WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Last Tuesday, the XBIZ Retreat kicked off with a bright-and-early speed networking session in which up to 100 buyers and vendor representatives initiated conversations as a warm-up to the next three days of one-on-one meetings.
The winter edition of the XBIZ Retreat, which is held annually in Los Angeles, had officially started the night prior with a welcome reception that allowed for casual conversation over drinks and appetizers. Attendees usually take this opportunity to familiarize themselves with their meeting schedule and connect with those that they’ll be spending the rest of the week with. With the ANME Show having wrapped just mere hours earlier, several attendees called it an early night in preparation for the first full day of the intimate show for adult retailers.
The next morning, XBIZ Retreat attendees packed into a seminar room, where they were split up into two groups — vendors and buyers — both of which took their spots on either side of tables set up in a circle. Every minute, a whistle was blown and the participants shifted seats to allow each vendor rep to introduce him/herself to each buyer. The speed networking served as an icebreaker for attendees, which allowed for them to more quickly get down to business once inside the suites.
“The speed networking was very speedy, it was very nice to have a quick talk with everyone and see who’s there,” CLS Healthcare buyer Frank van’t Veer said.
Phoebe Grott, VP of buying and merchandise for Ella Paradis, said that the speed networking served as a preview for the meetings that were to come later in the week.
“Though Ella Paradis was not scheduled to meet with every manufacturer, the event connected us for 60 seconds to hear about the assortment and brands,” she said.
Following speed networking, in-suite XBIZ Retreat meetings — which are held in 25-minute increments — officially kicked off.
Within a luxurious suite at the Andaz hotel in West Hollywood, Calif., Cousins Group showcased the full selection of Pornstar Signature Series products. Now in his 21st year in the adult biz, Cousins Group CEO Dennis D. is applying his expertise and connections in the adult film industry to the pleasure products marketplace with an expansive selection of strokers inspired by today’s top adult stars. Among the new releases were new rechargeable, vibrating strokers and smaller, travel-friendly Pornstar Coinslots strokers.
The first strokers in the rechargeable series to be launched are the personal molds of fan favorites Allie Haze and Alexis Monroe. The company also unveiled a Vibrating Pussy Stroker, modeled after adult star Darcie Dolce. Each stroker in the Pornstar Series lineup comes with a Collector’s Can and unique cellphone stand for a hands-free experience. Additionally, each stroker comes with a scratch-off card that reveals a code that provides 30-day access to an adult membership site.
Dennis said that the PornStar Signature Series will continue adding new and innovative products to their line throughout 2019, including offerings inspired by other popular porn stars such as Karma Rx, Chanell Heart, Jaclyn Taylor, Britney Amber, India Summer, Alexis Fawx, Amia Miley, Skyla Novea, Savana Styles, Christie Stevens and Avi Love. Currently the brand has 28 girls signed, according to Dennis D.
“What’s special about our packaging is that it comes in a retail-ready tin and it comes in a box that protects the tin and can be hung,” he said, adding that the starlets themselves lend a hand in helping adult retailers promote the line by posting about their strokers availability at store locations on their highly trafficked social media profiles.
In another suite, Creative Conceptions lived up to its name with an assortment of cleverly designed adult games. Among the company’s new releases is the new Sex game — which is now gender-neutral to cater to any couple. Creative Conceptions sales executive Chris Bowles was on hand to discuss the company’s most popular game, “Monogamy,” along with others that prove the brand’s tagline of “anything but a bored game.” With some games providing as many as 720 suggested foreplay and sex acts, and others that are complete kits with toys included, Creative Conceptions is simplifying sales for retailers with a set of guides for each of its games that provide instructions on how to play, as well as suggested add-on purchases.
“In the U.K., we’ve been around for 16 years as a distributor and for about six or seven years we’ve become known as a game company,” Bowles said, noting that the company’s offerings are growing with new games, which are made in-house, constantly in the works.
Doxy sales director Leigh Dedhar proudly discussed Doxy’s ongoing expansion and revamp, as the company continues to unveil new products, along with new marketing and merchandising support. Among the new items Doxy showcased at its XBIZ Retreat suite are new colors, “disco black” and red.
“Retailers had been asking for more color variety,” Dedhar said, “so we added red and a sparkly black.”
Doxy also introduced new lifestyle photography in promotion of its products and new point-of-sale materials such as shelf-talkers and brochures. Doxy also gave away swag such as vintage-inspired T-shirts and cute Doxy wand-shaped pins to buyers that visited the suite.
“We’ve got lots to come in 2019,” he said. “We’ve just re-launched our site — and everyone at this morning’s speed networking was already familiar with, and wanting to purchase Doxy for their stores.”
Lovely Planet brought its selection of high-end brands to introduce to U.S. and international buyers at the XBIZ Retreat. Among its new additions is the Wonderlove remote control couples vibe, as well as a new range of Maison Close Le Petit Secret luxurious packaged panties and BDSM accessories. “They come in gift boxes that are easy to sell and easy to gift,” Lovely Planet’s Christophe Walme said.
Magic Motion is a Shanghai-based company aiming to shape the future of sexual health and wellness with high-tech, app-powered pleasure products. Company founder and CEO Sam Xie was on hand at the XBIZ Retreat to initiate the brand’s launch into the North American marketplace.
“XBIZ is a great place to introduce our brand, I’m really happy to be here,” he said, pointing out Magic Motion’s colorful, playful Flamingo vibe and cat-shaped vibrator cap that the company anticipates to be bestsellers. “We’re focused on catering to the mid to high-level market with high quality products.”
Hong Kong-based pleasure products brand ML Creations showcased its array of vibrators, which are now available in clear, plastic packaging. Company owner Susanna said that the company’s packaging received accolades at last year’s eroFame trade show. “We offer the best quality, great prices, packaging, and our vibes are powerful but not noisy,” she said.
Pleasure products industry vet Lulu Schwartzer attended XBIZ Retreat for the first time as part of the Mystim team.
“My goal with the company is that I want to bring e-stim to the mainstream — it’s what’s next,” she said, adding that the category could use a woman’s touch in making it more beginner-friendly.
“Electro-stimulation is not here to hurt you,” she said. “A lot of the time when people demonstrate electro-stimulation, they’re looking to really shock you, that’s not what I want to do. I want to train retail staff how to educate consumers on how to properly use electro-stimulation toys.”
Among Mystim’s toys that Schwartzer says she believes have the most mainstream crossover potential are its silicone dildos selection, which stimulate contraction of the kegels for effortless strengthening.
Pound International took a no-nonsense approach to participating in the XBIZ Retreat. “I came, I saw, I conquered,” said Jo Racklin, the company’s regional director.
Stud 100 was developed in 1970 to help reduce sensitivity in men experiencing over-rapid ejaculation. The delay spray comes in a bottle that delivers measured doses of the formula, which have proved effective for the past 50 years.
“I’m super proud that after all these years, even with competition, Stud 100 is still the most popular delay spray in the market,” she said.
Another boutique brand that has stood the test of time with its flagship product is CB-X, the world leader in male chastity. Michael Tullis, director of sales for CB-X, describes CB-X’s offerings as ideal for “chastity and tease play.” The items also can be employed for couples dealing with infidelity and sexual problems.
CB-X has participated in all three of XBIZ Retreat’s reiterations in Los Angeles, Miami and Berlin.
“The XBIZ Retreat is a wonderful and well-thought-out retreat for companies such as ours,” Tullis said. “I have attended three over the last nine months and have enjoyed each one. It is truly the most efficient way to see most of the serious buyers in the industry in a quick and professional manner. I don't need to cold-call and be a pest or bother, but rather I have their attention for an acceptable amount of time needed to present our products and story. For a niche product like ours, there just isn't a better way to present the product.”
Hauppauge, N.Y.-based lingerie manufacturer Magic Silk/Male Power showcased its newest sensual offerings for women and men. Among the new collections that company owner Jeff Baker had on hand were Cranberry Crush, Naughty Navy and Unwrap Me. Baker predicts the most popular color of the year will be purple, while foreseeing success for the company’s male brand, Male Power. “We like to involve our key customers in creating new collections,” he said, noting that all of Magic Silk’s lingerie styles are conceived in-house.
MD Science Labs, manufacturer of the premium Swiss Navy lubricant line, offered buyers free samples of several of the company’s popular lubes and stimulating creams while introducing them to the brand.
“The people here are really serious about learning more about our brand,” MD Science’s Randal Withers said. “We really enjoyed the speed networking because it gave people a chance to meet you and want to meet you later. I really appreciate this opportunity to talk, and everybody is here ready to do business.”
Similiarly, e-Stim Systems’ Mick Clarke credited the XBIZ Retreat as a platform that’s proven successful for business. “[XBIZ Retreat] is a great event, well-organized and its concept means a far higher quality of interaction with people ready to do business,” he said.
Be Wicked returned to the XBIZ Retreat to showcase the company’s selection of sexy lingerie. The Los Angeles-based brand offers a diverse selection of lingerie, intimates, hosiery, loungewear, sleepwear, and costume styles. Be Wicked’s sales executive Marc Toretzky praised the event for promoting the company’s growth.
“The XBIZ Retreat is a very effective event,” he said. “To meet with buyers, managers, and executives from all over the world in a nice, intimate environment is a great way expand our product line and keep working hard at increasing business.”
Based in central London, Stark Distribution’s operation draws upon 30 years of industry experience. The company offers an expansive lineup of sex toys, BDSM gear and fetish fashions. Among the newest items that Stark showcased at the XBIZ Retreat was the Titus Pro Vibrating Pup Tail Butt Plug, which is rechargeable.
“Puppy play is big in the U.K.,” Stark Distribution’s Michael Ryan said. “And it’s not just about the fetish appeal, the Vibrating Pup Tail also provides dual stimulation.”
According to Ryan, Stark Distribution’s unique selection of BDSM lifestyle items has made the company popular in the U.S. in a short amount of time.
Oxballs set up a full wall to display its new hunkyjunk line of toys for men. Made in collaboration with a stylist from Reykjavik — which Ryan Fraga, Oxballs’ director of marketing, revealed is an old contact from Oxballs owner Stephen Lane’s days in the fashion industry.
“hunkyjunk is a modern, stylish iteration of what we do,” Fraga said. “Oxballs is known for its hardcore, gay, great men’s toys — however, our toys aren’t just for gay men, they’re great products for all men.”
The new hunkyjunk collection comes in impactful packaging that “maximizes money on retail footprint,” Fraga said. The innovative packaging includes a little back pocket that holds a small booklet featuring information on other Oxballs items.
The hunkyjunk line includes 12 new designs made using the same process as Oxballs’ existing range of popular items.
“Oxballs will always be what Oxballs is but we have a lot more cool things to come,” Fraga said. “Who we are doesn’t have to limit us.”
By 6 p.m., XBIZ Retreat meetings had officially come to an end; and attendees were ready to unwind after a long day of work. The entire XBIZ Retreat group reconvened across the street from the Andaz hotel at the cozy Den on Sunset. For the “Satisfyer’s Den” event, the tavern was dressed up with fun accessories that attendees would eventually don to pose for silly photos in front of the Satisfyer-sponsored photo booth that was set up for guests.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity of meeting with top providers as well as retailers at the XBIZ Retreat,” said Elias from adult store, the Love Shack. “It is an excellent opportunity to preview new trends in business as well as a chance to share ideas and experiences with other colleagues in the industry. I always look forward and appreciate being invited to attend.”
Tonya Dreher, from Like a Kitten, added, “The XBIZ Retreat was incredibly valuable to us as a retailer, in that we could meet and begin to form relationships with so many vendors in the field!"
New Mexico-based retailer Self Serve participated in the XBIZ Retreat for the first time.
“As a first-time attendee I was welcomed with open arms and every person I came into contact with was helpful, gracious, and most of all, an asset to my ability to do better business,” Self Serve’s Matie Fricker said. “The schedule was intense but manageable thanks to my needs being considered and cared for along the way. I’m leaving with better business relationships, big plans for the new year, ready to make some big orders, and connections to friends and community that make running a business in New Mexico a bit easier."
The XBIZ Retreat wrapped last Friday, Jan. 18, following a week packed with product showcases, networking and more. Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage of XBIZ Retreat’s in-suite product showcases, special events and the XBIZ Exec Awards.
