Town Administrator Paul Lemont said that he understood from the owners that the shop would feature only apparel; other items, like DVDs and adult toys, would be available, but strictly through catalog and Internet order. Patrons could order these items from the store, and would have them delivered to their homes. Adam & Eve is one of the largest mail order and Internet retailers of adult products in the world.
One local official, David Viera, said the zoning laws needed to be specified on any permits Adam & Eve would seek, stating he would not stand for other novelties to be sold in that part of town. He said the only area zoned for a novelty store is further down the street.
An Adam & Eve corporate representative told the Star that most franchise stores do offer DVDs and novelties along with lingerie. The representative added that inventory in each store is selected by individual franchise owners.
Plans for the store are on hold, and Manny Frontino, the owner of the store, is being advised by an attorney.
"I only approved a lingerie store," Building Inspector Mike Chrisafulli said. Anything else would not be in the proper zone. "That's not what was approved ... it's not going to happen in this town."
A manager at a nearby Mattress Discounters said he believed his potential new neighbors could be beneficial by drawing more people to the plaza.
"I think it would probably help our business," he said, adding that the "young people" who visit his store are generally in their 20s, not teenagers, and therefore his clientele would likely not pose a legal problem for any adults-only stores.
