Page 48 - AVN April 2017

FEATURE
which has diversified with several new models and offers extremely competitive pricing.
Satisfyer’s parent company has also moved into couples toys with its Partner line.
Erin V. of the Cloud 9 line of toys said, “Technology is always innovative and air pulse
technology is a game changer. The Satisfyer series of products as well as Cloud 9 Air Touch
Rabbits best fit this bill as industry standouts.”
Customer demands also drive the innovation wheel, and manufacturers are constantly
racing to address those requests. Nowadays, the requests frequently venture into the VR
world—incorporating not only toy technology but also adult content. “Every week, there
seems to be a new product on the market that takes people to new heights of pleasure,”
shared Morgan Panzino of Huntington Beach-based SexToyDistributing.com. “A perfect
example is the iFuk. With VR becoming an ever more popular way to entertain oneself, we
are happy to carry something that is more intimately entertaining. With this being the first
generation for VR pleasure products, we cannot wait to see what the future will bring and
how the technology will further develop.”
When it comes to stocking the shelves, two factors that are just as important as
innovation for retailers are offering variety and uniqueness. A good adult distributor can
help retailers refine their product mix. Asked about what products it offers exclusively,
Eldorado Trading mentioned Diogol, Magic Motion, Puramour and Malesation product
ranges. An expert in lingerie inventory as well, the Eldorado staff recommends stocking
Pink Lipstick, Escanté, G World, Shirley of Hollywood and Jack Adams. “With its distinct
packaging and recognizable branding, Dreamgirl has an extensive boxed collection that
‘OUR STAFF IS ALSO A VERY
DIVERSE GROUP THAT ALLOWS
US TO MEET OUR CLIENTS’
NEEDS THAT ENCOMPASS
EVERY GENDER IN THE
SPECTRUM.’
— CAROL GESELL, OH MY!
SENSUALITY BOUTIQUE
FEATURE | By Kim Airs
KEEPING IT COOL Above right, top and bottom, Skitzo Kitty’s newly expanded space, featuring hardwood floors, wide aisles, and
high-efficiency air conditioning and LED lighting, which keeps the store cooler—an important consideration in Palm Desert.
Bottom left, table and shelf displays at Groove, based in Arizona, which redesigned completely a couple of years ago.
saves space and displays nicely on a wall,” said Allison Travers, Eldorado
director of marketing. “Their diverse range of styles truly have something
for every fantasy whether it is fetish, bedroom costumes, wedding lingerie,
hosiery or panties.”
But how do retailers stand out from other stores when incorporating
innovation in their approach to gaining and maintaining repeat customers?
Patrick Jagos, the founder and owner of the Phoenix-area store Groove,
shared his perspective on the competition in today’s market. “Specialty
retailers are recognizing the challenges posed by multi-channel retailing.
They are besieged by competition from the likes of Amazon, Walmart,
Alibaba, Etsy, and an array of sticks-and-bricks operators all reaching out
to the same consumers. Smart and nimble retailers are ensuring that their
stores provide an entertaining experience while shopping. Stores that are
interesting and unique will be better prepared to weather the storm of
increased competition.”
Jagos added, “Experience-enhancing elements should be built into every
forward-facing part of your business from guest service style, vernacular,
and practices to product selection and display to store design. It used to
be enough to make an attractive retail store. Not anymore. It needs to be
unique and have an unmistakable character. That is all a LOT of work, but
it is what we are trying to do at Groove.”
That feeling was echoed by Dave Goldman, founder and owner of Palm
Desert’s Skitzo Kitty—particularly on the topic of store design. Open for
16 years, Skitzo Kitty recently expanded to a new location across the street,
going from a 900-square-foot space to a very enlarged 2600 square feet.
Goldman mentioned, “I switched all the lighting to LED, which keeps it
cooler here in the desert and provides great lighting. I also added a high-
efficiency AC for the comfort of our customers. I installed chandeliers in
our dressing rooms and have the dressing rooms walled with floor-to-
ceiling curtains. This way, two friends can simply slide the center curtain
over to show the other friend what they are trying on without having to
step out into the store. Our customers love that!”
Goldman continued, “During buildout, I added designer touches
throughout the store, including hardwood floors, stacked stones, installed
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