LOS ANGELES — Last week, the European edition of the virtual XBIZ Retreat, presented by Satisfyer, once again linked up adult retail buyers and pleasure product vendors with the focus of bolstering business on a global scale.
From October 19-23, XBIZ Retreat participants networked and talked business during daily scheduled meetings that were held in virtual “suites,” along with numerous other opportunities to connect throughout each day as attendees gathered around the virtual circle bar and in lounge areas.
With a schedule set in Central European Time, the latest virtual edition of XBIZ Retreat catered to European buyers and vendors — some of which were also among the nominees of the XBIZ Europa Awards, presented by Sataifyer, which coincided with the Retreat.
Broadcast worldwide on XBIZ.tv, the XBIZ Europa Awards recognized the best-of-the-best in a wide range of adult industry fields, including pleasure products and retail. Among the night’s winners was Satisfyer, which took home the trophies for Pleasure Products Company of the Year and Global Pleasure Products Brand of the Year.
“To top off a great [XBIZ Retreat], Satisfyer was very pleased to have won two Europa awards in the live broadcast,” Satisfyer Sales Manager Mira Waidelich said. “With a strong global team, a diverse app compatible range and loyal partner network these wins reinforce Satisfyer as the No. 1-selling global sexual wellness brand.”
Waidelich said that, although she would much rather meet with customers in person, “if this is what we have to do to keep safe during COVID, then we look forward to meeting even more virtual visitors at the next online XBIZ Retreat,” she said.
“As usual, XBIZ created an excellent opportunity to do business from Europe with buyers locally and around the world,” she said. “The new online platform served as a great way to network for B2B trade and meet socially as well. We set up and utilized our Satisfyer conference room with a large-screen to create a sense of ‘being in the room with us.’ By doing this we were able to project and share the screen to give Satisfyer Connect app tutorials, which were well-received. Feedback from visitors was positive across the board, and especially regarding our new Penthouse lingerie.”
Showcasing new items from its Strap-On-Me collection, Lovely Planet’s Anne Meunier returned to XBIZ Retreat after a successful experience at the first virtual event in August.
“I am still doing the follow-up with contacts from the summer show,” she said. ”Our Strap-On-Me line is the key to open new accounts.”
Meunier credits XBIZ Retreat for Lovely Planet’s U.S. growth. After meetings at previous XBIZ Retreats, Meunier said that Nalpac will now be offering items from the Love to Love line, the Manwand line and the full Strap-On-Me collection of strap-ons and dildos.
“We are now working with Eldorado — which is our historical and amazing partner, Entrenue, Holiday Products and Nalpac,” she said. “In 2021, I plan on developing our business in the U.S., and providing our distributors with all the training and support they need to be successful with their retail customers. I will be one of their brand ambassadors to educate on our products and facilitate the sales.”
ThatsPersonal.com CEO Samir Saraiya said that the latest virtual XBIZ Retreat “was a level up with a brilliantly designed event layout inclusive of sponsor booths, bars, lounges and chill-out zones,” he said. “It was great to meet old and new industry colleagues to engage and plan for the world ahead of us. Congratulations to the XBIZ team for a great show.”
CherryBanana Managing Director Matt Smith attended XBIZ Retreat virtually from Australia, also noting the easy-to-use platform.
“[XBIZ Retreat] allowed us to learn and understand different brands and manufacturers, some we had not been familiar with before,” he said. “It allowed us to form a one-on-one relationship and have an intimate discussion about how we can support one another. I actually found the virtual aspect quite enjoyable and has its perks, including the ease in which we could change between meetings, explore the show at our leisure and chat with vendors from the other site of the world within seconds. And I got to meet a lot of cool pets. I got some great contacts and connections that I will continue communicating with to grow our relationships further.”
Referring to the event as “XBIZ Virtual Retreat 2.0 Berlin,” ImBesharam’s Raj Armani described it as 100 percent business and 0 percent Oktoberfest,” he said “Well, not all was bad, we made some great deals, met many happy faces, cracked some wicked jokes, all complained of COVID times and then cheered up with a coffee or beer. While this wasn’t in Berlin, but my backup bedroom closet office, I enjoyed the thrill of attending, the energy in the meetings and barely any time for a break. Wow, now I miss the wait times at the elevators; and I won’t be complaining next time that happens.”
Aneros director of sales Brent Aldon said that XBIZ Retreat meetings always provide value “no matter if we are meeting with current or new partners,” he said. “I am excited to announce new partnerships and spreading the Aneros love all over the world.”
The latest edition of the virtual XBIZ Retreat provided an intimate atmosphere that allowed participants to catch up on a personal level, said Briana Watkins, VP of sales and marketing. “We discussed plans for 2021 and talked about all of the new stuff that Swiss Navy will be coming out with. I think we have all come to the realization that it will be a virtual world for a while now and made the most of it. Everyone was in great spirits and continued business as usual.”
Voodoo Toys’ Danielle Seerley returned for the latest edition of the virtual XBIZ Retreat “to connect with core international customers and also meet a great group of prospective clients,” she said.
“XBIZ always provides a polished and professional meeting experience,” Seerley added. “The show is organized, comfortable and the platform easy to navigate once you get familiar with it. It feels like an intimate experience and it's fun to ‘jump’ seats or rooms and say 'hi' to people really quickly without needing a special link or login. It's fast and easy to connect!”
A Global Crisis
While many people might be sick of hearing about the pandemic, it’s still the topic on everyone’s minds. Particularly with certain regions experiencing a second (or even third) wave of cases, adult businesses all over the world are still adjusting to all of the changes.
U.K.-based online retailer Essence Boutique reports that business this year has been going well, and is currently experiencing an increase in sales. Nevertheless, Naomi Gibson, who handles marketing and communication, said that the company has had to adapt.
“We’ve had to restructure things, and change price points,” she said, noting that the company had to cancel its move into a larger warehouse this year due to the pandemic.
With 70 store locations throughout Russia, Pink Rabbit has had to deal with the closure of many of its locations.
“We’ve had a difficult time during COVID-19,” said Maria Bolusheva, the head of Pink Rabbit’s commercial department. “Half of our stores are in malls, so we had to completely shut down; and at our [standalone] retail locations, we’ve had to start selling essentials like toilet paper. It has got better, but now it’s a second wave.”
In France, Vincent Renou, the B2B director of wholesale distributor LetsOut, said that the country also is bracing itself for a second lockdown amid rising cases of coronavirus.
Renou says that the pandemic has been an eye-opening experience. While he was operating 12 B2C web stores that were experience booming sales this year, “at the same time all the stores were closing,” he said. “Being on both sides — B2B and B2C — I learned a lot. It’s important to respect margins as our customers, and never be viewed as a competitor.”
Operating one of the largest online BDSM products retailers, DD Trading (NW) Ltd. also runs the Eva Amour Love Life online adult boutique, lubricant brand Slube and wholesale and distribution company PlayHarda Wholesale.
“We were a bit worried at first thinking that people wouldn’t be spending as much because of customers being furloughed [from work],” said Dave Powley, the managing director of DD Trading (NW) Ltd.
Also experiencing the pandemic from different aspects of the industry, Powley said that as a distributor it was hard to serve its brick-and-mortar customers. “They were suffering — specifically, stores without an online presence are the ones that suffered. Websites are often viewed as a secondary thing [by retailers], but it’s really a full-time job working a website.”
New Toys to Watch
Although nothing comes close to touching and feeling the vibration of a toy in your hands, the virtual XBIZ Retreat introduced buyers to some of the latest and upcoming releases.
Sales and marketing firm Gisele International was on hand at the XBIZ Retreat to discuss the two brands that it currently represents in the European market — Lora DiCarlo and Uberlube.
“Uberlube is so amazing — the brand has so much potential and the team is fantastic to work with,” Sales Manager Julie Bonnet said. “Lora DiCarlo’s future is also really promising. It’s been so long that there’s been a truly premium product on the market that offers innovation. Lora DiCarlo is bringing innovation back — finally there is something else that’s isn’t just the classic vibrator.”
As part of Gisele International’s role representing Lora DiCarlo and Uberlube, the company provides a local presence for the brands, as well as knowledge on the market. Bonnet says that the company is currently dedicating all of its time and resources to them.
“We’re setting a benchmark with these two brands,” she said. “We want to focus on what we’re doing and doing it well.”
José Vargas, the managing director of Joe Snyder Europe — a leading manufacturer of men’s underwear — introduced fellow attendees to the storied brand that was launched 40 years ago in Mexico by his father. Noting that the company pioneered ergonomically designed men’s underwear that are still in high demand today; Joe Snyder eventually ventured into sexier styles also due to demand from its fans.
“Customers started asking for G-strings and thongs so we became a sexy underwear brand,” he said, noting that Joe Snyder manufactures in Mexico City and is hands-on.
“We control everything from material to customer service after purchases,” Vargas said.
Among the brands designed by Joe Snyder is its affordable collection, Cut for Men. The company also offers the Provocative collection, which “features bestselling styles from Joe Synder in the most sought-after colors and designs.”
María Pérez Muñiz, LELO’s trade marketing manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, highlighted the upcoming release of Sila, which is expected to be available beginning in January.
“Unlike Sona, it’s made for beginners,” Muñiz said, pointing out some of the product highlights such as its larger mouth for greater stimulation, gentle sonic waves and soft silicone construction.
LELO also introduced buyers to Soraya Wave, the company’s latest contribution to the rabbit vibe category. According to Muñiz, Soraya Wave stimulates the G-spot with a wave motion and its sculpted tip.
With consumers at home entertaining themselves with online content, Muñiz says that LELO has shifted to creating “marketing point-of-view videos that capture the experience instead of just giving you the mechanics,” she said. “[During the pandemic,] sales numbers went through the roof, and we’ve since shifted our focus to creating content to educate and distract — our social media followers have been on the rise.”
Tease & Please Sales Manager Mischa Heins was on hand at XBIZ Retreat with a full display of the brand’s newest items, which include puzzle games. “We’re waiting on new products — everything takes longer because of COVID. Nevertheless, business-wise, we can’t complain; people that are at home are buying stuff with the money that they’re saving from not going on vacations.”
International Dreamlove, one of the biggest wholesalers in Spain, showcased some of the company’s own assortment of pleasure products. Of Dreamlove’s range of offerings, Cristina Ortiz, who handles international sales for the company, says: “We have something for everybody — no matter what you like.”
Among items that International Dreamlove highlighted was the Mia Rose silicone suction vibrator, which comes in the shape of a rose and is made for clit stimulation. Another whimsical offering from International Dreamlove is a rubber duckie-shaped vibe that’s waterproof and rechargeable.
“We’re focusing on reinventing older designs, adding extras and revamping packaging,” said. “Having see-through packaging on our products is important because customers need to see products that they are purchasing.”
While Lovehoney Global Category Buyer Joanna Hall says that she doesn’t expect business to slow down any time soon, the company is already bracing itself for another looming obstacle.
“What we are working hard on is Brexit,” Hall said. “It’s probably not going to be great for us; however, that’s why we have a dedicated team that’s working on making any shipping arrangements that may become necessary. There will also be new product regulations to comply to.”
Talking Shop
In addition to offering abundant opportunities for one-on-one and group networking, the virtual XBIZ Retreat also presented a virtual panel discussion focused on international consumer trends. Moderated by XBIZ Associate Publisher Sara Ramirez, the panel also featured DreamLove’s Cristina Ortiz, Lovely Planet’s Anne Meunier, LELO’s Luka Matutinovi, Red Feelings’ Claudia Sousa and Lovehoney’s Jo Hall.
Matutinovi began the conversation by pointing out that, as a former L’Oreal exec, he’s impressed by how mainstream the pleasure products industry has become. “You can now be proud to work in this industry,” he said.
Meunier echoed the sentiment, noting, “The taboo isn’t as present as it used to be —even compared to two years ago.” Consumers are now more curious and want to know more about sexual wellness products, she said.
“The demand for pleasure products is huge,” Hall said. “There’s been a big spike and still, people are continuing to shop online.”
Meunier pointed out the need for retailers to be prepared for the high demand — which is “higher than ever,” she said. “Let customers know that they should place orders now, not later in November as they usually would.”
Among the currently trending pleasure product categories are app toys “for long-distance relationships and adventurous products like anal toys,” Hall added.
The panelists also discussed how COVID-19 has affected them in their part of the world.
In Spain, there’s less socializing, Ortiz said, “Spanish people, we’re used to sharing everything — but not anymore.”
Among the safety precautions that Ortiz says Dreamlove has embraced are the use of ultraviolet cleaners; the company has also begun supplying more toy cleaners, masks and plastic shields to retailers.
In Portugal, Sousa said that there weren’t any home parties for six months. “Portugal experienced an economic crisis, so there is less money — people are buying the cheapest or sharing the costs.”
As for global regions with the most potential for growth, Meunier says she sees the largest demand coming from Asia.
“In Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea there is a huge demand for our products,” she said.
Before logging off of XBIZ Retreat’s virtual platform, attendees shared their outlook for the coming year.
“I’m hopeful that spring will bring the end of COVID,” Claudia Sousa said. “I hope that the market will continue to rise up and everything will improve. 2021 will be a good year.”
With a full slate of new products in the works, Cristina Ortiz said that she’s very optimistic about the future.
“Toys are now more mainstream and there’s more demand,” she said. “We expect sales to be better next year.”
LELO’s Luka Matutinovi offered an uplifting perspective, saying that there’s a possibility that “2020 will be like the year that everything started,” he said. “All this money should be reinvested to bring more attention to the industry.”
With consumers around the world becoming more familiar with sexual wellness and having more time to explore toys from the privacy of their homes, pleasure products seem to finally be getting the attention they deserve.
The adult retail industry will have the opportunity to reconvene and replenish on the latest releases January 11-15 when the virtual ANME/XBIZ show will bring together the most expansive slate of exhibitors and international networking opportunities.
ANME/XBIZ will coincide with the adult industry's biggest night, the 2021 XBIZ Awards, which is set for a worldwide broadcast on XBIZ.tv, as well as the virtual edition of XBIZ Honors that will recognize the year’s XBIZ Exec Awards nominees along with select award categories from the flagship XBIZ Awards show.
For event information, contact anmexbiz@xbiz.com.
