Despite close surveillance by members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Hai'a), gift and flower shops here have recorded record sales of Valentine's Day products. Al-Hayat Arabic daily reported on Monday that the products include gifts wrapped in red paper, teddy bears and various symbols of love. Valentine's Day takes place around the world every year on Feb. 14, but is banned in Saudi Arabia. Ali Turki, the owner of a gift shop, said the sales figures show that some members of the public have found ways to deal with the restrictions imposed by the Hai'a. “Despite the Hai'a's tight control over the gift shops, which sell to young Saudi and expatriate males and females, they have their own ways to deal with this ban. They are then able to buy various gifts such as red beards, souvenirs and accessories.” He said shop owners have experience in dealing with the Hai'a, which intensifies its inspections on the days leading up to Valentine's Day. Turki said that most sales take place at the beginning of the month. “My customers, of both sexes, especially some women, buy flowers of more than SR2,000 three days before Valentine's day. They also ask about ways to keep the flowers fresh. We then deliver it to them.” He said young men like red accessories used to decorate the bouquets. Turki said the Hai'a will either confiscate any red-colored items or prevent the display of such items, including wrapping paper. The Hai'a staffers even search the shop to make sure no items are hidden away. Muhammad Khan, a seller in a gift shop, said sales drop on the day because most customers are afraid of the Hai'a. Sales are good from the start of the month. He said they also get orders from new and regular customers for secret deliveries. They use their private cars because the shop's cars are often searched by the Hai'a.
