PORTLAND, Ore. — Trojan Vibrations brought its "pleasure carts" Tuesday to Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square to give away thousands of its relatively new line of vibrators.
The company, a unit of condom maker Trojan, parked two of its carts at the public square and doled out for free two vibrators, the Tri-Phoria, retailing for $40, and the $30 Pulse.
Trojan's vibrator division is using the such giveaways at public venues to help harpoon more customers who are now finding the brand's line of toys at local drug and grocery stores, as well as online.
The crowd was not shy at Pioneer Courthouse Square, according to reports, with many smiling for photos in front of a Trojan-branded backdrop and some shouting with excitement upon receiving their free vibrator.
Portland is the 13th city visited by Trojan's pleasure carts, which debuted in New York last summer and look like hot dog carts.
Recipients only have to prove they're over 18, and provide name, email and phone numbers that Trojan Vibrations will likely harvest for future marketing campaigns.
Trojan Vibrations had already given away more than 47,000 prior to yesterday's giveaway, which ran from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In a release, Trojan's vice president of marketing, Bruce Weiss, said, “We’re always looking for ways to bring vibrators into the mainstream by fostering an open dialogue about sexual health and creating unique moments that get people ‘buzzing’ about sex and pleasure."
The company plans additional upcoming Trojan Vibrations Pleasure Cart stops. More information can be found on its Facebook page.