profile

U.K.'s Leading Gay Retailer Expands With Clonezone Franchises

Following the opening of its first franchise store in Berlin, Clonezone is due to open a second in Vienna this month.

Clonezone is the U.K.’s leading gay retailer and has been in business for more than 30 years. It has four retail stores — two in London, one in Manchester and one in Birmingham. You can also find them online at Clonezone.co.uk. Clonezone has now launched a franchise scheme enabling like-minded partners to draw on their experience.

The Clonezone franchise concept is extremely appealing so we are not surprised things have moved so quickly. We are extremely happy with the locations so far and are looking forward to opening in Vienna and bringing the gift of Clonezone to the community in time for Christmas.” – Nigel Glenn, Clonezone

The opening of Clonezone’s latest franchise store comes less than six months after its first franchise store opened with another two stores due to open in Barcelona and Madrid early next year, the company said.

“The Clonezone franchise concept is extremely appealing so we are not surprised things have moved so quickly,“ says Nigel Glenn, franchise and operations manager.  “We are extremely happy with the locations so far and are looking forward to opening in Vienna and bringing the gift of Clonezone to the community in time for Christmas.”

Clonezone is regarded as the U.K. and Europe’s first gay superstore with the first store opening in 1984.

“The first Clonezone opened inside of Brompton’s — a legendary gay pub in Earls Court that is now unfortunately gone,” the company says on its website. “Our early customers included a fabulous mix of the LGBT community and a few very famous gay superstars, who of course we won’t mention...

“As our popularity grew, in 1984, we began to open up our own shops. Clonezone became an integral part of the gay scene and provided customers with news of local gay venues and a safe place to shop for the hottest fashion, toys, porn and much more — during a risky time for the LGBT community in the U.K. Our exciting stores were opened by icons such as Lily Savage, Sue Pollard and Kenny Everett.”

Over the course of the next two decades Clonezone continued to grow with stores opening in a variety of locations. According to the company, the recession in 2008 hit the high street the hardest, and led to Clonezone consolidating its stores down to Soho, Earls Court, Birmingham and Manchester. However, that all turned around, and in addition to launching franchise stores, the company also expanded its Earls Court location with the addition of a fetish store in December 2014, located directly under their current Earls Court branch.

“The large Earls Court premises has undergone a stunning refit, and by teaming up with scene veteran Jonathan Wheatley and his Fetish Freak brand from which the store will take its name, Clonezone are confident that they have put together a store that will delight fans of kink wherever they are from. The Fetish Freak brand is one of the most respected on the scene, originally housed at The Hoist, Vauxhall, Jonathan has been operating out of a store in Oval since 2013.”

According to the company, in addition to the Fetish Freak brand, the fetish shop also will sell hard-to-find goods such as the WESCO boots.

“For a long time Fetish Freaks after a pair would have had to order them in from America where they are made, but WESCO boots will be on sale exclusively within the U.K. in the new store,” the company. “Another Fetish Freak exclusive range is Invincible Rubber.”

The company’s resurgence as the U.K.’s leading gay retailer is boosted by the 2,500 product lines it carries; with products sourced from all over the world and exclusive agreements. Clonezone has also developed its own product ranges.

“Our brand continues to grow with the recent launch of the Clonezone Online Pharmacy which will sell items that cater to the body and image-conscious needs of a modern gay man,” Clonezone Director Mike McCann says in Clonezone’s Franchise Prospectus. “A key part in our resurgence over the last four years has been turning Clonezone from what was perceived as a sex shop into a fashion destination that no one else can compete with.”

Throughout the U.K., Clonezone has become renown in the GLBT community. The company notes its support and milestones.

“During our 30-plus years in the gay scene we have proudly supported HIV and AIDS research and promoted safe sex,” the company said. “We are proud supporters of many gay charities and are often involved with charity events and fundraisers in the U.K.

“We were the first company in the U.K. to import Levi 501 jeans direct from America, despite Levi’s anticipating there was ‘no interest’ in 501s in the U.K. Our bespoke leather designs have been included in exhibitions at the V&A museum and remember the famous red PVC thongs from ‘The Full Monty?’ Yes, they’re ours too!”

Clonezone Berlin is situated in Schonenberg in the heart of East Berlin on Kalckreuthstrasse, a go-to destination for gay retail. According to the company, the store has already exceeded expectations, with the Folsom Fair being a particular highlight.

Those interested in the Clonezone franchise opportunity will need at least $70K investment and share the Clonezone vision, the company. To find out more visit Clonezone. co.uk and click the franchise tab or contact Nigel Glenn via email at nigel@clonezone.co.uk.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

The Power of Authenticity in Selling Pleasure Products

I’ve been working in the pleasure industry for more than two decades. For a significant chunk of that time, I thought that to be successful in sales, I had to fit a mold. I assumed that selling meant following a formula: say the right things, use the right voice and present myself in a way that was guaranteed to convert.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
profile

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 ·
profile

'Pleasure Professionals Place' Facebook Group Marks 5 Years of Fostering Connections

Where can you find the pleasure industry’s most tantalizing, trending and relevant conversational banter? For once, we’re not talking about a trade show after-party!

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How Cannabis Culture Is Reshaping Sexual Wellness, Pleasure

April is a month of celebration: Lovers Day, Earth Day… and 4/20. Once a subculture symbol, “420” has evolved into a movement that bridges cannabis advocacy, wellness and an increasingly vital discussion around sexual health and pleasure.

Ian Kulp ·
profile

WIA Profile: Holly Corbella

Even during last year’s retail slump, the adult home party business continued to rock and roll — at least in New Jersey. Just ask Holly Corbella. Based in the Garden State, Corbella is the founder, CEO and lead party planner for Parties by Bellas, an intimate, in-home sex toy event company focusing on creating budget-friendly home parties for women on the East Coast.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Friday Bae Founder Benoit Palix Discusses Brand's Gen Z Focus

French sexual wellness brand Friday Bae is aiming to disrupt the market with its genderfluid, inclusive pleasure products. With bright pops of color for Gen Z and millennials to swoon over, Friday Bae is merging creativity and education for fans, dubbed the “Bae Squad.”

Namma Karp ·
profile

Self Serve's Matie Fricker on Promoting Sex-Positivity in Albuquerque

For 18 years, Self Serve has been providing a sex-positive space for adult toys and resources to folks in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The story behind its success is all about making connections: connecting with your passion, with your business partner, with your customers, with your staff and with your community.

Justin Goodrum ·
opinion

Why Inclusivity in the Pleasure Industry Is More Important Than Ever

2025 has kicked off with a series of unsettling events. Tension and anxiety are high across North America as the unknown impact of tariffs, climate change and attacks on human rights loom ominously. In times of unrest, seeking pleasure is not frivolity but necessity.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

2025's Top Tech Trends That Adult Retailers Should Know About

I just got back from the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo, also known as “Retail’s Big Show,” where I walked the floor, sat in on key panels, talked with industry experts and influencers, and did my best to sift through the b.s. so I could report back to you all on the things you need to care about.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Understanding the Importance of Graphic Design in Sexual Wellness Social Media Marketing

In the world of social media, graphic design is more than just making things look visually appealing — it’s a vital tool in shaping and maintaining a brand’s identity. Your social media is your storefront, so aesthetics mean everything.

Hannah McManus ·
Show More