Page 44 - AVN February 2016

FEATURE
“The We-Vibe also will make a big splash this V
Day, bringing couples closer together,” according to
Deysach. “With the app we are seeing more folks
buying it for sure. People love the idea of that level
of function. Our staff likes it a lot so that helps sell it
and it is also one of the few toys that people come in
here knowing the name of.”
“We-Vibe continues to be strong. They’ve figured
out the app thing, which others have had trouble
making easy to understand,” Vogt told AVN. “It’s a
perfect idea for Valentine’s Day because it’s a couples
toy. It was first marketed as a couples toy and with
the controls in the cell phone it makes it a more
interesting high-tech toy.”
Goldberg also noted a trend toward lower-priced
high-end toys. “They’re more accessible. It’s so hard
to find a rechargeable toy these days under $100.
These are going for around $89, with a warranty,
which is a hard thing to get. A lot of people like
the style, but not the actual brand. It’s quality and
accessible to lower price ranges. I usually ask a
customer, ‘What do you want it to do, and what’s
your price range?’ If someone doesn’t have a price
range, you show them a high-priced toy.”
The Harder Edge
It isn’t all hearts-and-flowers out there. Some
customers like a little spice with their sex toy
purchases.
44 | AVN.com | 2.16
“Anal stuff is also coming around,” Goldberg said.
“A lot of anal training toys, to prepare for anal sex.
A lot of people are really getting into it now. Small
plugs, vibrating plugs, little wands, even a jeweled
plug. We sell a ton of those. It’s a cute idea. The plug
isn’t too big, the jewel is very cute.”
“Some positionary items, like Sportsheets, are
hot, and big,” Bell told AVN. “A doggy strap, a sling,
that kind of thing. Arm cuffs, leg cuffs, all soft and
non-threatening. It has to be sexy. Reds are really hot
colors because those are sexy colors for love. It’s all
about love.”
Feelmore pointed out that a new mainstream
parody movie called Fifty Shades of Black, starring
Marlon Wayans and set for a January 29 release, may
revitalize the Fifty Shades market. “That movie is a
satire based on the African-American experience. I
think it will put people in the mood, to come in with
a joke, and say, ‘I want to look at this.’ I think it will
spur attention.”
McCain pointed out the popularity of waterproof
toys like Sportsheets’ Sex in the Shower products:
“This line is great and a nice chance to have an excuse
to have sex other than in bed. Even just waterproof
toys in general so couples can have fun other than
just in the bedroom.” She also mentioned CalExotics’
Colt Waterproof Power Cock Ring and Lelo’s Bruno
waterproof prostate massager.
Pretty in Pink ... and Purple Top from left, B Swish’s Bgood
Deluxe Curve, items from Je Joue’s Ooh by Je Joue collection,
LELO’s scented Lily 2; bottom from left, Nookii from Lovehoney,
Ovo’s R1, Jimmyjane’s Afterglow massage candle, and Big Teaze
Toys’ I Rub My Kitty.
Speaking of Hard…
Toys intended for men were also mentioned by
some of the retailers contacted by AVN.
Feelmore said, “For the men, I like the Quickshots
from Fleshlight. I think that Fleshlight has done an
excellent job with their branding, and everybody
knows it: It’s like the Polo or Clorox for masturbation
products for men. They’re really small, they can go in
a pocket. It’s like an 8-ounce can smashed down to
about 6 ounces.”
Deysach also mentioned Quickshots: “New
innovations in penis toys are going to make buying for
your guy easier this year. The Fleshlight Quickshot is
flying off the shelves already and we think our little
Blue Valentine sleeves will make it into a lot of lucky
guys’ drawers this season.”
McCain recommended cock rings and enhancers:
“Guys want to make sure they truly please their
partner, so adding a little length and girth with an
enhancer on one of the sexiest times of the year
makes sense, if not all year round. The cock rings
these days are wild. With vibrating and ticklers
attached, both partners can truly get a great sensation
on top of a harder erection.” She mentioned
Pipedream’s X-tensions Deluxe Silicone Power Cage,
Sinclair Institute’s Fulfill Penis Extension Kit and
Oxballs’ Hood Moreskin Foreskin Set.