewd Behavior
Laura Bashraheel, Arab News

JEDDAH — Women are complaining about salesmen making inappropriate remarks and comments while dealing with customers in cosmetics shops.

According to women customers, salesmen harass them with indecent gestures, flirtatious comments and attempts of physical contact. “A salesman asked whether we were married or not while at a cosmetic shop with a friend,” said shopper Hanan Z. “In a sly tone he told us that a particular body lotion is for married women and it enhances sexual desires. We left the shop immediately.”

Salesmen take advantage of customer contact details obtained for marketing purposes. Instead of using the contacts for sending product updates, the salesmen call the women customers at inappropriate hours and with inappropriate communication.
…