Page 22 - AVN Intimate Summer 2019

ZALO
≥ By Sherri L. Shaulis
DETAIL ORIENTED
Zalo USA combines elegant designs and high-tech innovation
Zalo USA is continuing its push into
the U.S. and Canadian markets, and is
quickly becoming as well known for its
unique products as it is for its distinctive
packaging.
The pleasure product manufacturer got its start
in 2016 when it was founded by Fred Chang in
Asia. Peter Ovsonka joined as a partner in 2018,
and soon took the lead as CEO and president of
Zalo, making the decision to bring the brand to
North America. Zalo first started attending trade
shows in 2017 to showcase its Lolita and Versailles
collections, which were soon joined by the Sweet
Magic line.
Every line is comprised of four models, each
in three colors. While most of the massagers
offer eight patterns of vibrations, some of the
rechargeable massagers come with a remote
control, and all are compatible with the Zalo app,
which is available through the Apple and Android
stores. The app allows the pieces to respond to
music on a smartphone, or they can be personalized
with a created pattern. It also offers “scenes,” such
as “Bar,” which feature patterns that are similar to
ambient noises in said scenes.
Attention to detail—such as a gold token and
chain that screw into the charging port to keep
it clean of body fluids and lube—makes these
attractive toys stand out. And that details begins
with outer boxes, which are reminiscent of jewelry
cases and adorned with delicate imagery.
“The Versailles collection
represents and is inspired by the luxury and sumptuousness of the lives of French nobility.”
Design Forward Zalo sales executive Mara Epstein and CEO Peter Ovsonka at the AVN Novelty Expo in January 2019. Photo by Rick Garcia
The waterproof Queen has eight vibration modes, eight pulse-wave modes, and an
intelligent 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) heating temperature control. PulseWave
technology uses adjustable intensity with a range up to 75 sets of stimulation per second. Its
sleek design is convex in the center with an angled form, allowing for point-to-point waving
“Fred Chang in 2016 decided that each collection
stimulation and wave-press G-spot at high frequency.
would reflect a part of history,” said Mara Epstein,
The Hero, which debuted at the most recent Altitude Intimates Show, uses the same
senior executive director of sales and marketing for
PulseWave technology as the Queen, but is designed as a lay-on vibrator for clitoral
Zalo USA. “For example, the Versailles collection
stimulation. The Hero also features the same Egyptian detailing as the Queen, including the
represents and is inspired by the luxury and
snake charm control with Swarovski crystal. Both the Hero and Queen are available in Wine
sumptuousness of the lives of French nobility. The
Red, Twilight Purple and Jewel Green.
Versailles series is the ultimate combination of
But it’s not just the products that set Zalo USA apart, company officials noted.
elegance and superior functionality.”
“The Zalo USA brand has taken a different approach to the distribution network,” Ovsonka
The company has since expanded its offerings
said. “We are selling directly to multiple chain stores, stores, e-tailers and direct to consumer.
with the Queen, and—most recently—the Hero.
We have implemented strong sales programs to help boost sales and teach sales associates how
The Egyptian-inspired Queen is a G-spot
to sell Zalo.
vibrator that features electromagnetic PulseWave
“We provide stores with testers, displays, online instructional videos, shipping, a great
technology, which uses a wave-type motor in
Dropbox with images and videos, bags and, coming soon, instructional iPads for stores,” he
combination with a vibration motor. The controller
continued. “We recognize that more tools are needed for all to help sell the Zalo USA brand.”
is a Cleopatra-inspired snake charm design that
“We have also implemented an affiliate program for talent and directors to use our products
features a Swarovski crystal and three separate
in their chats, productions or dance engagements and get paid,” Epstein said. More details can
buttons that adjust heating, the vibration motor
be found by emailing mara@zaloUSA.com.
and the wave motor. A suction accessory makes it
Both Epstein and Ovsonka said the entire team is committed to working with retailers and
a versatile model ideal for clitoris stimulation and
sales associates in an effort to provide them with all the necessary tools to help them grow their
breast teasing.
sales. For more, visit ZaloUSA.com.
22 | INTIMATE | SUMMER 2019