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Articles by Ariana Rodriguez

Best Kept Secret Store Owner Eric Wexler Passes Away

Eric Wexler, an industry veteran of over 40 years and owner of Best Kept Secret in Queens, New York, passed away on June 11 at the age of 74.

Unpacking the Pleasure Industry's Friend-or-Foe Status With Mainstream Outlets

Over the years, pleasure products have increasingly made their way into big-box stores and mainstream marketing channels. As a result, brands now face a complicated balancing act.

XBIZ Retreat Concludes With Business, Banter and Beach Vibes

The 2025 XBIZ Retreat in Miami wrapped last week with top vendors and key buyers immersing themselves in business while enjoying a relaxed environment, productive one-on-one meetings, and a dance party.

Playful Icebreakers Kick Off Deal-Making at XBIZ Retreat Miami

From a casual welcome reception at Miami’s Grand Beach Hotel to a creative speed networking session to break the ice, candid panels, and dozens of creative in-suite product displays, the first two days of XBIZ Retreat blended business, connection, and just the right amount of fun.

A Look at What's Driving the Booming Demand for Imagination-Inspired Sex Toys

It’s a tale as old as time. In childhood, we are captivated by fantasy stories that allow us to escape into a world of make-believe, where anything is possible. For adults, fantasy can also shape sensual experiences, allowing people to be whoever they want, do whatever they wish and go wherever they desire through role-playing — and an expanding array of imagination-inspired pleasure products.

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Adult Retailers Share Theft Prevention Strategies

Shoplifting has always posed a persistent challenge for retailers, and its effects reach far beyond simple loss of inventory. Theft can disrupt operations and saddle retailers with the cost of increased insurance premiums and heightened security measures. Robust security protocols can also negatively impact customers’ shopping experience.

Ariana Rodriguez ·

XBIZ Retreat Reloads Amsterdam Edition, Set for Sept. 2-5

XBIZ Retreat is making its highly anticipated return to Amsterdam, set for Sept. 2–5 at the chic Park Centraal Hotel.

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Dennis DeSantis on Building a Blockbuster Career in Adult Retail

The adult industry and the mainstream Hollywood scene often intersect, and few executives are more familiar with that crossover than Dennis DeSantis.

Ariana Rodriguez ·

XBIZ Retreat Set to Return to Cabo San Lucas Aug. 25-29

XBIZ Retreat is heading back to Cabo San Lucas for its LATAM edition, set for Aug. 25–29.

Altitude Intimates Concludes 3 Days of Deals, Strategy and Connections

As Altitude Intimates carried on into its second and third days, the excitement and energy on the show floor continued as exhibitors showcased a dynamic mix of pleasure products and lingerie for attendees to explore.

Altitude Intimates Day 1 Brings New Product Reveals

The doors to Altitude Intimates 2025 opened with a surge of energy as buyers, brands, and industry insiders gathered to explore the latest in lingerie, pleasure products, and sexual wellness.

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Meet the Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands of 2025

Over the past year, the pleasure industry has witnessed the emergence of new brands across various adult retail categories — brands that are now entering 2025 with ambitious goals for success and growth in their sophomore year.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
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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 ·

XBIZ Retreat Miami Set for May 12-16

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the summer edition of XBIZ Retreat will take place from May 12-16, returning to the picturesque Grand Miami Beach Hotel for the latest installment of the all-inclusive B2B retail event.

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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 ·

Heartfelt Moments Take Center Stage at XBIZ Honors 2025

The iconic Roosevelt Hollywood Hotel sparkled with excitement Saturday night as the adult retail community gathered for the highly anticipated XBIZ Honors awards ceremony.

SWPA Social Meetup Set for Jan. 18 at XBIZ Expo

The Sexual Wellness Professionals Alliance (SWPA) has announced a social meetup for existing and prospective members at the upcoming XBIZ Expo on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. in the Socials Room of the Loews Hollywood Hotel.

Pipedream Products to Sponsor Networking Happy Hour at XBIZ Expo

Premier pleasure brand Pipedream Products will sponsor an evening networking happy hour during XBIZ Expo.

Blush to Sponsor Networking Happy Hour at XBIZ Expo

Pleasure brand Blush will sponsor a happy hour at the upcoming XBIZ Expo, reinforcing the event’s focus on building connections and fostering collaboration.

Melanie Rose to Host 2025 XBIZ Honors

Melanie Rose, host of the popular Netflix show “How to Build a Sex Room,” will MC the retail edition of the 2025 XBIZ Honors, set to take place Jan. 18 at the iconic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.

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