Click for Bliss: Why Mainstream Outlets Can't Hold a Candle to Adult Boutiques!
Unsplash: Lia Bekyan
The way shoppers buy pleasure products has transformed considerably. In contrast to the traditional and impersonal encounters of the past, people now have the opportunity to explore a more personalized and individual experience.
While mainstream stores maintain their appeal through anonymity and convenience, specialty adult boutiques are gaining popularity. These unique shops aim to eliminate the stigma, intimidation, and fear associated with purchasing pleasure products by offering an immersive, specialized, and empowering experience.
People can freely explore and accept their inclinations in these boutiques without fear of judgment.
Sherri and Reuben, Co-founders of SexTech n' Chill explain how “The first time we ventured into a specialty boutique was a pivotal moment. For us MIKOS in Providence, RI was a welcome change from the typical teen haven at Spencer's Gifts we’d experienced in the mid-1990s.”
Reuben goes on to explain how life-changing that moment was. He says “given our background in purity culture, stepping into that environment was a little daunting. The church's negative views on sex had caused tension in our relationship, and being in these environments was often triggering for us. With all of that in mind, our experience with that retailer was something that stayed with us for years. The retail associate there was patient and knowledgeable, guiding us with recommendations based on feedback to questions she’d asked us. We left with an illustrated book that truly changed the game for us, ‘A Guide to Getting it On’, we were beyond grateful.”
If you've ever been curious about what awaits inside your local adult toy store but felt a bit shy to take the plunge, consider this your invitation!
Take my hand and let me be your guide as we not only explore the unique offerings of your local adult boutique but also dive deep into the special advantages they hold for your intimate shopping experiences.
Expert Guidance and Knowledge
One of the main advantages of shopping at specialty adult boutiques is the wealth of expertise provided by the knowledgeable staff. Unlike mainstream outlets, where employees might lack specialized knowledge, the staff at specialty boutiques are often well-trained in sexual wellness. This expertise allows them to guide customers toward products that align with their desires and preferences, fostering a comfortable and informative shopping environment.
Domina Doll, Sexpert and Pleasure Coach at sexperteaze.com, says, “Adult stores offer expert sexual education, including anatomy and pleasure. You won’t find that at big box stores or Amazon.”
This means that when you have particularly intimate questions, you’ll get accurate answers from people who can answer them with ease, and they’ll create an environment where you’ll not only learn, you’ll leave with a product that can satisfy your needs, rather than just grabbing a random product and hoping for the best.
Domina Doll tells the story of a customer who didn’t know where her clitoris was. She says “She was in her forties. I drew her an anatomy diagram, explained where it was, and how to stimulate it, and then helped her find the perfect toy so she could have her first orgasm. For her, it was a game-changer. She was so thrilled and grateful. From then on I kept a bunch of anatomy drawings that I had photocopied on hand, and you’d be surprised how many times I handed them out to customers.”
Curated Selections and Quality Assurance
Specialty boutiques typically curate a selection of pleasure products that prioritize quality, safety, and efficacy. Whereas mainstream outlets may carry a generic range of products, boutiques will carefully select items from reputable brands, ensuring a superior and satisfying experience for customers.
Fairvilla’s Sexy Things in Orlando Florida, via @xoFlyDuo
This curated approach also extends to lubricants, accessories, and other intimate essentials, offering a level of quality assurance often absent in mainstream stores. Specialty boutiques can then prioritize personalization in the shopping experience. Customers benefit from tailored recommendations based on their unique preferences, helping them discover products that cater to their specific desires.
This personalized touch is often absent in mainstream outlets, where one-size-fits-all approaches often do not address the diverse needs of individuals, couples, or other partnered relationships.
Casey Murphy, Certified Sex Educator, and Founder of Bold Type Marketing explains that “Awakening Boutique in Denver, CO is one example of a retailer who does this well. Someone who may not need a new sex toy still has a reason to stop in and shop for fun lifestyle products.”
Discreet and Inclusive Atmosphere
Walking into a specialty adult boutique is a far cry from the sometimes sterile and impersonal atmosphere of mainstream stores. These boutiques are designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where customers can explore their desires without judgment.
This unique atmosphere promotes a sense of comfort and confidence, essential factors when it comes to selecting the right products for personal pleasure.
Unsplash: Jayson Hinrichsen
Dirty Lola, Sex Educator & Dildo Slinger says “The feminist/woman-owned/queer owned boutique type shop changed the game when it came to offering spaces that felt less salacious and skeevy (I say skeevy with much love because I think there is space for the classic shop with booths and porn even if it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea). Creating well-lit spaces that feel more like traditional shopping experience has made it a lot easier for folks to feel comfortable walking into an adult store.”
Educational Opportunities
Beyond product sales, specialty adult boutiques often host workshops, events, and educational sessions to promote sexual wellness. These events create a sense of community and provide a platform for customers to learn about new products, techniques, and health-related information. This emphasis on education contributes to a more informed and empowered consumer base, setting specialty boutiques apart from their mainstream counterparts.
Linnea Marie, Certified Sex Educator/Clinical Sexologist for BedBible.com says “Educational resources, workshops, and online guides to help customers make informed decisions would allow customers to build that trust and relationship with the boutique, and they may feel more inclined to come in, ask questions, and attend the workshops.”
Supporting Local Businesses and Artisans
Many specialty adult boutiques collaborate with local artisans and businesses, contributing to the growth of the community. By choosing to shop at these establishments, customers actively support local economies and the individuals behind the products.
This sense of connection and community engagement adds a meaningful dimension to the shopping experience, transcending the transactional nature of mainstream outlets.
Casey Murphy explains how when you partner with local mainstream businesses, you can “draw from their communities and acquire exposure. Step outside of your comfort zone and look outside of what the rest of our industry is doing. Get creative and evolve.”
Go Forth And Have Fun!
Shopping for pleasure products is a personal journey that goes beyond the mere act of purchasing. Specialty adult boutiques offer an unparalleled experience, combining expert guidance, curated selections, a discreet atmosphere, personalized recommendations, educational opportunities, and a commitment to supporting local businesses.
Like Linnea Marie says, “While shopping online has its perks, there’s nothing like being able to feel and touch a physical product; in-store shopping provides that experience. Yes, online retailers provide detailed descriptions about the products, but feeling the material, vibration strengths, vibration patterns, and whether the vibration is ‘rumbly’ or ‘buzzy’ makes a world of difference in the satisfactory ratings.”
And on the opposite end, pay attention to the social media accounts of the stores you’re interested in shopping at. As societal attitudes towards intimacy continue to evolve, these boutiques stand as beacons of empowerment, fostering a space where individuals can explore and embrace their desires with confidence and satisfaction.
Casey Murphey reminds us that “Social media is a full-time (and tireless) job, so retailers who are mindfully creating educational, ethical, fact-based and unique content for their audience is always a good sign.
Who is posting value-based, inclusive, and informative content? Does their messaging speak to a multitude of interests, gender identities, sexualities, and experience levels? Does it resonate with your needs? If nothing else, step inside their store and gauge how you feel when you walk in. That experience will likely be different at every store. There's nothing more affirming than the real thing.”
The benefits of shopping at specialty adult boutiques extend far beyond the products themselves, creating a holistic and enriching experience for those seeking a more intimate connection with their desires and themselves.
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xoxo
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