LAS VEGAS — The fall edition of the International Lingerie Show kicked off today at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, with lingerie and pleasure products manufacturers and distributors showcasing their latest wares.
With plans to relocate ILS to a new venue next year, the latest edition of ILS drew an intimate crowd on day one, though still proving profitable for several exhibitors.
Eldorado again showcased a broad range of manufacturers in its large booth with several manufacturer reps on hand to lend support.
“We appreciate that they’re here to help us sell their product,” said Larry Garland, Eldorado founder and CEO. “The traffic was light as expected following the pull-out of several lingerie brands but our booth remained busy. We have very little competition and the traffic has been so good that several members of our team have been too busy to leave the booth at all. I’m extremely proud of our marketing team that created the wonderful graphics to promote our special vendors.”
Impulse Novelties’ Mark Behar told XBIZ that the buyers that continue to attend the show make it worthwhile. “The people that are here are here to buy. It’s a sincere crowd. They’re not here to waste time.”
Behar also revealed that Impulse Novelties is gearing up for a cross-marketing initiative with System Jo for its Blackdoor line of anal toys, which will now be sold with a packet of System Jo lubricant. According to Behar, Impulse’s partnership with System Jo means the companies will be promoting each other. “We’ll be introducing our customers to the System Jo brand and vice versa,” he said.
“I believe System Jo is the best in the biz,” Behar said. “We have good synergy that we’ll grow by co-branding.”
Impulse Novelties also showcased its latest products, which include bendable and rechargeable toys. According to Impulse Novelties’ Sara Hency, the new releases have been so popular that the company has already sold out three-fourths of its stock since they were first introduced at the summer’s ANME Show in Burbank, Calif.
Liberator hosted a luncheon today to introduce its buyers to the newest member of its team Morgan Wellens, who formerly worked as a purchaser for luxury car brand Porsche. “This is the industry that I was meant to be in,” Wellens told XBIZ. “I lucked out with Liberator — it’s a body-safe, positive brand.”
Additionally, Liberator revealed that it has partnered with Tantus to create an exclusive dildo that will be sold as a combo pack with its BonBon Toy Mount. According to Wellens, the new dildo will feature a rectangular base that works especially well with the toy mount, and is a smaller size that will appeal to both female and male users.
Liberator will also be welcoming a plethora of retailers and vendors tomorrow evening for an invite-only cocktail party. Liberator’s Carmen Miller-Branch said guests will include reps from Eldorado, Nalpac, Good Vibes, Deja Vu, Eros 1207, The Pleasure Chest, Adam & Eve, Love Shack, Shots America, Vibratex and more.
Vibratex showcased its newest release, the Mystic rechargeable wand, which features an intuitive design. Vibratex’s Eddie Romero told XBIZ that the Mystic wand was first introduced at ANME and is continuing to do well. In addition to being rechargeable, he noted that the vibe features an intuitive design that allows users to use in a variety of positions.
Several manufacturers, such as b-Vibe, attended ILS to support their vendors. The company recently debuted the Trio plug, which is a smaller, more flexible version of its flagship Rimming Plug. Alicia Sinclair, founder and managing director of b-Vibe, said she’s attending ILS to support distributors Entrenue, Eldorado and Nalpac, as well as to participate in one of panels slated for tomorrow.
Eye of Love is gearing up for the upcoming holiday season with a new duo set that includes a mini candle and a mini roll-on pheromone set, said Jacqui Chowaiki, Eye of Love’s director of marketing and sales.
Exsens also showcased new products including a new intimate wash that lists rose water and aloe vera as ingredients, along with flavored arousal gels and massage oils. According to Exsens sales manager Chuck Hirbour said the brand has gained its popularity by offering a combination of flavors that create a vibrant experience for users.
Industry vet Joey Teodoro attended ILS as a new member of the Shots America team. “I’m so excited to have made the move,” he said. “Shots is an incredible company and is well-known for their awesome products. I’m so happy to be a part of their team.”
Inspired by the bath bomb craze, It’s the BomBomb, was established almost a year ago in November. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based manufacturer creates handmade erotic soaps that are shaped to look like dongs, sperm, boobs, butt plugs, handcuffs and more. According to Susan, the company’s co-founder, the company’s products are made using their own molds from natural ingredients, including goat’s milk. “Our products are tantalizingly shaped and are deliciously scented,” she said.
Dr. Joel Kaplan showcased its Alpha Booster sex enhancer featuring a new formula. “It puts people in the mood,” said Sam, the company’s director, who also revealed the new Leather Strap cock ring. Dr. Joel also exhibited new nipple and clit pump kits. Judith, the company’s co-director, said that this ILS was proving to be a busy show early on during day one.
ILS continues tomorrow with a full day of seminars, which kick off at 10 a.m. and include a range of topics ranging from sexual health to lingerie trends and the State of the Industry panel moderated by XBIZ Associate Publisher Sara Ramirez.
