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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

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 ·
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 ·
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

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

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 ·
opinion

Pleasure Brand Marketing and PR Trends to Watch in 2025

From the lockdown boom to the economic pressures of a post-pandemic world, we have seen shifting technologies, evolving consumer expectations and a hunger for authenticity shape pleasure product marketing and public relations.

Scarlett Ward ·
profile

WIA: Jennifer Jolicoeur Reflects on Passionate Home Party Journey

Nearly 30 years ago, Jennifer Jolicoeur became Rhode Island’s first adult toy party planner. After gaining experience with another company, she launched Athena’s Home Novelties from her apartment in 1998, guided by the mantra “Educate. Empower. Entertain.”

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Tips for Embracing Diversity Through Language

We are all used to slang terms shifting from generation to generation, as words or phrases get co-opted and acquire new meanings. It is a much rarer occurrence when some of the most fundamental words in our language undergo a major transition in a short space of time, but that is exactly what is happening right now with pronouns.

Claire Sass ·
opinion

A Look at the Ethics, Risks of AI-Generated Sexual Wellness Content

Few technological advancements have inspired the level of controversy that has been generated by the advent of artificial intelligence, which is now powering or being incorporated into digital tools we use every day.

Anne Hodder-Shipp ·
opinion

How the 10-Minute Delivery Model Is Disrupting the Indian Market

In September, when the iPhone 16 was released, a person in India had the brand-new model delivered to him — while he was waiting in line at an Apple Store, before reaching the front for his turn. How? By ordering on Zepto, one of the leading “quick commerce” platforms that are changing how consumers shop in India.

Raj Armani ·
opinion

How to Keep Meta From Derailing Your Social Media Campaign

The heavy hand of Meta can be both unforgiving and unpredictable. Profiles that Meta decides have violated its platforms’ terms may find themselves on the receiving end of punishments — including the dreaded “shadow ban,” which can be damaging for a brand’s social media campaign and strategy.

Scarlett Ward ·
trends

Pleasure Biz Mainstays Reflect on Decades-Long Careers, Share Advice for Up-and-Comers

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That saying definitely holds true in the pleasure industry, where many executives build careers that exceed a quarter century.

Ariana Rodriguez & Rachel McCarthy ·
profile

WIA Profile: Melissa Fite

Though she works behind the scenes, Melissa Fite has a bird’s-eye view of the pleasure products industry. As the marketing coordinator and junior graphic designer at XR Brands, Fite gets an intriguing overview of the latest consumer trends, plus an exciting sneak peek at XR’s newest sex toys before they hit the shelves.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Distribuciones-BES Spreads Pleasure Brands' Reach Across Mexico

It’s time to brush up on your Spanish, sex toy manufacturers. The Mexican market is thriving, and the country’s distribution and retail businesses are eager to forge new connections with brands from around the world.

Colleen Godin ·
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