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Industry Vet Mike Savage Discusses Comeback, Goals With Full Circle Distribution

"We never know where life’s going to take us,” says Mike Savage. He should know. The pleasure biz veteran, who describes himself as “a poor Irish kid from Philly,” first made his name in the adult retail biz over the course of a nearly 40-year career.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Laurel Bencomo

Born in Cambridge, England but raised in Spain, Laurel Bencomo initially chose to study business at the University of Barcelona simply because it felt familiar — both of her parents are entrepreneurs. She went on to earn a master’s degree in sales and marketing management at the EADA Business School, while working in events for a group of restaurants in Barcelona.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Sensually Yours Founder Shellee Rose on Boosting Sex Positivity in Hawaii

Honolulu pleasure store Sensually Yours has served Hawaii for 40 years, establishing itself as a top destination for adult products. Founder and President Shellee Rose says her most important strategy for achieving four decades of success has been prioritizing customers.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
opinion

Westridge Labs Celebrates the History, Future of ID Lubricants Brand

If you work in adult retail, you know ID Lubricants. With its classic, clear bottles and consumer-friendly pricing, ID has maintained a home on brick-and-mortar shelves since the brand’s inception, way back when physical stores were still the name of the pleasure game.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How to Turn Card Brand Compliance Into Effective Marketing

In the adult sector, compliance is often treated as a gauntlet of mandatory checkboxes. While it’s true that those boxes need to be ticked and regulations must be followed, sites that view compliance strictly as a chore risk missing out on a bigger opportunity.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

A Look at the Latest AI Tools for Online Safety

One of the defining challenges for adult businesses is helping to combat the proliferation of illegal or nonconsensual content, as well as preventing minors from accessing inappropriate or harmful material — all the more so because companies or sites unable or unwilling to do so may expose themselves to significant penalties and put their users at risk.

Gavin Worrall ·
opinion

Know When to Drop Domains You Don't Need

Do you own too many domains? If so, you’re not alone. Like other things we accumulate, every registered domain means something to us. Sometimes a domain represents a dream project we have always wanted to do but have never quite gotten around to.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

A Look at the Implications of Texas' Potential Big-Box Sex Toy Ban

Imagine walking into your local big-box retailer, a place where you’ve come to expect accessibility and convenience, only to find that sexual wellness products — an essential part of your wellness journey — are no longer available. This scenario could soon become a reality in Texas, where a proposed bill aims to ban the sale of these products in mainstream retail spaces.

Ian Kulp ·
opinion

Understanding 'Indemnification' in Business Contracts

Clients frequently tell me that they didn’t understand — or sometimes, even read — certain portions of a contract because those sections appeared to be just “standard legalese.” They are referring, of course, to the specialized language used in legal documents, including contracts.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Identifying, Implementing Adult Retail Tech Solutions to Boost Business

Technology is the great enabler. For nearly every business goal, there’s a tech solution that can help make it achievable. The catch? You can’t do it all — at least not all at once. But you can pick one or two areas to focus on, then execute a strategy that yields results.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

5 Steps to Make Card Brand Compliance Easy

It’s February, the month of love. Just once, wouldn’t it be great to receive a little candy heart asking you to “Be Mine” instead of more forms to fill out and documents to submit? Of course, regulatory compliance does have one important thing in common with romance: Fail to put in the work, and your relationship is likely over — your relationship with the card brands, that is.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Protecting Your Business With a Data Backup Strategy That Works

If the subject of backups sounds boring to you, maybe this will grab your attention: Without properly implemented backups, your business is vulnerable to partial or even catastrophic data loss, which could screw your company and tank your income.

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Examining the Obstacles of Operating an Adult Business in India

The sexual wellness market in India is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, yet sex remains taboo in this country of 1.3 billion people. Legal and cultural barriers prevent open discussions around sex.

Raj Armani ·
opinion

Raging Stallion's 'The Way to a Man's Heart' Serves Up Steamy Romance

Valentine’s Day draws near, and Raging Stallion Studios is set to celebrate with a taste-bud-tickling new adult rom-com, “The Way to a Man’s Heart,” from directors Ben Rush and Steve Cruz. Rush admits that the lighthearted flick, which centers on delicious meals and delicious men, represents somewhat of a departure from the darker themes.

Ness Miller ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands, Retailers Can Tap Into the Popularity of 'Romantasy' Erotic Lit

Fans of the “Bat Boys” and demon-born princes alike, rejoice! Sarah J. Maas took 2024 by storm, claiming the title of bestselling author of the year with her raunchy “romantasy” novels, partly thanks to BookTok. With millions of fans worldwide, Maas’ works aren’t just dominating bestseller lists; they’re also encouraging people to embrace role-play and fantasy in their own sex lives.

Scarlett Ward ·
opinion

Ariel Demure Branches Out With Girlsway Featurette 'The Dove Plea'

Oklahoma, 1899. In a makeshift courtroom, sex worker Minnie Stacey is on trial for prostitution. In a speech that will become famous as the “Soiled Dove Plea,” her lawyer implores the jury to have compassion for this “fallen woman” rather than condemn her for her sins.

Aleks Janovski ·
opinion

Mastering the Art of the Perfect Event Selfie

The show floor at a conference or event like XBIZ or X3 is a unique world, full of industry professionals and endless opportunities for connection. It’s a space where networking happens, where outfits make statements — and where knowing just how to capture and broadcast these unforgettable moments can make your social media feed truly come alive.

Rae Threat ·
trends

Pleasure Purveyors Discuss Emerging Trends, Ambitions for 2025

2025 is upon us, and the pleasure industry is poised for another dynamic year. As brands realign their goals to satisfy shifting demand, seize new opportunities and capitalize on cutting-edge innovations, the focus for the new year is on delivering inclusive, accessible and technology-driven products that redefine pleasure and wellness.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Jacqueline Macleod

To succeed in the lingerie industry, it’s imperative to keep one foot in the adult biz, another in the mainstream fashion world — and both hands spinning plates of trend reports, apparel design experience and customer support.

Women In Adult ·
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