Not sure about you, but my initial visit to a sex store was not exactly a pleasurable one. I had little sense of personal space with the salesperson following my every move. This was intended to be a thrilling event for me and my boyfriend, but I must report that it was very disappointing.
As an alternative, we thought we'd check out whether or if visiting an online jakool sexshop might be more our speed. It was more enjoyable simply because we were able to sit down at the same computer and peruse the options together. Having the freedom to discuss in secrecy how we would use various sex implements on each other, or just fantasize about doing so, was extremely arousing.
Our attention was drawn to the cost of several items. Extremely cheap toys might be found at sex stores on the web. The ultimate cost is less than in-store, even once shipping is factored in. When you spend a particular amount of money at some online sex toy stores, shipping is on the house.
We had the luxury of time to compare shops after deciding which sex toys we wanted to buy to get the greatest deals. You can find some excellent resources for comparing prices online. Favorite shopping comparison websites include Shopzilla and Google Product Search. They make it possible to look for a specific item, view the several online sex shops that sell it, and compare pricing. That's why it's feasible to get the greatest "bang for your buck" (excuse the pun).
So, after much deliberation, these are the advantages and disadvantages of each sex supply store:
If you know how to shop around, you can save money by purchasing sex items from an online sex shop. In addition, you'll be able to shop in relative seclusion. Online shopping was a lot of fun, and it gave us an excuse to flirt and tease each other about our sexual desires.
Women, the New Consumers of Sex Shops? An Analysis of the Female Erotic Retailing Industry
Since women-run businesses began entering what was long considered a male-dominated industry, the erotica sector has seen a significant transformation over the past decade. As more and more erotica stores cater to women, the industry's reputation has begun to evolve. Myla, Ann Summers, Beate Ushe, Coco-de-Mer, and SH! are five formidable competitors in the United Kingdom. These stores have escaped the stigma associated with sex shops by offering upscale, boutique-like environments for their customers. The stores tend to cater to women and be lavish, extravagant, aesthetically beautiful, and welcoming.
The shift in women's perspectives on sexuality is a fundamental factor fueling the expansion of the erotic retail market for women. Although the British were formerly stereotyped as being sexually repressed, recent reports suggest that consumers are open to chains selling risqué lingerie and adult products (Marketing Week 2002, pp19). Feminine erotica stores have gained mainstream acceptance due to the rise of working women who are financially and emotionally secure enough to patronize them.
Michael Vaughan, the UK Retail Executive for Beate Ushe, elaborates on this idea. "The last five years have seen a major shift in mindset, and the last two years have been even more revolutionary. There are a few overarching causes for this trend, including the rise in divorce rates and the resulting increase in the number of single women, the rise in the number of women who choose to live alone, and the progress toward gender parity. The majority of women report feeling more in charge of their life, " (Marketing Week, 2002, pp19).
For my first academic paper, I conducted a poll of British women to learn about their experiences with female-run sex stores. Even though there are more female erotica stores in the UK than ever before (primarily in London), the results demonstrated a strong unfavorable image associated with sex shops. The sector as a whole may be expanding, but it is difficult to change long-held public opinions.
Sex stores were perceived as "seedy," "guys in long raincoats," and "positioned down sketchy back alleys" by the women polled. This view was shared by people of all ages and throughout the world. A second problem that arose involved feelings of shame. Women were quite uncomfortable with the prospect of being seen at a sex shop, let alone purchasing sexual goods.
The challenge is figuring out what to do in response. Successful examples of this trend include Myla and Coco-de-Mer, two high-end boutiques that aim to differentiate themselves from the industry norm of male sex stores. The shops reassure ladies that they can walk in free thanks to their open, unobstructed windows and tasteful decor.
Researchers found that women had a strong interest in learning more about erotica stores and their products. However, there is no denying that the stigma associated with the sex industry was the primary factor preventing women from frequenting these establishments. The acceptance of female sex shops as legitimate retail establishments is crucial to shifting this mindset. Site selection is also essential. The safety of women is paramount.
Women, like males, are interested in sex, but unlike men, they have different priorities when it comes to sex establishments. It is undeniable that the stereotype that sex stores are frequented by "dirty old guys" must be dispelled. Some London stores, like SH!, have responded to this problem by barring male customers who aren't accompanied by a mature female. In the UK, five powerful female-led erotic businesses have sprung up in the past decade, each with its unique style but all with a strong awareness of women as consumers.