Feature Articles

opinion

BAFTA Nominations Highlights Importance of Gender-Neutrality

While the Brit Awards have paved the way for gender inclusivity by introducing gender-neutral award categories, it has recently been confirmed that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards will not follow suit.

Scarlett Ward ·
opinion

How to Explain Wax Play to Shoppers

When it comes to candles in the bedroom, most folks think of them as a great way to create a sexy ambiance. For folks who enjoy wax play, however, candles are also a kinky way to heat things up. While it may sound daunting to the uninitiated — because, you know, fire and hot dripping wax — wax play can be a fun and accessible sensation-play option, as well as an excellent intro to BDSM.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

Al and Michele Harrington Discuss Vision for Pleasure Brand Love Verb

Former NBA player Al Harrington has matched his success on the hardwood with equally impressive accomplishments in the business world, including creating cannabis company Viola. Now, Harrington and his wife, Michele, have expanded their business portfolio with Love Verb, a venture aimed at enhancing couples’ intimacy through a variety of pleasure products.

Quinton Bellamie ·
opinion

A Look at the Benefits of AI for Optimizing Retail Operations

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail tech, staying ahead of the curve is not just advantageous — it’s mandatory for survival. Currently, small-to-midsize retailers face an unprecedented opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) features to gain an advantage, enhance employee productivity and optimize operations.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Boosting Visibility for Female Sexual Dysfunction Products to Overcome Stigma

It is undeniable that sexual wellness has entered the mainstream, and the market is expected to expand. Many of those sales are driven by women, who have become more empowered than ever to buy sex toys and accessories — especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, when a significant consumer uptick made this shopping category more lucrative than ever.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

Tips for Making the Most of In-Store Marketing

When it comes to brick-and-mortar retail, getting shoppers in the door is only the beginning. Once they are inside, catching their eye and getting them to open their wallets is a whole other ballgame — both for retailers, who want shoppers to spend as much money as possible in their stores, and for manufacturers, who want that money spent on their products specifically.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

Sweetening Up Sales With Lubricants, Topicals and Sexual Enhancers

For as long as people have been getting it on, they have also been finding ways to enhance their pleasure. The ancient Greeks loved sex and were incredibly open about it. We even have historical records of some of the various tools they created and used to enhance the experience.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

Why Sourcing Pleasure Products from Alibaba Might Pose Risks

The allure of Alibaba and similar ecommerce platforms is undeniable: They offer a vast marketplace where businesses can access a plethora of products at seemingly unbeatable prices. For those in the pleasure industry, however, sourcing from these platforms can present numerous potential challenges and issues that may outweigh any cost savings.

James Guo ·
opinion

A Look at Sex-Positioning Product Features That Drive Sales

Whether your customer has mobility or stamina challenges or is simply looking to try a creative new position, their new best friend in the bedroom can likely be found in the many styles of position support devices available on the market.

Corrinne Musick ·
opinion

Retail Staff Training Tips for Building Inclusivity

A well-trained team is the backbone of any retail environment. Staff interactions significantly influence customer perceptions and comfort levels in every kind of store — but especially in the sexual wellness sector, where sensitivity, cultural competency and inclusivity can truly transform the customer experience, fostering trust and loyalty.

Ian Kulp ·
opinion

How to Incorporate Current Trends Into Store Displays

Ever walk into a store and get stopped dead in your tracks by an attention-grabbing display? Maybe it’s the pop of color, or perhaps it’s the design you love. Whatever the reason, in-store displays can grab customers’ attention and even drive sales and foot traffic to your store. But how do you create displays that surprise and hook your audience?

Carly S. ·
opinion

A Guide to Top Optimization Methods for Ecommerce Sites

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the backbone of any successful ecommerce business. In a digital world, visibility equals success, which makes SEO not just a tool, but a smart and even crucial investment.

Luka Matosic ·
opinion

Exploring the Evolution of Dildos From Prehistoric Times to Present Day

You know the old saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun”? Not so, when it comes to dildos! Like the rest of the industry, dildos have seen a veritable explosion of innovation. Where once there were only insertable phalluses in a couple of sizes and colors, we now have an absolutely massive selection of dongs.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

A Look at Three POS Scenarios Reflecting Three Stages of Retail Growth

Leading a small-to-midsize adult retail business is exhilarating, yet daunting. Among the gazillion decisions you have to make, choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system is one of the biggies. Whether you’re just setting up shop or expanding your store footprint, your POS system is the functional backbone of your operations.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

How Gen Z Is Reshaping Pleasure Product Marketing

Gen Z is breaking the customer funnel, and it’s exactly what we need. In the past, figuring out customers’ purchasing habits, both in-store and digital, was relatively straightforward. But Gen Z’s priorities are completely different from those of their predecessors, and so are their shopping habits.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

A Look at the Serious Business of Novelties in Retail

Adult retailers put a lot of thought into the products they carry. They want to offer customers high-quality sex toys with the latest technology and features, plus a robust selection of condoms and lubricants — all at competitive prices.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

Retailer Online Engagement Strategies for Pride Month

Pride month is more than a celebration; it is a platform for advocacy, inclusivity and community empowerment. As we celebrate Pride month in June, therefore, it is essential for the pleasure industry to engage with the queer community by embracing thoughtful digital marketing initiatives that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences.

Verna Meng ·
opinion

A Deep Dive Into 'Shallowing' Sex Toys

The term “Shallowing” refers to engaging only in shallow penetration of the vagina, and/or stimulating the vaginal opening and the few centimeters inside of it, rather than deeper penetration and trying to stimulate the G-spot or A-spot.

Carly S. ·
opinion

Which Tech Should Retail Businesses Consider Outsourcing?

Since technology is the backbone of almost any retail business nowadays, one of the biggest challenges adult retailers encounter is making sure they have the right technology stack and staff needed to support growth.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Amy Baldwin, April Lampert Bring Podcast to Print in Debut Sex-Ed Book

Sex educators April Lampert and Amy Baldwin, whose winding, interwoven pleasure industry paths have now culminated with the debut of their first book, “Shameless Sex: Choose Your Own Pleasure Path to Unlock the Sex Life You’ve Been Waiting For.”

Colleen Godin ·
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