While holidays this year have all but been canceled thanks to the pandemic, the adult retail industry is still expecting a fruitful winter season as pleasure products sales continue to skyrocket among homebound couples and singles that are looking for some excitement in quarantine.
During typical winter holidays, among the biggest demographic of adult retail shoppers are couples that are looking for a sexy way to celebrate an otherwise family-oriented season; as well as males who buy sensual gifts for their partners — mostly likely also with the intention of enhancing a shared intimate experience.
Consumers are increasingly open-minded about bringing ‘naughtier’ gifts to holiday parties, which is always fun to see.
“We see couples coming in together to pick out gifts for each other and just have a fun night out away from all the holiday craziness,” said Breanna LeFevre, who serves as the manager at Love Shack of Lake Charles in Louisiana. “Men are also big shoppers during this time. They come [into the store] looking for a luxury item for their partner to possibly introduce them into the relationship, or even upgrade their partner’s current toy box.”
Sarah Franson, the general manager of Adult Source in Calgary, Alberta shares her observation of the typical holiday male shopper. She says that her primary customer base around Christmas time is usually male, age 26-39 — and “buying clitoral toys and boxed lingerie,” she said.
With consumers confined at home, chances are that an even wider demographic will be searching for pleasure products to gift their loved ones — and with most people shopping from the privacy (and safety) of their homes, their choice items may also become bolder. According to our industry experts, adult retailers should be fully stocked and ready for the holiday crowds.
“I wish I had a crystal ball,” Fairvilla Stores’ Purchasing Coordinator Debra Peterson said. “I think we’re all, as an industry, hoping that COVID stays in check this winter and doesn’t stifle our current shopping trends. At Fairvilla, we’re moving forward with pre-orders and are taking in holiday inventory a little earlier to accommodate those who are shopping earlier. We also want to make sure our inventory remains robust as we move into December. From what we can tell, current indications show that shopping for intimate gifts should remain strong through the holidays.”
Since the start of the pandemic, retailers (particularly those with online stores) have reported an increase in consumer demand that has remained steady as the year comes to an end and welcomes another wave of holiday shoppers. As Peterson suggested, stocking items intended for gift-giving early could pay off as industry experts say the shopping season is expected to start early this year — particularly with online shopping when shipping times must be considered.
Honey’s Place Brand Representative Char Lopez also says that the distributor has noticed that this year, adult retailers are preparing for the holiday rush earlier than usual.
“We feel there will not be as many parties as there have been in the past, but the care and thought of gifting surely hasn't diminished in the days of COVID,” Lopez said, also crediting the trend of self-care and self love for boosting the popularity of pleasure products as gifts for not just others but for oneself. “We are giving [ourselves and others] even more during these times of hardship; and those values are thankfully paying off in our industry as well,” she said.
As unfortunate as it is to see the number of COVID cases rise, online retailers are enjoying rising sales of pleasure products.
“I foresee an uptick in ecommerce sales this year, especially in states where COVID numbers are rising again,” Williams Trading University Coordinator Rachel McCarthy said. “So if anything, the pandemic has resulted in a broader consumer market, because what else are people going to do while sheltering in place?”
Kathryn Hartman, Nasstoys’ sales and marketing director, also predicts “robust ecommerce activity” during the holiday seasons, as many people turn to online shopping instead of the typical packed shopping malls (which may not even be open.)
Philip Del Rio, the EVP of Retail for leading adult retail chain Hustler Hollywood, also is optimistic about business leading up to the holidays. He says that both brick-and-mortar and ecommerce sales remain “extraordinary.”
“People are looking for new and exciting ways to make home life more fun during these unique times, so gift-giving for your partner is even more of a focus this year,” he said.
Molly Romeo, the senior account manager and product specialist for pleasure products distributor Holiday Products, says that it’s evident that more consumers are embracing toys this year than ever before — likely because there is so little else to do out there in terms of entertainment for couples.
“ The holiday season will most likely continue that trend [of consumers embracing pleasure products], but on a grander, more luxurious scale,” she said.
CalExotics’ director of marketing Nichole Grossmann echoed the sentiment, suggesting that retailers take this opportunity to steer customers' holiday shopping with online resources.
“ This is an excellent opportunity for retailers to further promote products online,” she said. “Creating holiday gift guides, stocking stuffer ideas, or holiday-themed kits is a great way to tie in the holiday season while also promoting a variety of products.”
Ellie Ford, the global PR executive for Lovehoney, says that actually, it’s now more important than ever before for retailers to make the most of their online presence.
“Ensure the best images, video content, product descriptions and social media assets are used so shoppers have access to every piece of information they need about the product before purchasing,” she said, noting that Lovehoney B2B has taken the initiative to offer retailers complimentary online assets tailored for social media use.
The efforts to educate consumers are leading to savvier shoppers that know what they want. While overall this is a good thing, it can also result in a lot of comparison shopping between prices online versus at a brick-and-mortar store.
“A good way we try to combat this trend as a brick-and-mortar is by putting a lot information on our own website about products and by doing our best to price-match a manufacturer’s online prices,” said Breanna LeFevre from Love Shack of Lake Charles. “These are not always the margins that we are accustomed to, but we would rather gain a repeat customer and make their shopping experience pleasurable during this pandemic.”
For some people that have been financially affected by the pandemic, price will likely play a factor in choosing a sex toy to buy.
“I think budget might play a bigger factor now than it normally does,” said Megan Swartz, the general manager and buyer for Deja Vu Love Boutique. “There are many people still out of work and that might have an impact on purchasing decisions.”
Another negative outcome of the pandemic is the removal of product testers, which can often make or break a sale. Swartz said that while “flavored items typically see an increase during the holidays, without testers, that may be impacted as well.”
Adult Source’s Sarah Franson also believes that whether online or in a physical store, without a physical product to see and touch, it “may kill those high-end product sales due to lack of sales demos.”
For long-distance couples that are unable to connect due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, simply the promise of being able to satisfy their lover from afar is enough to invest in a high-tech pleasure device.
“Satisfyer Connect is perfect for couples that cannot be together in person right now, as it offers the most innovative long-distance ‘phone-sex’ possible — as well as adding immensely to a solo experience,” said Jerome Bensimon, the vice president of sales for Satisfyer. “This is why we predict our new app-enabled products to perform very well during this gift-giving season.”
Staying home has also sparked interest in finding new ways to socialize and be entertained, such as by playing games with a quarantine partner, small groups or via video chat. Adult games and novelties manufacturer Kheper Games’ CEO Brian Pellham said that his company has had record-breaking sales each month since May and that Kheper’s overall total is likely double over even its best years now that businesses have reopened.
“We're doing our best and keeping up with demand,” Pellham said. “We have many containers en route and are preparing for the gift-shopping season to be even more crazy for us than it has been already. We had sales numbers in June/ July/ August above prior October sales — October is often our best month, and this one has already surpassed our top October with all the pre-booked POs we’ve already received.”
Holiday Favorites
If holiday trends remain the same as they have in years past, gift-givers will still gravitate towards high-end goods and softer items like lingerie and bath and body products. Stocking stuffers and other bundled sets also are coveted as they offer shoppers more bang for their buck.
Angela Mustone, the founder of premium all-natural intimate cosmetic brand High On Love, says that gift sets are a no-brainer for those looking to spoil a loved one with more than one item.
“[Gift sets] are popular as gift for a partner, a best friend or even yourself,” she said. “Our Objects of Desire kit is a bestseller because it’s such a great value considering you get both a premium Jopen vibrator as well as a full-sized Stimulating Oil.”
Mustone noted that the appeal of body-care products, such as High On Love’s Sensual Massage Candle, is their ability to stimulate one’s senses such as scent and touch, in addition to being visually pleasing.
“ The Sensual Massage Candle’s rose gold jar is beautiful, and the candle itself is blended with nourishing cannabis seed oil and coconut oil,” she said. “And our customers keep commenting on how amazing it smells.”
For shoppers that are looking to impress their partner with a pricier item — and perhaps reap some of the benefits as a couple, the holidays are a great reason to invest in a luxury pleasure product.
“Higher-end products are always more popular during the holiday season,” Love Shack of Lake Charles’ Breanna LeFevre said. “People are more willing to spend extra money on a luxury toy during the holidays than usual.”
Sarah Franson from Adult Source agrees, adding, that: “It’s much easier to sell higher-end products at Christmas. Treating your partner to a fancy vibe is a gift to yourself as well.”
Among the holiday essentials that Franson says are in most demand are rechargeable, high-quality silicone toys, and complementary add-ons like lubricants.
Also commonly trending during the holidays is lingerie — according to LeFevre, at Love Shack of Lake Charles, there’s been “a rise in lingerie sales during the holiday season over the past few years.”
Items made for partnered play also are popular as gifts during the holidays. Hustler Hollywood’s Philip Del Rio says that in addition to lingerie, couples’ games, toys and BDSM kits are among the most popular as gifts, and currently, “interactive app-controlled toys are a big hit as well,” he said.
Lovehoney’s Ellie Ford credits the holidays for providing the opportunities for romantic getaways where kinky fantasies can be explored.
“We see many take advantage of this time to explore kinkier practices with their partners,” she said. “Kits such as the Fifty Shades of Grey Pleasure Overload Greedy Girl Play Box always see a spike at this time of year, as it includes everything a couple would need to turn up the heat on those cold winter nights.”
Rabbit vibrators also are among the holiday season’s top sellers, because of course, “The best gift you can give someone is an orgasm, after all,” Ford said.
Nasstoys’ Kathryn Hartman said that higher-end rabbits are popular in particular, while “bullets and cock rings [can serve] as great stocking stuffers,” she added.
Easy-to-gift items like bullet vibes and cock rings can be a fun and playful gift not just for a partner but also for single friends or oneself.
In addition to targeting couples during the winter holidays, Deja vu Love Boutique’s Megan Swartz says that it’s important to note that, “many single people come in looking for items for solo play to treat themselves during the holidays,” and therefore singles shouldn’t be counted out as the target audience during this festive time of year.
Fairvilla Stores’ Debra G. Peterson also believes that the demographic of gift shoppers is too expansive to determine which particular product categories will especially shine.
“All categories seem to be doing well right now and are expected to continue through the holidays,” she said. “Of course, moving into December, massagers and lingerie are always strong. However, our gift department has shown incredible traffic and profit in recent years and is on pace to do better than ever through the end of the year.”
Deck the Halls
To get shoppers in the holiday spirit, any retail setting often transforms itself into a winter wonderland and gets decked out in holiday-themed décor.
“Our desire is to utilize holiday display and décor that helps feature the products we sell, while creating a festive atmosphere that welcomes our customers,” Fairvilla’s Debra Peterson said. “Displays inspire creativity of gift-giving! We show the possibilities and work with customers to make them a reality.”
Peterson says that while the store normally hosts regular in-store events that would engage more visitors in the holiday months, Fairvilla has learned to embrace virtual events and will continue to utilize them through the holiday season.
“Our marketing department is making the most of our social media platforms,” she said. “From flash sales and email newsletters, to Zoom parties and Instagram contests, we’re staying true to our brand while leveraging technology to our advantage. Customers have been very receptive to our information and appreciate our support during a very uncertain year. Their loyalty and enthusiasm moving into the holidays is extremely positive.”
At Deja Vu Love Boutique, it’s business as usual — in terms of how the store is visually embracing the holidays.
“We prepare for every holiday the same ... We have a massive amount of decoration, theme displays and of course we take any opportunity to dress up,” Megan Swartz said. “We like to step away from the normal uniform as often as possible as we find guests to be more comfortable when we wearing items that are playful and typically a conversation piece.”
Swartz is hoping that by the start of the New Year, the store will be allowed to host gatherings so that it can go back to hosting its monthly events.
Love Shack of Lake Charles’ Breanna LeFevre says that plain and simple, store displays are a must during the holidays.
“Even if you do not like to promote specific holiday traditions, I think you should still provide some sort of holiday decoration for your customer,” she said. “When a customer walks in and gets the ‘holiday shopping’ feeling, they will be switched into gift-giving mode and more willing to splurge a little just from the vibe you created. Another great tool to use during the holidays is email campaigns. We use our loyalty program and website to gain customer emails for sending out promotions and information on new items consistently. Most people have their phone in their hand throughout the day, so this is great marketing for any business to keep your company name in their mind and to promote any sales you have coming up or new products you bring in.”
Adult retailers are encouraged to utilize all platforms to promote holiday shopping and encourage shoppers to take advantage of special offers such as free gifts with purchases or limited-time discounts.
Adult Source's Sarah Franson says that she takes a different approach, keeping the in-store holiday theme to a limit in order to provide customers a refuge. “I try to avoid the Christmas music because it’s so oversaturated elsewhere,” she said.
New Toys for the Naughty
While this year saw less new product releases due to the pandemic, adult retailers still have several options to satisfy consumer demand this holiday season. Along with new varieties of traditionally bestselling styles, there are so many innovations in pleasure product designs and tech that are consistently being introduced that consumers are still catching up on them.
“I feel confident that air pressure and suction type devices will continue to perform well,” Fairvilla Stores’ Peterson predicts. “Product sets/collections are always customer favorites so we’re making sure that all stores have plenty of inventory on those. That includes fetish kits as well as more traditional massager sets. High-tech items, such as app-enabled devices for penis and vulva owners will definitely continue to be in demand.”
Love Shack of Lake Charles’ Breanna LeFevre notes that it isn’t just app-controlled toys that are currently on-trend but remote-controlled toys in general.
“We noticed a trend of remote-control items even before the pandemic and now it’s grown even more in popularity,” she said. “I think a big seller for this holiday season will be the new couples remote control kits from CalExotics. Each set comes with two different vibrators and two remotes for a couple to enjoy even more fun with each other.”
Hustler Hollywood’s Philip Del Rio’s predictions for new releases that are slated to be hot sellers during the holidays include the latest sextech developments.
“The Lovense line has always been amazing for Hustler Hollywood as a couples’ interactive toy grouping,” he said. “The new Arcwave Ion has an innovative technology for penis owners.”
Highlighting new tech, Del Rio pointed to the new Fun Factory Sundaze that “offers an entirely new, super-quiet mechanism that creates zingy to rumbling vibration, stroking, fluttering and tapping movements,” he said. “Also, Womanizer and We-Vibe are offering some updated versions and bright new colors to their lines that will be in high demand.”
For customers looking for new “fun and gifty” sets, Del Rio says that the new All That Glimmers wand kit is a limited edition, semi-exclusive set available in Hustler Hollywood stores and its online shop, which includes a wand in sparkly finishes paired with glitter nail polish. “Le Wand Little Pleasures gift set is sure to be a hit with its beautiful packaging and selected contents,” he said.
To cater to the many lingerie fans that emerge for the holidays, Hustler Hollywood is introducing a new line of branded Hustler Lingerie, manufactured in collaboration with Playful Promises.
“The line was created with a wide range of sizes, covering up to 85 bra sizes and focusing on inclusivity to create pieces made for every body,” Del Rio said.
Among the latest, most in-demand sextech today are air-powered toys. Adult Source’s Sarah Franson says that she anticipates “selling a lot of pleasure air technology products, specifically Satisfyer with their new packaging.”
For those that already own one of Satisfyer’s signature toys, the popular brand is debuting innovative new reiterations of them.
“Our Satisfyer Connect-enabled products are sure to be a hit this gift-giving season,” Satisfyer’s Jerome Bensimon said. “We predict the Curvy 1, 2 and 3, as well as the Love Triangle and our new collection of diverse and exciting penis rings will really stand out this year. This holiday season is bound to be different from past years as we are all still staying at home, so it is really important for our products to be easily adaptable to these new circumstances. Our app-enabled products are perfect for lovers who have to spend this holiday season apart as the app permits long-distance remote control through video chat, as well as vast messaging options. Certainly, all our products support sexual wellness, of which the mental, physical and emotional benefits are critical, now more than ever.”
Coincidentally, the category of app-connected toys began booming pre-COVID; however, according to Williams Trading Co.’s Rachel McCarthy, the pandemic increased the need for them. “When COVID hit, a lot of consumers saw these types of products as a way to keep close to loved ones they couldn’t see as easily (or at all),” she said.
Svakom is among the latest brands to embrace the trend of long-distance toys with its new Connexion Series of five pleasure products that enable users to connect with their partners anywhere in the world with the Feel Connect app. According to Holiday Products’ Molly Romeo, the Connexion Series is on her list of predictions for new releases that are expected to fly off the shelves this holiday season, along with LELO’s latest release Sila — which is modeled after the popular Sona but with “a wider, deeper mouth and delivers gentle but stimulating sonic pressure waves.”
CalExotics also is showing off its techy side with its latest release, My Pod — which is being billed as “the world’s first wireless charging massager with built-in UV sanitizing capabilities,” CalExotics’ director of marketing Nichole Grossmann said. “The charging case will blend in with all your other smart devices, making it the perfect gift for any tech-savvy pleasure seeker.”
Tech isn’t the only kind of innovation that consumers are shopping for. New and rare designs also are highly attractive as a gift for a loved one.
“We just added a lot of Evolved Novelties toys and the uniqueness of them I think are going to be big sellers,” said Virginia White, the CEO of home party company Intimate Tickles.
Several manufacturers’ newest releases fit the bill when it comes offering everything that’s on consumers’ wish lists.
“We expect gift sets to see a surge — shoppers like to know they are getting the most bang for their buck, and the partnering products allow people to try items they may not have had a chance to try before, such as the stimulating Orgasm Gel included in our newly launched Happy Rabbit Orgasm Pack,” Lovehoney’s Ellie Ford said.
High On Love is following up on the success of its Jopen collaboration with another upcoming gift that will include a different vibrator, says Angela Mustone.
“We're also developing a set of smaller-sized products — perfect for taking along on romantic weekend getaways, or for people who want to try more of our products and find their favorite,” she said. “Our candle will also be a popular option, we feel. It's a thoughtful gift for anyone, but it's also perfect for couples looking to add a new experience — like sensual massage — to their foreplay routine.”
Deja Vu Love Boutique’s Megan Swartz also sees a lot of potential with couples’ toys. She predicts that the Together Vibe will be bringing couples together this holiday season.
“Any item really that has a function and purpose for both partners ends up being a bestseller during holidays,” she said. “That is typically when couples like to have more engagement with each other.”
Manufacturers also set out to target holiday shoppers with new themed novelties, games and toys.
“Global Novelties and XR Brands has some new holiday-themed items at a great price point,” Honey’s Place’s Char Lopez said. “Everyone is looking for that new holiday item at a great price point for impulse buys. Holiday shoppers love cute and inexpensive items to add to their gift.”
Seasonal Appeal
The seasonal section of any retail store is always a rotating selection of holiday-themed merchandise that’s not necessarily made to last and often ends up on sale. While sexy Santa costumes will never go out of style, for adult retailers, the jury is still out on the true value of carrying holiday-themed products.
While Deja Vu Love Boutique’s Megan Swartz sees “many people coming in for Sexy Santa costumes and funny/naughty Santa hats,” other retailers report not seeing returns on overtly holiday-themed products.
“I do not usually like to bring in a bunch of holiday-themed items as I don’t find them to sell that well,” Love Shack of Lake Charles’ Breanna LeFevre said. “We do well with a few last-minute holiday-themed counter purchases but I have learned we end up with these products after the season and so I have cut down the amount brought in each year. We do have a lot of customers come in for fun adult-themed holiday parties or work parties looking for inexpensive gag gifts but I’d say 90 percent of them end up purchasing a regular item instead of a holiday-themed one.”
From an adult distributor’s perspective, Holiday Products’ Molly Romeo also tracks slow movement of holiday-themed items.
“Seasonal items are usually purchased early in the season, but in the last few years it’s only been a one-time buy without reorder,” she said.
Fairvilla’s Debra Peterson, on the other hand, says that holiday-specific items are “incredibly important.”
“Customers expect unique, and sometimes edgy, gifts at our stores,” she said. “We are a true destination for holiday lingerie and novelty items. Plus, I expect people are looking for some fun and laughter this year, so they will absolutely gravitate to our stores to find it.”
Williams Trading’s Rachel McCarthy also has become accustomed to adult retail shoppers coming around in search of office White Elephant or Secret Santa party gifts.
“Consumers are increasingly open-minded about bringing ‘naughtier’ gifts to holiday parties, which is always fun to see,” she said.
According to Char Lopez from Honey’s Place, holiday-themed items are extremely popular and “never fail during this time of year.”
She added, “The good ol’ Sexy Santa costumes, the holiday stockings filled with impulse items, adult party games and limited-editions holiday-flavored lotions and potions are always a hit.”
Likewise, Philip Del Rio from Hustler Hollywood says that the adult chain “always sees an uptick in red, green and blue lingerie for the holidays. Sexy Santa lingerie, edible and flavored items like pasties and oral enhancement are big for us.
Adult Source’s Sarah Franson says that it makes a difference if the holiday-themed product is “small and cheap and gets a quick laugh.”
Ultimately however, “Most of my clients want something to use all year round!” she added.
Intimate Tickles’ Virginia White agrees, adding, “I don’t think this year — with everyone being extra careful with money — that things like this will sell well. I think people are more going to be thinking of the long-term, meaning they will buy more of something that they will use all year versus a themed item.”
There is definitely a market for disposable, impactful sex-themed gifts however.
“[Adult novelties] are easy white elephant and stocking stuffer gifts,” Kheper Games’ Brian Pellham said. “We're launching a line of holiday barware this month that includes fun and simple novelties that can work for anyone. They are not too naughty for an office party but are still adult enough to appeal to cocktail consumers. Otherwise our line of 12 Games of Christmas and our newly expanded line of Santa Says games have really taken off for us.”
Another fun option for sex-toy gift-givers is advent calendars. These loaded presents allow the receiver to wallow through up to 24 items all month long.
“Holiday-themed products such as the Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar that’s available through our consumer site is always eagerly anticipated from our users as the holiday season approaches,” Lovehoney’s Ellie Ford said. “The kinky components acts as a fantastic value for money, as well as a spicy boost to your sex-life over the holiday period. This always sells out really quickly, it’s much better than chocolate!”
Orion Wholesale also offers a seasonal Erotic Advent Calendar with 24 products that are "a colorful mix of toys, lingerie, stimulating items, bondage products and massaging devices." The company has been offering sexy Advent calendars for Christmas for over 15 years, and is familiar with the intricate process of designing a kit with so many individual pieces.
Sina Bazan, product manager for Orion, has been responsible for developing the company's Erotic Advent Calendars for the past five years. She and the Orion design team begin their planning one-and-a-half years in advance.
“With our packaging supplier, we have someone at our side that can make lots of things possible," said Bazan. “If I have a new idea, we get together and develop features, improvements or new designs. It’s an incredibly interesting and creative process. When we’ve finished, we’ve usually created something that’s even better than our original idea.”
Each Erotic Advent Calendar includes lubricants, lingerie, sex toys and condoms, and there are always "new surprises" and customers' feedback regarding prior editions that are taken into account when designing future calendars. Once all of the items are selected, they are assigned specific boxes.
“It’s important that I order the items on time and that delivery dates are adhered to," Bazan explained. “The transport and, above all, the storage needs to be organized as well because Advent calendars mean that there is a huge number of individual items, printed material and then the packed calendar itself. The number of pallets can quite easily reach three-to-four-digits."
All of the design, including the finished artwork, is done in-house at Orion. Bazan described "a big logistical and complex process," which includes coordinating and scheduling the marketing and advertising of the calendars.
“ The coronavirus pandemic has proven how important it is to have a small buffer just in case something unexpected happens," said Bazan. “I was quite relieved that I had planned a bit more time for the Advent calendar.”
Gifting Luxury
The winter holidays are also a prime time for high-end pleasure product purchases. Customers that are looking to impress their gift recipients often do so with an expensive toy. This trend is something that adult retailers can expect to boost sales at the end of a tumultuous year.
“ This year has thrown us for a loop in regard to items that are selling better or worse and just overall sales in general that we are used to,” Love Shack of Lake Charles’ Breanna LeFevre said. “But I do believe once it gets to holiday season, the average customer always tends to splurge more on gifts.”
High-end products don’t just look pretty — they’re premium quality and their craftsmanship is typically protected by a warranty to ensure that the recipient is satisfied with their gift for years to come.
“Obviously it is nice to see someone spare no expense for your happiness,” Deja Vu Love Boutique’s Megan Swartz said. “When people are gift-giving, a good selling point is the warranty, just in case anything should happen to it, they know they are not gifting a lemon!”
Hustler Hollywood’s Philip Del Rio points out that a “luxury” product could mean different things to different people.
“High-end items are always nice for gifting, but it’s important to offer a wide range of interesting products to fit any budget,” he said.
As premium features have become more common, consumers have a wider selection of items to choose from. What can often sell an item as a choice for gift shoppers is its packaging. When the wrapping paper is torn off, the sealed item is supposed to put a smile on the recipient’s face.
“Of course, everyone loves receiving high-end gifts, but it is mostly about presentation and experience over price,” Satisfyer’s Jerome Bensimon said. “Packaging makes such an important first impression and sets the tone for the whole consumer experience. In that sense, because our packaging is award-winning, we make a ‘high-end’ impression with consumers.”
Bensimon highlights how Satisfyer’s packaging is designed to not only appeal to the product’s end user, but also the shopper picking it up off a retail store shelf.
“For the purchaser, our peek-a-boo packaging offers the benefit of a clear preview of the product so they can see what they are buying before they make a purchase decision,” Satisfyer’s Jerome Bensimon said. “This is not an opportunity most companies offer with their packaging and we believe this transparency helps drive conversion. Our perforated tear strip also reinforces the ultimate hygienic safety. The receiver will be delighted by our ribbon pull-tab that guides the ‘reveal’ and further builds the anticipation and excitement for the gift within.”
High On Love’s Angela Mustone says that she firmly believes that product packaging is just as important as the product itself.
“It needs to be gorgeous to reflect the luxury and quality of what's inside. We strive to create packaging and bottles that are so attractive that women want to keep them displayed in their bedrooms. The same applies to gifts, of course — we all want to spoil our loved ones (and ourselves) with something that feels high quality. Now more than ever, we believe in the importance of gifting yourself with beautiful items that bring you joy.”
Holiday gift-giving isn’t going anywhere, and given everything that the world has been through this year, consumers are more likely to want to honor their loved ones by showering them with presents. For adult retailers, the winter holidays at the end of the year are a precursor to the biggest romantic holiday of them all, Valentine’s Day; and if consumer trends continue — driven by the pandemic’s impact on romantic getaways, date nights and singles’ hook-ups — then adult shops should start preparing for Cupid’s arrival now.
