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Feature Articles

opinion

Examining the Obstacles of Operating an Adult Business in India

The sexual wellness market in India is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, yet sex remains taboo in this country of 1.3 billion people. Legal and cultural barriers prevent open discussions around sex.

Raj Armani ·
opinion

Raging Stallion's 'The Way to a Man's Heart' Serves Up Steamy Romance

Valentine’s Day draws near, and Raging Stallion Studios is set to celebrate with a taste-bud-tickling new adult rom-com, “The Way to a Man’s Heart,” from directors Ben Rush and Steve Cruz. Rush admits that the lighthearted flick, which centers on delicious meals and delicious men, represents somewhat of a departure from the darker themes.

Ness Miller ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands, Retailers Can Tap Into the Popularity of 'Romantasy' Erotic Lit

Fans of the “Bat Boys” and demon-born princes alike, rejoice! Sarah J. Maas took 2024 by storm, claiming the title of bestselling author of the year with her raunchy “romantasy” novels, partly thanks to BookTok. With millions of fans worldwide, Maas’ works aren’t just dominating bestseller lists; they’re also encouraging people to embrace role-play and fantasy in their own sex lives.

Scarlett Ward ·
opinion

Ariel Demure Branches Out With Girlsway Featurette 'The Dove Plea'

Oklahoma, 1899. In a makeshift courtroom, sex worker Minnie Stacey is on trial for prostitution. In a speech that will become famous as the “Soiled Dove Plea,” her lawyer implores the jury to have compassion for this “fallen woman” rather than condemn her for her sins.

Aleks Janovski ·
opinion

Mastering the Art of the Perfect Event Selfie

The show floor at a conference or event like XBIZ or X3 is a unique world, full of industry professionals and endless opportunities for connection. It’s a space where networking happens, where outfits make statements — and where knowing just how to capture and broadcast these unforgettable moments can make your social media feed truly come alive.

Rae Threat ·
trends

Pleasure Purveyors Discuss Emerging Trends, Ambitions for 2025

2025 is upon us, and the pleasure industry is poised for another dynamic year. As brands realign their goals to satisfy shifting demand, seize new opportunities and capitalize on cutting-edge innovations, the focus for the new year is on delivering inclusive, accessible and technology-driven products that redefine pleasure and wellness.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Jacqueline Macleod

To succeed in the lingerie industry, it’s imperative to keep one foot in the adult biz, another in the mainstream fashion world — and both hands spinning plates of trend reports, apparel design experience and customer support.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Cracking the 'Book of Business' for Creator Success

In the age of digital entrepreneurship, content creators are transforming how personal brands operate, combining creativity, strategy and grit to build thriving portfolios. What was once dismissed as a fleeting fad has evolved into a sophisticated, scalable business model — and all of it is centered on a key asset: the “book of business.”

Megan Stokes ·
profile

Ashley Aoki: From Tumblr to Rising Talent

Ashley Aoki discovered that she had an interest in online exhibitionism while attending university. She found she enjoyed sending nudes to guys she was interested in, as well as posting them online for the thrill and fun of it.

Jeff Dana ·
profile

Awakening Boutique Co-Founder Tory Johnson Discusses Mission to Spread Sex Positivity in Colorado

For some customers, especially first-timers, entering an adult retail store can be a nerve-racking experience. That’s why Colorado pleasure chain Awakening emphasizes customer comfort, aiming to destigmatize conversations around adult products by providing a safe and respectful shopping experience.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Dreamlove Distribution Aims to Keep European Retailers On-Trend

From new annual trade shows in Barcelona and Malaga to the expanding international reach of Spanish sex toy brands, distributors and retailers, Spain continues to establish itself as the up-and-coming European hotspot for the pleasure industry to conduct business.

Colleen Godin ·
profile

WIA Profile: Paulita Pappel

Raised in Spain, surrounded by a predominantly Catholic community, Paulita Pappel grew up being told porn was bad. When she became a feminist, she was told her fascination with porn was not in line with her desire to empower women. This inner conflict made her feel like there was something wrong with her.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Complying With New Age Assurance and Content Moderation Standards

For adult companies operating in today’s increasingly regulated digital landscape, maintaining compliance with card brand requirements is essential — not only to safeguard your operations but also to ensure a safe and transparent environment for users.

Gavin Worrall ·
profile

Allure Lingerie Owner George Makar Offers a Glimpse Behind the Brand

For over 30 years, Canadian lingerie brand Allure has been doing things differently. It’s a defining characteristic of the company, one that dates back to its roots as an adult retailer and underlies its current reputation as a design house — and owner-designer George Makar's rep for originality.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How to Build Retail Customer Loyalty Through Connection

The most valuable part of any business is the customer, so it’s no wonder that Get to Know Your Customers Day is celebrated not just annually, but quarterly.

Ian Kulp ·
opinion

Tips for Fostering Productive Conversations in Adult Retail Settings

In an ideal world, every workplace interaction would run smoothly. Employees would communicate clearly and directly, customers would always be satisfied and challenges would resolve themselves.

Tori Titus-McCrobie ·
opinion

Understanding the FTC's New 'Click to Cancel' Rule

The Federal Trade Commission’s new “Click to Cancel” rule has been a hot topic in consumer protection and business regulation. Part of a broader effort to streamline cancellation processes for subscription services, the rule has sparked significant debate and legal challenges.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Key Factors for Choosing a Merchant Services Partner

Running a successful adult business requires more than just delivering alluring and cutting-edge products and services. Securing the right payment processing partner is essential to maintaining a steady revenue stream.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

A Look at the Fortune 500 Tech Available for Adult Stores

It used to be that if you wanted cutting-edge tech to power your adult store operation, you needed a Fortune 500 budget. Small and midsize stores had to settle for basic systems and manual processes, and hope that hustle, grit and good intentions could compensate for the tech gap.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

A Manufacturer's Guide to Adult Retail Trade Show Success

Pleasure industry trade shows offer a vital platform for showcasing the latest toys and other intimacy products, building connections with potential buyers and generating industry buzz. However, simply attending isn’t enough — you need a strategic plan to stand out from the crowd.

Vincent Renou ·
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