Saudi Arabia Store Sells 'Bathroom' Slippers For Rs 1 Lakh. Wait, What?

Saudi Arabia is one of the most affluent countries in the world. Many things in the oil-rich nation are slightly more expensive. Now a shocking video is going viral, which shows a pair of chappals retailing for an exorbitant price. A video posted by Kuwait Inside shared an undated clip that had a person taking out a pair of white and blue chappals and showing them off. The text on this video said that these footwear were priced at 4,500 Riyal (approximately Rs 1 lakh). The chappals were designed in the classic white and blue colours, which are commonly available in India.

This video quickly became viral as viewers questioned why such a basic pair of footwear was priced so high. Many noted that similar everyday chappals used in Indian households are typically purchased for as little as Rs 200.

An Instagram user commented, “We use these sandals in India while going to the toilet.” Someone else joked, “It is actually the best Mother’s Day gift. The best weapon for all moms my mom’s slides were the best for me, look at me now.”

An Instagram user wrote, “First copy of the old paragon Hawaii slipper available in India. The most powerful weapon of every mother of the 90s kids.” Another person asked, “What’s trendy here? And why are they kept in trays?? It’s a normal Paragon chappal.”

In another instance of exorbitant pricing, back in November 2022, brown suede leather Birkenstock sandals originally priced at under $200 (approximately Rs 16,000) were auctioned for an astonishing $218,750 (approximately Rs 1.7 crore). These sandals had been owned and worn by Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple. Julien’s Auctions, a California-based auction house, conducted the sale but did not disclose the identity of the buyer.

Back in 2019, Italian luxury fashion house Gucci faced backlash for selling a pair of “unclean” trainers for £615, approximately Rs 66,000. On Gucci’s website, the shoes were described as “a pastiche of different influences that span across decades” and “materials inspired by vintage sportswear”.