Satisfyer in negotiations with ‘several other brands’
There may be more to come from Satisfyer, following its July acquisition of FUN FACTORY. In this issue, Sven Pelka, managing director at the German EIS/Satisfyer/Triple A Group, reveals that negotiations are currently taking place with ‘several other major brands’.
Founded in Bremen, Germany, in 1996 by engineering graduates Dirk Bauer and Michael Pahl, FUN FACTORY brought colourful abstract designs to a market dominated by beige phallic shapes. These proved so popular that competitors soon began making their own ‘FUN FACTORY -style’ toys, which became a generic term for high-quality ‘cute’ pleasure products. It was also responsible for introducing other ‘firsts’ which have since become ‘industry standard’, including creating dildos from silicone, making its toys rechargeable, and pioneering magnetic Click ’n’ Charge cables.
Satisfyer burst onto the scene in 2016 with the launch of its Pro 2, which has since gone on to sell over 30,000,000 units worldwide, and it now releases 120
new products every year.
The Satisfyer group announced it had purchased the entire product portfolio, patents, designs and brands, as well as the inventory of FUN FACTORY, as part of an asset deal effective 1st October 2024.
“With purchases, inventory build-up, production expansion, advance orders etc, our group is investing a high double-digit million amount in the FUN FACTORY brand,” Sven Pelka said. “This guarantees seamless and improved availability with goods produced exclusively in Germany. We have been able to significantly expand our patent portfolio with this acquisition and will soon be expanding the FUN FACTORY brand with many new, innovative products.”
FUN FACTORY CEO Dirk Bauer said: “With this sale, I am saying goodbye to the industry and am pleased to know that the brand will be part of the successful environment of the Triple A Group in the future. I am convinced that Triple A is the right choice for this deal and that the brand is an important building block for
the premium segment.”
According to Pelka, Satisfyer was not FUN FACTORY s only suitor: “Despite other major brands in the industry attempting to acquire FUN FACTORY, we succeeded with a superior offer and concept,” he said.
Just a week after the acquisition announcement, the group revealed it had also bought the worldwide patented Stronic/Pulsator technology from its German inventors. FUN FACTORY had used this technology in its products through an exclusive license agreement. The full interview with Sven Pelka can be found on page 54 of this issue.
Womanizer sex toy stars in Katy Perry music video
Pop star Katy Perry was seen dancing with a Womanizer Premium 2 in the music video for her latest single, Woman’s World. The American singer, songwriter and former judge on American Idol has released her seventh album in the summer and Woman’s World was its first single.
Womanizer says its mission has always been to remove the taboo around female masturbation and it has been spearheading open dialogue around the topic for the last decade. The Katy Perry video turns common male cliches on their head, and the Womanizer Premium 2 is portrayed as a signifier of
female power and pleasure, as she pulls it from her tool belt.
Womanizer head of PR, Verena Singmann, said: “This song not only celebrates women in all their different roles and life stages but empowers them to live their lives without expectations or pressure. With Womanizer, it is our mission to empower women to embark on their own journey of discovering pleasure and sexuality without social stigma.”
Katy is not the first songstress to actively promote Womanizer products: in 2020, British singer Lily Allen fronted the brand’s #IMasturbate campaign.
Welcome...
Is it too early to be talking about Christmas?
One of the things I hated most as a child was seeing ‘back to school’ posters going up in shop windows during the first week of the summer holidays. Why were they ruining my sabbatical with reminders that my nose would soon be back to the grindstone?
Of course, those posters, along with the displays of mannequins in school uniform surrounded by pencil cases and exercise books, were not aimed at me: they were targeting busy parents during the retailer’s peak selling period. Nobody would be buying school stuff in September when the holidays were over, so the stores only really had August to get behind this stock.
So no, if you’re a retailer, it’s not too early to be talking about Christmas, and in this issue we look at a fascinating sector that is growing in importance every year: sex toy advent calendars. Like those despised ‘back to school’ stores of my youth, you only have a limited window to make the most of this opportunity though.
I’ll stick with the word ‘fascinating’ to flag up another of this month’s features: our interview with Sven Pelka, managing director of the EIS/Satisfyer/Triple A Group. I’m sure his candid responses to our questions will be of interest to everyone with an interest in pleasure products.
Until the winter…
Dale Bradford - Editor
Inside this issue... The team...
Dale Bradford - Editor editorial@erotictradeonly.com
Paul Smith - Features Editor paul@erotictradeonly.com
Lesley Hunt – Operations Manager lesley@erotictradeonly.com
Karl Jenkins – Graphic Designer karl@erotictradeonly.com
Rob Parry – Graphic Designer
Sarah Murray – Marketing Manager sarah@murray-marketing.co.uk
Jason Dante - Managing Director jason@erotictradeonly.com
05 News
08 Events
What’s on when.
10-21 Movers & Shakers
A roundup of recent industry hires.
34 All Around The World
Snippets of some of the stories we’ve been reporting on over the last month or so. You can find the full versions at www.erotictradeonly.com
36 EroFame 2024
This month’s EroFame will be staged in Hanover for the final time, before spreading its wings across Europe next year. Dale Bradford looks back, and ahead.
40 Advent Calendars: gifts that keep on giving Who’s doing what this year – get your orders in now to avoid disappointment.
44 ANME 2024
If you missed July’s show, Tod Hunter is here with some of the highlights.
50 Spotlight: Whoop·de·doo
Yes, it is an unusual brand name. And it’s not the only thing about Anna Marešová that is out of the ordinary.
54 What’s next for Satisfyer?
Sven Pelka, managing director at the German group EIS/Satisfyer/Triple A, talks to ETO about the acquisition of FUN FACTORY and plenty more besides.
58 Having a spooktacular Halloween
Got any plans for the second most popular party night of the year? If not, ETO has some suggestions.
62 Social Intercourse revisited
Tabitha Rayne continues her updated series of ‘social media for the adult biz’ articles by focusing on the platform previously known as Twitter.
66 Mystery Shopper: Dublin
The capital of the Republic of Ireland gets a visit from our roving retail reporter.
68 B2B: dealing with toxic employees
Many of us have endured them and Adam Bernstein explains how best to tackle them.
70 & 72 Shop Talk
It’s been a summer of love for Renee Denyer, while Tracey Whitmore brought a touch of Grease to her store.
74 SiliconE Valley
Ola Miedzynska considers whether AI’s impact on adult content is an innovation or an illusion.
76 Top 10 Best Sellers
77 Directory
78 Readers Lives
Chris Bowles, general manager of Creative Conceptions, exclusively reveals how to save a fortune on airport parking.
EVENTS
25/27 SEPTEMBER EROFAME
Hannover, Germany www.erofame.eu
24/27 OCTOBER VENUS
Berlin, Germany www.venus-berlin.com
16/19 JANUARY XBIZ EXPO
Los Angeles, USA www.xbiz.com
24/27 JANUARY AVN SHOW
Las Vegas, USA https://adultentertainmentexpo.com
17/19 MARCH ALTITUDE INTIMATES
Las Vegas, USA www.altitudeshow.com
21/23 MARCH INTIMI EXPO
Sao Paulo, Brazil www.intimiexpo.com.br
28/29 MARCH EROFEST
Prague, Czech Republic www.erofest.eu
8/10 APRIL EROFAME MALAGA
Malaga, Spain www.erofame.eu
4/6 MAY SEX FEST & SEX TECH CONFERENCE
Berlin, Germany www.sxtech.eu
25/27 MAY EROSPAIN
Barcelona, Spain https://erospain.eu
14/16 JULY ANME
Burbank, USA www.anmefounders.com
Loving Joy Rev-Pro combines ‘superior quality and competitive pricing’
The Rev-Pro 10 Function Remote Controlled Prostate Massager from Loving Joy will be available from Net1on1 Wholesale in September.
The new USB rechargeable device boasts a textured ergonomic shape, designed for both comfort and stimulation, and offers 10 vibration patterns and six speeds which are accessed by the remote control.
“This premium product combines cutting-edge design, superior quality, and competitive pricing, offering a lucrative opportunity for retailers and dropshippers to expand their offerings and enhance their profitability,” said a Loving Joy spokesperson.
“Understanding the importance of profit margins for our wholesale and dropshipping partners, the Rev-Pro Prostate Massager is priced
competitively. This ensures you can offer a high-quality, desirable product to your customers while maintaining strong profit margins.
“Whether you manage a physical retail store or an online platform, the Rev-Pro Prostate Massager is an excellent addition to your inventory. Wholesale customers will benefit from attractive bulk pricing and reliable supply chains, while dropshippers can leverage our efficient fulfilment process, ensuring timely and discreet delivery to customers.”
The Rev-Pro 10 Function Remote Controlled Prostate Massager will be available for wholesale and dropship customers from Net1on1 Wholesale in September.
inquiries contact Net1on1 sales director Sebastian Gonzalez via sebastian@net1on1.com
Pipedream Body Dock Thruster available now from Scala
Pipedream’s innovative Body Dock Thruster – which transforms ordinary dildos into thrusting sex machines – is now available from Scala. Featuring Pipedream’s patented Body Dock design, this handheld rechargeable thruster will work with any material from any manufacturer, including PVC, TPE, and silicone.
“The Body Dock Thruster is compatible with most suction cup devices, if the diameter of the suction cup is smaller than the diameter of the Body Dock (3.5” or
smaller), users just need to push and play, set it and forget it, and let your body rock with the Body Dock,” said Pipedream.
Powered by a high-torque motor, the compact Body Dock Thruster features a specially designed internal gear built to deliver strong and long thrusts. Users can choose from seven patterns of escalating, intermittent thrusts and experience hands-free pleasure with the adjustable suction cup mount. See it in action here
“This revolutionary device
introduces unparalleled features that set it apart from any other product on the market,” said Scala.
“The Body Dock Thruster combines powerful thrusting action with unique push-and-play suction technology, enabling users to attach any suction cup dildo or vibrator to a concave docking plate. This design creates a secure bond without the need for rings or snaps, enhancing both convenience and performance.”
For more information email sales@scala-nl.com
Playharda set to make a splash with new toy brand
Playharda Wholesale has introduced Ocean Toys, a new brand of app-enabled sea-themed wearable vibrators. Keeping with the theme, every product sold will raise money to support marine conservation charities, and the toys’ packaging is fully recyclable. To further reduce waste, users are directed to the website for advice and guidance for the products, instead of being provided with printed instructions.
“We wanted to strip things back,” said Playharda director
Miller. “Toys seem to be coming with more and more unnecessary paraphernalia these days, of which a lot gets thrown away or never used. As well as our fully recyclable boxes and packaging, customers get a digital version of our manual, reducing the printing process and using paper that isn’t required with today’s modern technology.
“Our toys have a marine life theme, but we wanted them to have more of a meaning than just being cute sea creature vibrators. Each Ocean
our beaches, coasts and oceanic ecosystems thriving. Customers can feel good about their decision to purchase.”
The three models – Beluga, Dolphin, and Seahorse – are made from soft liquid silicone and boast 10 patterns of vibration. They are, aptly, waterproof and come with a magnetic charging cable.
For more information email sales@playharda.uk
New Taboom collection
‘exudes sophistication and style’
The latest Taboom collection is Silicone Supreme, which is now available exclusively from Scala. As its name suggests, the new range of blue BDSM accessories has been created from silicone, giving each product a soft, stretchy, and smooth texture.
“Designed with elegant butterfly bow shapes and adorned with gold-plated details, these products exude sophistication and style, perfect for both indulgent BDSM sessions and stylish accessorising,” said a Scala spokesperson. “Discover a world of heightened pleasure with the wrist and ankle cuffs, collar and leash, mouth ball gag, and blindfold, all meticulously crafted to deliver thrilling experiences.
Whether exploring new sensations or enhancing intimate moments, the Taboom Silicone Supreme collection promises luxury and excitement at every turn.”
Joop de Jonge
Tonga announced in July that company founder Joop de Jonge had passed away after a short illness. His daughters, Tonga CEO Melanie de Jonge and CFO Stephanie de Jonge, released a short statement saying: “With huge admiration for his optimism, strength and dedication but with great sadness we have to say goodbye to Joop de Jonge, founder of our company. He passed away at home on July 19th after a short illness, amidst his loving family.
“Even though he had officially retired a couple of years ago, he kept interested in all the developments and ongoing changes of the company, giving his advice and he still had many plans for the future. He will be sorely missed by his family, our team, many friends, and colleagues.”
See the complete collection at https://www.scala-nl.com/ catalog?tn_cid=2&tn_fk_ cf=Taboom+Silicone+Supreme
Daniel
Toys product includes a donation towards marine conservation charities to help to keep
Movers and Shakers
Maia Novelties has appointed Jennifer Brice Nelson as its new director of sales. Brice Nelson is a long-time industry road warrior with sales, product training, and trade event experience spanning nearly a decade.
Maia Novelties has brought her on board to further the company’s retail connections across North America.
“We are so excited to have Jennifer join the Maia family,” said Maia Novelties president, Lisa Hanna. “We have been consistently growing over the past six years and felt that we needed someone of Jennifer’s calibre to help us reach a higher level of overall success.
Jenn is both well-liked within the pleasure industry and very experienced in delivering an unforgettable sales experience for all of her clients. We can’t wait to watch her work her magic on the Maia Novelties brand.”
In her new role, Brice Nelson’s immediate priorities will include developing strategies to support retailers and introducing the Maia name to customers that are not currently carrying the brand’s product line.
“Maia is one of few companies that have consistently experienced a healthy increase year after year,” said Brice Nelson. “I feel I already have a tremendous head start. I personally love listening to retailers and finding out what they’re looking for and what is important to them and their business. Bringing that feedback to the team will be instrumental in growing our brand.”
In conjunction with Brice Nelson’s hiring, Maia Novelties has also promoted several key members of its team.
Lisa Hanna is now the company’s president, Gib Pallay is vice president of international sales, Dave Sohl is general manager of operations, Zach Smith is director of marketing and social media, and Melissa Lott is senior retail manager.
Net1on1 Wholesale debuts new Loving Joy 30ml lube range
Fresh from announcing a makeover for its existing lubes collection, Loving Joy has now introduced a new 30ml range which includes a variety of flavoured lubes, a tingling lube, and a premium silicone lube. Eye-catching point-of-sale (POS) displays will also be available in the near future.
“Our new flavoured lubricants are crafted with the utmost care to deliver a truly realistic taste experience,” said a Loving Joy spokesperson. “Available in a convenient 30ml size, these lubricants are perfect for spicing up intimate moments with their delicious and authentic flavours.
Available in Berry, Coco, Mango and Peach, the meticulous formulation ensures that each flavour is not only enjoyable but also safe and gentle on the skin.”
The aptly named Tingle is a tingling lubricant designed to add a thrilling new dimension to intimacy.
“This unique lubricant creates a pleasant tingling sensation upon application, enhancing sensitivity and pleasure,” the spokesperson
said. “Ideal for those looking to explore new sensations, Tingle is a must-have addition to any intimate product lineup.”
The other new addition is the 30ml Silicone Lubricant. Loving Joy say it is formulated for those who demand the best in quality and performance. “This premium lubricant offers a luxuriously smooth feel that lasts longer than waterbased lubricants, making it perfect for extended intimate sessions,” said
the Loving Joy rep. “Its non-sticky, hypoallergenic formula is safe for use with most toys and latex condoms, ensuring a versatile and reliable option for consumers.”
These new lubricants will be available for wholesale and dropship customers from Net1on1 Wholesale in September.
For wholesale and dropship inquiries contact Net1on1 sales director Sebastian Gonzalez via sebastian@net1on1.com
New rabbit delivers ‘perfectly coordinated dual stimulation’
According to Orion Wholesale, the new Sweet Smile Thumping Rabbit can deliver powerful dual orgasms due to its thumping shaft with vibro-tip and vibrating clit-stim.
“The Thumping Rabbit Vibrator has a stimulating texture and provides simultaneous internal and external pleasure – perfectly coordinated dual stimulation for fantastic climaxes,” said an Orion spokesperson. “Its thumping shaft with the vibro-tip pleasures the vagina deep inside and the vibrating arm stimulates the clitoris extremely intensely at the same time as well.”
The USB rechargeable device sports three motors. The combined vibrations in the head and clitoral stimulator offer 10 modes and the thumping function in the wavy shaft has five modes. Both functions can be controlled separately with the buttons on the toy.
For more information visit www.orion-wholesale.com or email wholesale@orion.de
BeWicked lingerie now exclusively available from O-Products
O-Products has announced that BeWicked lingerie is now available, following the successful addition of the brand’s swimwear range. The lingerie selection includes bodysuits, playsuits, bodystockings, babydolls, dresses, slip dresses, mini dresses, teddies, robes, sets, and legwear.
“BeWicked is the trendsetter in sexy lingerie, stockings and shapewear,” said an O-Products spokesperson.
“The brand’s motto is that every woman should feel confident and sexy, no matter what her size or shape. Every woman is unique and that is why BeWicked combines sexiness with confidence and daring.”
The complete range of BeWicked lingerie can be seen here https://oproducts.eu/brands/ bewicked.html
Meet the Monsters: new fantasy -themed dongs from CalExotics
CalExotics has introduced its own range of fantasy-themed sex toys with Monster Dongs, a collection of three silicone dildos with ‘50s sci-fi artwork.
The three Monster Dongs are Martian, Kraken, and Colossus, which measure 19.75 cm, 20.25 cm, and 24.75 cm, respectively. They are equipped with a suction cup base for hands-free play.
CalExotics says the new trio provide a luxurious feel while being waterproof for adventurous
play in the bath or shower, adding the products’ “intricately detailed and extremely flexible design enhances every touch, making each encounter out of this world”. For more information visit https://calexotics.com
Movers and Shakers
Male sex toy brand Fort Troff has announced the appointment of Rob Reimer as its new director of marketing. Rob has over 20 years of experience working with other brands in the sector, including C1R, Perfect Fit Brand, and Boneyard.
Louis Ceruzzi, Fort Troff’s owner and CEO commented: “I have known and worked with Rob for decades. To now have the chance for us to come together and grow Fort Troff is very exciting. We have already started working on some really innovative projects and are trying out several different strategies that we have never tried before.”
Reimer added: “I am incredibly excited to be working for the brand I have always respected and admired. Bringing my experience and ideas and putting my mark on this brand is going to be incredibly satisfying.”
Plans include creating and launching new content for several incentives by working with established content creators and artists in the LGBTQ+ field while driving more traffic to the site, redesigning the brand’s social media channels, and creating a new Vlog.
Movers and Shakers
Svakom has appointed Weronika Szczesna as global marketing and PR manager.
Her new role will include managing 360 degree-campaigns, leading product launches, and driving PR and communications for the brand.
“I am incredibly excited to join the Svakom team and contribute to promoting sexual wellness,” Szczesna said. “Svakom’s commitment to improving people’s sexual lives through innovative products and thoughtful education aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations.”
Szczesna has more than 10 years of experience in marketing across the tech and luxury sectors, in addition to extensive experience in event marketing.
“Together, we will continue to break down barriers and foster a more open, positive dialogue around sexual health and wellbeing,” Szczesna said.
Overdrive sex machine stars for CalExotics at ANME
CalExotics introduced over 100 new items to attendees of July’s ANME and the company says visitors were particularly impressed by Overdrive, an easy-to-use sex machine offered at a retail-friendly price.
“People love sex machines, but they don’t always have the room. This is the way to get it in a smaller, more affordable option,” said CalExotics director of marketing Nichole Grossmann (pictured).
Other highlights included the Love Bunny dual-stimulation vibes, and the Naughty Bits collection which featured Smoke Show, a mini joint vibe, and Muff Shroom, a mushroom-shaped massager.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming positive response to our new products at the ANME Show,” said Susan Colvin, founder and CEO of CalExotics.
“Our dedication to innovation and quality continues to drive us, and it’s rewarding to see our efforts resonating with our customers.”
Colvin added that CalExotics emphasised affordability and
quality with its latest offerings, catering to the needs of retailers and consumers alike: “We strive to create a world of enhanced pleasure for everyone,” she said. “This season,
we focused on delivering top-quality products at prices that remain accessible to all.” Visit calexotics.com for more information.
Fresh look, enhanced formulations, and lower prices for Loving Joy lubes
Loving Joy has given its lubricants a fresh new look, improved their formulations, and is now supplying them in a convenient pump dispenser. The pump is said to not only enhance ease of use but also ensures customers dispense just the right amount every time, making it more user-friendly and practical.
A Loving Joy spokesperson said: “Loving Joy lubricants continue to use only the best ingredients. Our updated formulations include some exciting new additions, making our lubricants more effective and enjoyable than ever before. These improvements ensure that our products remain at the forefront of the market, providing exceptional performance and comfort.”
The lubes now come with a stylish new label design which has a more contemporary look, intended to reflect the brand’s dedication to staying current and appealing to modern consumers. The new design is said to not only enhance shelf appeal but also provide a more
premium feel.
The spokesperson continued: “The best news for our customers is that despite these exciting upgrades, Loving Joy Lubricants are now available at an even better price. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality personal lubricants, and this new pricing ensures that our products remain accessible to all.
“Loving Joy is a trusted name in personal lubricants, known for our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Our range of lubricants is designed
to enhance intimacy and provide a superior experience, while representing excellent value for money, ensuring that customers can enjoy their moments with confidence and comfort and our wholesale and dropship customers keep getting repeat business.”
Loving Joy lubricants are available from Net1on1 Wholesale. For more information visit www.1on1wholesale.co.uk and for wholesale and dropship inquiries contact Net1on1 sales director Sebastian Gonzalez via sebastian@net1on1.com
Movers and Shakers
Svakom Trysta Neo ‘will make G-spot pleasure accessible to
Svakom claims its latest launch takes the guesswork out of finding the G-spot and says reviewers have hailed it as “a miracle” due to its precision and “ability to further increase arousal via interactive opportunities”.
Firmtech has appointed Suzanne Noble as its new sales and marketing director for the UK.
US-based Firmtech is best known for its TechRing – described as the world’s first smart cock ring, and the only product on the market that can track nocturnal erections and be worn during sex – but it also markets Maximum Performance Ring (MaxPR), which is said to be the only cock ring that has been demonstrated to intensify orgasms and to be worn safely for greater than 30 minute sex sessions. Noble is currently the host of the podcast and TikTok channel Sex Advice for Seniors. In a previous role as director of Stunning PR, she was responsible for the launch of Harper Collin’s erotic book imprint, Mischief Books, and Swan Sex Toys. She has also worked with other providers of adult products and services and she was PR and global marketing director for the Emmy Award-winning children’s TV show LazyTown.
Her role will be to increase the visibility of the Firmtech range of products in the UK to the consumer, medical professionals, and the erotic trade while increasing awareness of the relationship between nocturnal and sex erections and penile health.
Firmtech is well established in the US market, and its CEO, Elliot Justin, has been featured in Men’s Health, GQ and Forbes, plus the No. 1 podcast Sex Talk with Emily.
Suzanne can be contacted via suzanne@myfirmtech.com
The new device is the Trysta Neo, a rabbit vibe that contains a G-spot ball that rolls inside the head of its angled shaft head to deliver intense G-spot stimulation.
“Trysta Neo will make G-spot pleasure accessible to more adults with its unique, rolling ball,” said Svakom sexual wellness educator Vanessa Rose. “This is complemented by Svakom’s Intelligent Mode, which mimics the rhythm of sex with automatic changes in vibration mode and intensity.
Part of Svakom’s Connexion Series, Trysta Neo – an upgrade on the original Trysta – harnesses FeelTechnology, which allows users to ‘feel’ adult video content on their body or earn money as a webcam
performer. The device offers three G-spot ball speeds, and vibrations in five modes and five intensities.
“For more options, it can also be used with the Svakom app on a Bluetooth-enabled smart device to customise settings as well as enjoy long-distance toy control and partner interaction,” added Vanessa.
“Ultimately, Trysta Neo can provide
a solution for bodies who struggle to orgasm from vaginal penetration alone. We know the G-spot is not a ‘magic button’. However, Trysta Neo’s rolling ball stimulates this area with the firmness and intensity that some bodies need to climax.”
For more information visit www.svakom.com
New generation of Cuties mini vibes now available
Orion Wholesale has unveiled the latest generation of Cuties, its pastel-coloured mini vibes. Like their predecessors, this fifth generation are small, light, and have a soft surface with varying textures and 10 speeds of vibration.
“The toys are small, quiet, and discreet making them a perfect upgrade for any solo or couple’s
play – they also fit inside any bag as well,” said an Orion spokesperson.
“They are made out of extremely soft silicone and are covered in a soft touch texture, which means they can be inserted easily and can slide in almost on their own. The stylish diamond texture around the bottom of the mini vibrator’s control panel means that it is easy to hold and this therefore makes it a perfect
toy for beginners.”
The five new USB rechargeable models are named after their colours: Rose, Yellow, Blue, Purple, and Green. They range in length from 10.5cm to 13.4cm from 38g to 75g in weight and come in matching pastel-coloured packaging.
For more information visit www.orion-wholesale.com or email wholesale@orion.de
Stoya Destroya: now available in Quickshot form
Two new Fleshlight products are available from Creative Conceptions: the Stoya Quickshot and the Quickshot Launch.
“Moulded from Stoya Destroya’s own vagina and butt means that customers can make the most of their time with the sex goddess,” said a Creative Conceptions representative. “With a clear and compact case, the Stoya Quickshot allows customers to watch every satisfying moment of self-pleasure, and can even be used as additional stimulation during couple’s play. At an excellent price point, customers will find the compact design easy to clean and store, while the clear case makes the Stoya Quickshot perfectly travel-friendly and super discreet.”
The Quickshot Launch gives customers the option of automating their Fleshlight experience. The
device can control the stroke length and stroke speeds and it comes with a universal smartphone mount which allows customers to view
their favourite content while their hands work the controls.
For more information email sales@creativeconceptions.co.uk
Dusedo now distributing Slube in EU
Dusedo has announced it is now distributing Slube products within the EU. Created as a bath-based body lubricant, Slube is also used in playpools for sexy wrestling, paddling pools for wet and messy play, and the bedroom for massage. It comes in three varieties: Strawberry Daiquiri, Black Leather, and Pure. “We’re very happy to add Slube to our distribution assortment” says Wouter Geurtsen of Dusedo.
“Slube is just big fun. It’s a play lube, made of tiny crystals that break down when added to warm water, creating the slime-fest for sexual pleasure you’ve always dreamed of. With a single pack you can mix an entire bathtub full to play with.
“Slube fits in perfectly with our strategy of being a source for special high-end erotic products which retailers cannot find so easy elsewhere on the more generic erotic market. The fact that it’s now much easier to get in Europe, without having to import it from the UK, will make this fantastic product much more available for consumers over here.”
Slube co-owner Daniel Miller added:
“Slube is one of those products that keeps you wanting more and more. It coats the skin in a soft, silky-smooth lubricant, allowing your body to slide and glide over your partner’s. It’s perfect for a sensual massage or for hardcore fun, so it appeals to a wide range of consumers. Being so unique, customers are intrigued as to what it is and how it will feel, so are more inclined to experience it
for themselves, and usually when they do, they come back for more. Our consumers come from a wide background. As well as those using the product for sexual fun, we have received feedback from consumers with autism who struggle with sensory processing disorder, describing it as “one of the best experiences of their life‘!’. For more information visit www.dusedo.com
Blush has appointed Ian Kulp as director of marketing. With ten years of industry experience, the company says Ian brings fresh energy and innovative strategies to our team.
Ian’s career includes stints in sales, marketing, and product development, and Blush says his work with various brands and communities showcases his ability to connect with diverse audiences and drive growth, aligning with Blush’s mission.
“We’re thrilled to have Ian Kulp onboard,” said Verna Meng, Blush’s CEO. “His experience and passion fit perfectly with Blush’s mission. With Ian onboard, we’re confident Blush will continue to lead the way, setting the standard in promoting inclusive sexual health and wellness.”
Ian added: “I am thrilled to join Blush at such an exciting time. Blush has always been at the forefront of sexual health and wellness in an inclusive and positive manner. I look forward to contributing to the company’s journey and helping to make sexual health and wellness more accessible for all.”
Movers and Shakers
EQOM Group has appointed Marc van Boven as its new CEO, replacing Eric Idema. Idema will remain involved with the EQOM Group as a shareholder and as a member of the advisory board but has decided that the rapid growth of the company in recent years “requires different expertise than mine”.
EQOM Group, formed from the merger of EDC and wholesaler Eropartner Distribution in 2020, is expanding across Europe and aims to become a global player. It includes wholesaler ONE-DC and EasyToys.nl, one of the largest webshops in the Benelux, which attracts over 100,000 daily visitors.
Marc van Boven has a background in international retail and e-commerce and was partly responsible for the growth of companies such as Weleda, Omega Pharma, and Reckitt Benckiser (producer of, among others, Strepsils, Clearasil, and Durex).
Van Boven commented: “Leading EQOM will be a great new challenge. Eric Idema has laid a fantastic foundation for the further expansion of the company. He has completely transformed the sexual wellness market. I am excited to now work on the further expansion of EQOM as a market leader and this market in general, which affects us all.”
Idema added: “I am stepping aside to make way for a new CEO. I am extremely proud of all the employees and our business partners. When I started, I never expected that I and EasyToys would come this far. I had to think about it for a long time, but I think it’s wise to leave at the peak. The company is entering a new phase and this requires different expertise.”
XR adds six new members to BANG! gang
XR Brands has made six new additions to its BANG! Line: five glow-in-the-dark vibes and a rotating plug.
The five new glow-in-the dark vibes are a mini wand, cock ring, butt plug, anal beads, and bullet. The first three have three speeds and seven patterns of vibration, while the latter two offer four speeds and seven patterns. They are USB rechargeable and all, bar the wand, come with a remote control.
The Rotating & Vibrating Silicone Butt Plug with Remote is described as a beginner- and intermediatefriendly device anal plug featuring an easy-to-insert tapered tip and a textured neck to help keep it comfortably in place while offering a little extra stimulation. It has three speeds and seven patterns of vibration and is available in pink, black, purple, and blue.
“Shoppers love BANG! because it makes powerful and eye-catching
‘An
sex toys more accessible, and our customers love BANG! for the same reason,” said XR Brands’ President Rebecca Weinberg. “BANG! products always deliver on quality, but they also consistently offer a little something extra that makes them stand out on the shelf. The addition of glow-in-the-dark silicone makes familiar shapes feel fresh,
new, and even more fun, and a new anal plug that literally rotates and swirls while it’s inside of you means our customers have something new and intriguing to show their shoppers without giving them sticker shock. That’s something everyone can appreciate!”
For more information visit www.xrbrands.com
irresistible fusion of fashion and flavour’ from Magic Silk
Magic Silk has partnered with lubricant brand Wicked Sensual Care to create Sweet Treats, which it describes ‘as an irresistible fusion of fashion and flavour’. The packs, which combine briefs with lube, include Standard Boy Short, Crotchless Boy Short, Crotchless Thong, and Split Back Crotchless Panty in a selection of sizes including Queen (1x-3x).
“These soft, sensuous panties
are crafted from smooth, silky microfiber, delicately trimmed with lace, and adorned with fruity favourites like strawberry, blueberry, and peach,” said a Magic Silk representative. “Each garment is accompanied by two coordinating, delectable lubricant packettes from Wicked Sensual Care, allowing you to truly savour the flavour.”
Sweet Treats debuted earlier this year at the Altitude Intimates Show, where the concept received an
overwhelmingly positive response, according to Magic Silk.
A planogram is available for retailers featuring 12” x 24” signage and requiring only 12 pegs.
“The bright, bold graphics are designed to captivate and draw attention, making Sweet Treats an enticing addition to any collection,” the rep added.
For more information email info@magicsilk.com
LELO Enigma will deliver ‘an entirely different way of experiencing orgasms’ Movers and Shakers
LELO has unveiled the all-new Enigma Double Sonic, which has been designed to target the A-spot and deliver an entirely different way of experiencing orgasms.
LELO says the A-spot is a lesserknown erogenous zone that is full of untapped potential. Known as the anterior fornix erogenous zone (AFE), it is located deep inside the vagina between the cervix and the bladder along the front vaginal wall, usually about four to six inches back.
“The A-spot and the (often elusive) G-spot are incredibly close together,” a LELO representative explained: “In fact, the A-spot sits about two inches above the G-spot. It is also referred to as the female prostate, because it’s located in the same location as the prostate.”
As it is positioned deep inside the vagina, LELO says it may be harder to reach with just the fingers, but some research suggests that stimulating this spot can promote more lubrication, make foreplay more pleasurable, and increase a woman’s chance of reaching an orgasm.
“For those who haven’t experienced a vaginal orgasm before, it’s possible that the A-spot is your magic button,” the LELO rep continued.
“Due to the proximity of your anus to the vaginal wall, you can indirectly pleasure the A-spot through anal penetration. However, vaginal penetration is able to hit the A-spot more directly.”
The new Enigma Double Sonic is said to stimulate a broad erogenous area, covering a larger surface of the A-spot to provide more intense vaginal orgasms. “It is one of the only toys designed specifically to stimulate this zone, and it features a special sonic tip at the top of the insertable tail that emits sonic waves to the A-spot,” said the LELO rep.
“This DeepSonic technology aims explicitly to bring sonic pleasure deep within where no other sex toys can reach.”
The Enigma Double Sonic is a triple-stimulation massager, with three different zones targeted at once. Sonic waves stimulate the clitoris while the insertable tail targets the G-spot, leaving the DeepSonic waves to reach the
A-spot. According to LELO, the resulting A-spot orgasm is one of great intensity, followed by a profound emotional release unlike any other.
Made of premium silicone, the app-enabled Enigma Double Sonic is IPX7 waterproof and offers eight pleasure settings.
For more information visit www.lelo.com
Doxy introduces two-year warranty
Doxy has announced that it is now offering an extended two-year warranty on its products, as long as consumers register their device within 30 days of purchasing it. All Doxy products now include a double-sided card insert containing two QR codes: one will link to the item’s instruction page and the other to the warranty registration form. Doxy is now asking its retailers to refer any warranty issues directly to the company’s customer service team for investigation and resolution.
“We acknowledge that there have been some isolated issues with Doxy products in recent years,” Doxy director Leigh Dedhar said in a letter to its B2B customers. “However, we are proud of our engineering department’s continuous efforts to improve our manufacturing process and quickly address any defects. While it’s impossible to eliminate
all product defects, we understand the impact they can have on brand reputation. This is why we are introducing a two-year warranty, reflecting our confidence in the quality of our products.”
Dedhar went on to outline a number of design improvements the firm has introduced and added: “We are proud to maintain a failure rate of less than 1%. However, we have noticed an increasing number of claims involving full unit replacements when a more cost-effective part replacement, such as a new silicone head, would suffice. To ensure we handle these cases efficiently and effectively, we ask that you direct all consumer warranty issues directly to us. We believe this change will help
us provide better support to our customers and ensure that any issues are resolved promptly and accurately.”
Customers who have bought items that do not include the registration card can still register their products for the extended warranty, and Doxy is asking retailers to communicate this to customers.
Fleshlight has appointed Miguel Capilla to the position of global sales director, following his successful management of the brand’s EU facility for the past 13 years.
Fleshlight say Capilla has played a pivotal role in expanding its market presence and ensuring the highest standards of service for its European customers. “Under his management, the EU facility has seen significant growth, achieved groundbreaking milestones and has consistently exceeded sales targets,” the company said, adding his promotion was “a natural progression given his remarkable track record and deep understanding of our company’s values and goals”.
In his new role, Capilla will oversee all sales operations worldwide, developing and implementing strategies to expand Fleshlight’s global footprint and enhance customer satisfaction.
“I am honoured to take on this new role and eager to contribute to our global success,” said Capilla. “My time managing the EU facility has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to leveraging that experience to drive our sales strategy on a global scale. The most important thing is to receive our B2B partner’s feedback and try to give them what they need to improve the business and profit for both parties at the same time – the same thing we have been doing in EU for over a decade.”
Movers and Shakers
New Svakom products available exclusively in the UK from Net1on1 Wholesale
Little Leaf Agency has announced the appointment of Julia Svirid as its newest marketing and communications strategist and Salman Dean as affiliate manager.
Julia is a certified sex and intimacy coach and previously worked as a brand and campaign manager at online sex ed resource Beducated.
Julia commented: “With my love for sexual wellness, joining the leading PR agency in the industry felt like the most natural choice for me. I love that I can combine both my sexological knowledge and marketing expertise to help Little Leaf’s clients grow.”
Salman Dean was previously the senior e-commerce manager at Reckitt, owner of condom brand Durex, and head of marketing at sex toy brand Hot Octopuss.
“Joining Little Leaf Agency as the affiliate manager is an exciting opportunity,” said Dean. “With over eight years in digital marketing, I’m eager to leverage my experience to drive performance marketing initiatives and amplify our clients’ success.”
Net1on1 Wholesale has added six more products from Svakom to its catalogue, including Sam Neo 2 Interactive Sucking and Vibrating Masturbator, Sam Neo 2 Pro Interactive Heating, Sucking, and Vibrating Masturbator, Mora Neo Interactive Rabbit Vibrator with Thrusting Beads, Chika App-Controlled Flexible Warming Rabbit Vibrator, Trysta Neo Targeted Rolling G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator, and Cici 2 Flexible Head Slim Vibrator.
“Known for their high-end design, superior quality, and exceptional
value for money, Svakom products continue to set the standard in the industry,” said a Net1on1 spokesperson. “We are thrilled to introduce the new additions to our wholesale and dropship customers.”
Net1on1 says Svakom products are crafted from body-safe materials, ensuring a premium and safe experience, and offer cutting-edge solutions for modern consumers, appealing to those with a taste for luxury yet also offering excellent value for money. The new Svakom products are available exclusively in the UK through Net1on1.
“Svakom is a globally recognised brand known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction,” the spokesperson said. “Each product is designed with the user in mind, ensuring an unparalleled experience that meets the highest standards of performance and safety.”
For more information about the new Svakom products visit www.1on1wholesale.co.uk and for wholesale and dropship inquiries contact Net1on1 sales director Sebastian Gonzalez via sebastian@net1on1.com
Rocks-Off taps into Regency romp trend with new Boudoir collection
With Regency-themed romps very much in vogue, at least among households with Netflix, Rocks-Off has chosen an apposite time to launch its Boudoir collection of bullet vibes. There are five models in the first launch, all of which have been individually designed, named, and themed, with further additions planned for 2025.
“The RO 90mm bullets are one of our bestselling and classic lines and we wanted to make this new range affordable, and super collectable,” said a Rocks-Off representative.
“Beautifully rich resplendent colourways and finishes have been coupled with classic Rococo styled packaging to give an epic and delightful representation of the ‘bon- ton’ high society era.
“We have set out to deliver a collection of beautiful and discreet vibrators that really capture the essence of the time when dukes and diamond debutantes danced the Quadrille. We think the range is an absolute must have and should be part of every aspiring Lady or Duchess’s naughty bedroom secret.”
The 90mm 10 function bullet range will be available in October 2024. Further information about Rocks-Off products can be found at https://rocks-off.com
Lips inc: Orion’s new oral sex simulators Movers and Shakers
Orion Wholesale has added two new oral sex simulators to its You2Toys collection. Called Oral Fun, they are designed to pleasure the clitoris, vulva, nipples and anus with their soft, movable lips and soft vibro-tongue.
“The lips rhythmically open and close just like a real mouth, while the busy tongue vibrates in sync,” an Orion spokesperson said. “The velvety soft silicone mouth caresses the hotspots and adapts perfectly to the body and its movements.”
There are two Oral Fun models:
Oral Fun Vibrator, which is 13cm long, and Oral Fun Vibrator L, which is 22.2cm long. The vibro-shaft of the latter can also be used as a handle.
Svakom has appointed Joe Petracca as director, The Americas.
The Oral Fun vibes are supplied in cardboard packaging with multi-lingual product descriptions and QR codes that can be scanned
Waterproof and USB rechargeable, Oral Fun’s lips’ 10 moving modes and the tongue’s 10 vibration modes can be adjusted together or separately.
to see product videos with detailed descriptions.
For more information visit www.orion-wholesale.com or email wholesale@orion.de
Skins introduces two new male sexual health supplements
Skins Sexual Health has introduced two new male sexual health supplements designed to elevate intimacy and vitality: Skins Enhance Gold and Powerect Pills.
“In an era where sexual wellness is increasingly identified as a vital component of overall health, Skins recognises the demand for a daily supplement that contributes to normal function, vitality, and energy, helping men to feel and perform their best,” a spokesperson said. The sexual health supplements contain nourishing nutrients and nurturing vitamins such as L-Arginine, Saffron Extract, Zinc, Panax Ginseng, Cordyceps Sinensis, Lycium Barbarum, Selenium, Vitamin B6, Fenugreek Extract, and Maca Root. By harnessing the power of natural ingredients, these supplements are said to offer men a safe, effective, and holistic approach to enhancing their sexual experiences.
“Among the attractive qualities of the latest Skins supplements are their contribution to normal fertility and reproduction, contribution to normal sperm production, and contribution to the normal maintenance of testosterone levels
in the blood,” the spokesperson added.
The company says that beyond sexual wellness, Skins Enhance and Powerect can also be taken daily as an additional vitamin and general wellness supplement for men of all ages, as its ingredients offer general wellness benefits. For example: Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system, the protection of cells from oxidative stress, and normal cognitive function, while
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, protein, and glycogen metabolism, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
“Whether seeking to reignite passion in a relationship, overcome intimacy challenges, or simply enhance vitality, these supplements suit every individual’s unique journey toward sexual wellness,” the spokesperson concluded. For more information contact sales@skinssexualhealth.co.uk
“My role is to increase Svakom’s share of category voice via market penetration in Canada, US, and throughout all Latin American countries,” Petracca said. “I am looking forward to driving the brand’s already resonating consumer message to the next level with increased reach via new platforms.”
Svakom says Petracca has previous experience as the lead for multiple European brands, and has pioneered mainstream marketing channels for a variety of sexual wellness categories including condoms, pregnancy test kits, lubricants, and enhancers.
“We are thrilled to have Joe Petracca join our Svakom team and look forward to how his entry into the US and Latin American markets can make our sexual wellness products accessible to even more adults,” a Svakom representative said.
Gun Oil has named adult film performer Chris Rail as a brand ambassador for its lubricants. Rail will support the brand’s values, share his experiences, and help raise awareness about the benefits of Gun Oil’s products, while also offering his fans exclusive promotions and unique insights into the brand’s commitment to quality and wellbeing.
“I’m excited to join forces with Gun Oil as a brand ambassador and representative of the company,” said Rail.
Jive talking:
‘the next level of wearable technology’ from We-Vibe
We-Vibe has introduced the Jive 2, which it describes as ‘the next level of discreet wearable pleasure technology’. Like its predecessor, the original Jive, this new incarnation is a vibrating bulbous egg that stimulates the G-spot while its outer tail teases the clitoris.
According to We-Vibe, what sets Jive 2 apart from other egg vibrators is an adjustable hinge that allows for a customisable fit to suit every body type. It is also compatible with the We-Vibe app, for those who wish to play with a partner – in the same room or anywhere in the world.
The remote control also makes outdoor play possible, which ties in with a recent survey of We-Vibe app users, which revealed that 76% reported being more adventurous with the locations that they have sex in since using the We-Vibe app, with 61% utilising it outside the bedroom.
“Our user data shows that people are interested in, and already are, using sex toys outside of the bedroom,” said Elisabeth Neumann, sexologist and head of user research at We-Vibe. “If you are interested in trying out a wearable, restaurants and bars are great starting points because they are public places that feel intimate. For those who want to take the next step, I recommend wearing it to the movies, as the loud sound atmosphere plays on the vibration sensations.”
In the UK, We-Vibe users were particularly fond of using the wearable sex toys on the go, with the top locations revealed as cars, bars, and restaurants, while the top three locations where users wanted to have an orgasm was ‘beach’, ‘airplane’, and ‘forest’. We-Vibe Jive 2 is waterproof, USB rechargeable, and features 10+ intensity levels that can be accessed via the app, remote control, or via a single button on the toy.
Full details of Jive 2 can be found at www.we-vibe.com/uk/jive-2
New Nexus Dilating Set ‘perfect for those wanting to start small’
Nexus says its new Dilating Set is perfect for those wanting to start small and work their way up.
The set consists of three solid silicone, curved dilators ranging in size from 125 mm to 170 mm and they feature a strong suction cup base for hands-free action. The
firm but flexible dildos are also curved strategically for G- or P-spot stimulation.
“Customers love our Anal Starter Kit and Butt Plug Trio so offering a dilator set was a natural progression,” said a Nexus representative. “It’s important to
create quality products suitable for beginners to anal play so their introduction is a positive experience and with our kits they can progress in comfort.”
For further information contact your favourite Nexus distributor or email info@nexusrange.com
Red alert: Cottelli bestseller now available in striking new shade
Orion Wholesale has announced that one of its bestselling Cottelli Lingerie lines is now available in red for the first time. The underwired bra and thong set was previously only offered in black, but Orion expects the new red version to become just as popular as its sibling.
“Both sets have hot eye-catchers –decorative stretchy strap details and silver-coloured rings in the cleavage area and at the front of the thong,” said an Orion spokesperson. “The sets are stretchy for a perfect and comfortable fit, with the bra also having adjustable straps and a hook fastener at the back.”
Orion says its Cottelli Lingerie label is for confident women who want to try out something new, who are looking for something more than standard lingerie, and want to show off their body.
“Cottelli Lingerie offers exciting lingerie with a focus on pure femininity,” the company says. “The
materials are high-quality for a perfect and comfortable fit and this means that they cling to the body in a wonderful way.”
For more information visit www.orion-wholesale.com or email wholesale@orion.de
Pjur sponsors Berlin drag queen tours
Pjur has announced it is the new sponsor of Berlin’s famous KiezTour, a tour through the history of the city’s queer neighbourhood led by presenter, singer and entertainer
Margot Schlönzke and other drag queens.
Pjur CEO and founder Alexander Giebel said: “Diversity, inclusion, tolerance, empowerment and self-realisation are important values for Pjur. We encourage everyone to embrace a sex life free from taboos. That’s why it’s so important for us to support organisations like Berlin’s KiezTour.”
Pjur says the neighbourhood around Berlin’s Nollendorfplatz has been the centre of the queer community in the city for over 40 years, and it is Europe’s oldest queer district. Once a week, a Berlin drag queen leads visitors on a four-hour tour through the diverse streets around Nollendorfplatz.
“Visitors get to take in legendary locations, explore quirky scene bars, snoop in fetish stores and sample local delicacies,” explains Pjur. “All while journeying through the history of Berlin’s queer movement – from
the founding years and the ‘first German gay movement’ to the golden twenties, life under a Nazi dictatorship, the iconic 1980s, and the modern day.”
A range of new Whipsmart tails are available from Tonga. Designed for those who love roleplay or anal stimulation, there are 12 new arrivals, including the 4.5 inch Silicone Plug with Blondie Pony Tail, the Play Tails Silicone Piggy Tail, and the 4.9 inch Silicone Plug with Play Tails Rainbow Tail.
Other new models feature a black pony tail, a doggy tail, a unicorn tail, a black tail, a pink tail, and four different fox tails.
You can see the full range at www.tongabv.com
Rainbow rising: Svakom debuts new feature-packed Jordan vibe
New from Svakom is the Jordan, an app-controlled thrusting anal vibrator featuring rainbow-coloured lights.
“Jordan is the perfect sex toy for adults who want to customise their ‘backstage’ experience, particularly if they’re new to the anal play scene or want to interact with their partner at a distance,” said Svakom sexual wellness educator Vanessa Rose.
“Simply pair Jordan with our user-friendly Svakom app in seconds, then mix and match thrusting and vibration patterns and intensities, create your own modes with finger drawings, music or environmental sounds, or let an invited guest take control.
“Jordan also has a remote control magnetically attached to its anal-safe base, which lights up in different colours with every preset vibration and thrusting pattern. Combined with the vibrator’s premium silicone materials and slim, firm shaft with a cushioned head, it takes the ergonomics to another level.”
Jordan is waterproof, USB-C rechargeable, and features battery indicator lights, a memory function, and a travel lock. For more information visit svakom.com
Tenga updates its Lotions with new no-spill bottles
Tenga has redesigned its Lotion collection and they now come in a dispenser that features a oneway, return-flow nozzle which ensures the liquid doesn’t leak or spill when tilted or turned upside down, even without the cap. The new longer nozzle also prevents the lotion from drying out. The bottles have also been updated with a more flexible design, giving users more control during application.
There are three different Tenga Lotions and the company differentiates them as follows: Mild is a thick lotion for long-lasting
pleasure; Regular is a well-balanced, all-purpose lotion that is perfect for any product; and Light is made to feel every detail and flowing sensation.
Tenga global marketing manager Eddie Marklew commented: “Tenga’s products all offer a variety of sensations, but we also know that lube can make all the difference. With the three lotions that all offer a unique feel, our fans can combine their favourite Tenga pleasure products with their preferred lotion to completely change the sensation of their next Tenga use.”
ElectraStim debuts Tartarus
Quadripolar Butt Plug
The Tartarus Quadripolar Butt Plug is the latest addition to ElectraStim’s Silicone Noir range. It builds upon the classic bullet shaped plug by adding a distinct twist that is said to enhance the sensation beyond the range of any other accessory.
Tartarus has a quadripolar design where the body of the plug is split into four distinct conductive areas that are independently controlled. Comparable in size to the best-selling Medium Rocker Butt Plug, ElectraStim says the unique configuration of the four conductive zones stimulates 360 degrees around the anal passage, creating an intense illusion of extra ‘fullness’ during use without pushing the physical limits of less experienced players.
“Powered by a dual output stimulator, the four sections of Tartarus can be connected in such a way that the electro passes from conductive point to conductive point in a circular motion,” ElectraStim says. “This creates a brand-new type of electro-sensation that we’re calling ‘Virtual Rotation’ where the plug feels as though it’s twisting and turning while remaining completely still.
“Each socket in the base of Tartarus corresponds to a section of the plug which gives you complete freedom to experiment with any configuration desired and the differences they make to the sensations. Using a Continuous Wave or Pulse pattern will result
in a pleasingly powerful sensation and an enhanced sensation of ‘fullness’ but we recommend trying an alternating Wave or Pulse pattern which will fire different sectors of the plug at different times. Quadripolar play requires a two-channel stimulator such as Flick Duo, Flux, SensaVox or AXIS and both of your usual cables so you have four sockets plugged in at once.
“As with our Rocker Plugs, Tartarus features a rounded base for seated play where the connection sockets are recessed to avoid damage to the cables. Please note that all
ElectraStim cables are technically compatible with Tartarus but the base has been specifically designed with our 90 degree cables in mind, that will sit flush during use.”
Included with the Tartarus Quadripolar Silicone Butt Plug is a microfibre storage bag and multi-language instructions (EN, FR, DE, NL, ES, IT). Users will also require a dual output ElectraStim stimulator and water-based lubricant for optimum use.
Email info@electrastim.com for more information or to place an order.
Kheper Games adds to pot-themed range with Charades for Stoners
Kheper Games has introduced Charades for Stoners, an adult version of the classic party game. Players take turns acting out things like ‘Hotboxing’, ‘Gummies’, and ‘420 Milkshake’ while their teammates try to guess as many as possible within a minute. The winning team is the one with the most correct answers after each has performed three times.
“We are thrilled to be extending our pot-themed games line,” said Kheper CEO Brian Pellham. “Pot-themed party games have become very popular the last several years as more and more states are freeing up restrictions on marijuana use. Like many of our other pot-themed games, this one does not require that you use cannabis to play. It’s just a fun
themed variation of the charades games we have all played at one point or another.”
Other adult party games from Kheper Games include: THC, Think Like Stoner, Potheads Against Sanity, Extreme Personal Questions
(4 versions), What the F*ck? (6 versions), Drink if… (soon to be 5 versions), and the Weed! card games.
For more details contact info@khepergames.com or visit www.khepergames,com
Pulse Queen joins Scala catalogue
The Hot Octopuss Pulse Queen is now available at Scala. Touted as the world’s first wand featuring PulsePlate Technology, Scala says this innovative device promises a seismic shift in how we experience intimate pleasure.
“Gone are the days of traditional vibrations,” a Scala representative said. “The Pulse Queen delivers high-amplitude oscillations that penetrate deep into the body, offering a sensation unlike anything else on the market. Whether you’re a newcomer exploring toys for the first time or a seasoned enthusiast, the Pulse Queen promises to unlock a whole new realm of sensation.”
Scala says what sets Pulse Queen apart is its ability to start gently and build to intense crescendos, catering to a wide range of preferences from gentle explorations to powerful peaks, with deep, bassy oscillations that reach between 2.5 to 3mm into the body, surpassing the surfacelevel vibrations of conventional toys. Designed to fit the contours of the body, Scala says the Pulse Queen can be used in any position. It is waterproof, USB rechargeable, and offers up to 40 minutes of pleasure on a full charge.
“In the words of Hot Octopuss, the Pulse Queen is not just a toy, it’s a new standard in wand technology,” said the Scala rep. “It’s about rediscovering the magic of intimate experiences, where every touch and every moment is designed
to elevate and excite. For those ready to redefine their pleasure journey, the Pulse Queen beckons—a promise of deep, resonant pleasure that transcends expectations.” For more information visit www.scala-nl.com
Super Excite Micro Massager
Skins Sexual Health has announced the launch of its latest female pleasure product, Skins Super Excite Micro Massager, which the company describes as a petite but powerful bullet vibrator, perfect for customers that are looking to explore self-pleasure for the first time.
“The discreet design of the bullet goes hand in hand with the whisper-quiet vibrations, ideal for users who reside in shared accommodation or still live with family,” said a Skins Sexual Health spokesperson. “Skins Super Excite Micro Massager empowers women to explore their sexual desires in a way that feels comfortable and exciting, all whilst encouraging sensual solo play – but of course partnered fun is always welcomed!” Made from body-safe silicone, the USB rechargeable device is water resistant and boasts 10 different vibration patterns. For more information visit www.creativeconceptions.co.uk or email sales@creativeconceptions.co.uk
A Lifetime of Sex now available from Kheper Games
The latest addition to Kheper Games’ line of sexy games is A Lifetime of Sex, which promises to keep things interesting for players right up until their golden years.
The makers say the game offers “millions” of sex position and enhancement card combinations. Players progress around the board, carrying out foreplay and fantasy actions as they move, and earn Sex and Enhancement cards, which build into a sexual fantasy to act out at the end of the game.
The game includes 100 Sex cards, eight Give it to Granny Sex cards (in a secret sleeve), 50 Enhancement cards, 100 Foreplay cards, a game board, two markers, one standard die, two foreplay dice, a set of rules “Here at Kheper we really strive to add some fun and humour into the sex education and exploration that comes with products such as this one,” said Kheper CEO Brian Pellham. “The Give it to Granny cards will be funny to young and middle-aged couples, but they actually are age-appropriate sex positions for your later years of intimacy. There are millions of sex position and enhancement card possible combinations, so you’ll never run out of new ways to spice things up.” For more details visit http://khepergames.com
Blush adds Cosmos Plug Kit to Anal Adventures Matrix collection
Blush has added the Cosmos Plug Kit to its Anal Adventures Matrix series. The new kit contains three plugs in progressive sizes, with the largest including Blush’s “cuttingedge vibration technology”, offering seven modes, which can be controlled hands-free with a wireless remote.
Blush says its StayPut design and AnchorTech base ensure a secure, comfortable fit for everyone, preventing over-insertion:
“The Cosmos Kit is all about making your exploration fun, safe, and top-notch,” said a Blush representative. “Whether you’re just starting out or are an anal play enthusiast, this kit has something special for you.”
For more information visit BlushVibe.com
XR Brands adds lubes to Creature Cocks collection
XR Brands is extending its Creature Cocks line with the introduction of branded lubricant. Available now is Creature Cocks Water-Based Lubricant in 8oz and 16oz sizes and three more additions will follow in July: Creature Cum Jizz Lubricant, a white waterbased lubricant meant to emulate ejaculate; Green Slime Water-Based Lubricant, meant to resemble what might result from a monster orgasm; and Purple Slime Water-Based
Lubricant, meant to resemble the pleasure fluids from mythological beasts or aliens. Each new lube will be available in 4oz and 8oz sizes. Other future brand extensions will include Creature Cocks’ Throat Numbing Spray, Creature Cleanse Toy Cleaner, and oral sex enhancer BJ Pops.
“Creature Cocks is unstoppable and remains one of our customers’ most popular brands,” said XR Brands’ president Rebecca Weinberg.
“The beautifully made products and accessories have been such strong sellers, thanks to our genuine understanding of the desires of this demographic, and it only made sense to create high-quality lubricants to take their fantasy play even further. Shoppers cannot get enough of this other-worldly collection, and we’re thrilled to give them more of what they want.” Email info@xrbrands.com for more information.
What’s up, Jock? New masturbators from XR Brands
XR Brands is now shipping two new automated masturbators from the Curve Toys Jock Collection: the 10X Vibrating & Squeezing Masturbator and the Tightening Masturbator.
The 10X Vibrating & Squeezing Masturbator features three speeds and seven patterns of vibration and an open-ended nubbed interior tunnel encased in a squeezable casing. XR says this enables users to hold the masturbator with a firm grip and squeeze down on themselves as they get closer and closer.
The Tightening Masturbator is said to offer users one of the most customisable open-ended stroker designs available. Thanks to its adjustable outer ring, users can select one of six different tightness levels on each end, allowing them to enjoy a range of snugness sensations or switch between two different-sized entry holes in one self-pleasure session.
“Masturbators just keep getting better and we love seeing what’s new from Jock,” said XR Brands’ president Rebecca Weinberg. “Today’s shoppers seek quality pleasure products, and people with penises know that there’s more to masturbating than simply using a ‘pocket stroker.’ We are thrilled to create and expand our selection of penis-stimulation offerings, and these latest dual-ended strokers are something special. We love the packaging and the cool features, and our customers will appreciate having more to offer in their masturbator sections.” For more information visit www.xrbrands.com
Demon Kat Stacker Rings set to ‘capitalise on popularity of stacking’
Demon Kat has announced the release of a new product in the men’s pleasure product world, Stacker Rings: three, different sized, silicone cock rings that are slightly wider than standard cock rings.
“Most people know it’s hard to design a new concept for a cock ring that hasn’t been done a million times before,” said Demon Kat’s co-founder and CEO Rob Reimer.
“We worked hard to come up with something that hasn’t been done before and the Stacker Rings capitalise on the popularity of ‘stacking.’”
In addition to being used individually as regular cock rings or ball stretchers, Stacker Rings can also stack on top of each other.
Demon Kat says this creates a new sensation providing stimulation and pleasure. One, two, or three can be used for light to heavy ball
stretching, or individually around cock, balls, or both.
The rings come in three diameters: 1.4 inch (35mm), 1.6 inch (40mm) and
1.8 inch (45mm), and are available as a set of
or individually. For more email Rob Reimer via rob@demonkat.com
New Beauty Night collection available now from Alterego
Alterego Lingerie has announced that another 24 brand-new Beauty Night designs have landed at its distribution centre and are available for immediate shipping. One of the stars of the new collection is Leonela, which consists of a corset, body, and bra set.
Alterego’s Diane Gordon-Freeman commented: “The new products are fabulous. The manufacturer, which is already very highly regarded all over Europe, has really excelled. The designs themselves are ace, but the standard of materials and the quality of manufacture far exceeds what these cost: they are ‘miles ahead’ of products offered by some big name premium brands.”
All Alteregos products are available with same day shipping, no minimum order quantities, and free hi-res images.
For more information contact customerservices
@alterego-lingerie.com
Nude direction: Tonga adds six more to Nude collection
Tonga has added six more models to its Dreamtoys Nude collection, taking the total number of options up to 14. Known for its soft and earthy colours, the Nude collection is designed to offer users as natural an experience as possible. The latest recruits include five vibrators and an anal plug.
Zina is a cone-shaped vibe with subtle vertical lines, Blossom is a mini massager with a rounded top and bottom, Live features a flexible pressure point, Blair is a pebble-shaped massager, and Ailee is a flexible double vibrator. Rounding out the new additions is Sage, an anal plug that features a moving ball that responds to every movement of the body.
The new Nude collection can be seen at www.tongabv.com
Three sexy bodies from Cottelli Lingerie
Summer might be behind us but three new sexy bodies from Cottelli Lingerie should keep the temperature rising. Designed by Orion Wholesale’s in-house team, the new garments are equally at home out of the bedroom, where they can be combined with jeans and a blazer to make an eye-catching outfit.
There are two long sleeved bodies and one thong body. The first
Max power: latest Her Ultimate Pleasure has caused ‘waves of excitement’
Scala has reported that the latest addition to Pipedream’s Her Ultimate Pleasure collection – the Her Ultimate Pleasure Max – has caused ‘waves of excitement’. Featuring the same award-winning design as the original model, the Max edition also adds several new features.
long sleeve is made from delicate, bordeaux-coloured, decorative lace and it has a stand-up collar. The second is made from transparent material in a snakeskin look and with a very low-cut neckline as well. The thong body is made from black floral lace and sports stretchy straps and decorative silver-coloured rings in the cleavage area. All are high cut to emphasise the legs and buttocks.
“The trendy bodies will create breathtaking curves and combine them with pure sensuality – with a lot of love for detail,” said an Orion spokesperson. “The materials are high-quality for a perfect and comfortable fit and this means that they cling to the body in a wonderful way.”
For more information visit www.orion-wholesale.com or email wholesale@orion.de
“Not only does it simultaneously lick, suck, and vibrate, but it also boasts an extralong suction hose for easy positioning and incorporates four powerful motors, promising intensified sensations and heightened pleasure,” said a Scala spokesperson. “The Her Ultimate Pleasure Max can be used solo or with a partner, making it a truly versatile addition to any intimate toy collection.”
The Her Ultimate Pleasure collection also includes the Pro edition, which adds G-spot stimulation. “Whether opting for the original, Pro, or Max edition, customers can expect an exceptional experience that combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design,” said the Scala rep. “Pipedream’s Her Ultimate Pleasure collection continues to redefine the landscape of intimate pleasure, offering users an array of options to explore and indulge in their desires. With each edition bringing its own unique features and benefits, the collection remains a go-to choice for those seeking an orgasmic journey of sensual exploration and satisfaction.”
For more information email sales@scala-nl.com or visit www.scala-nl.com
Well gel: Orgie debuts Noriplay
Ultra Slide body-to-body massage gel
Orgie has released Noriplay Ultra Slide, a massage gel designed to perform body-to-body Nuru massage.
“Nuru is a Japanese erotic massage,” said an Orgie spokesperson. “The naked couple cover their bodies with a colourless slippery lotion and rub against each other to get the widest possible physical contact, driving the couple from stress relief to daring levels of arousal.”
Noriplay Ultra Slide comes in a 500 ml bottle and is ready to use: there is no need to add water. Couples simply pour the contents of the bottle over each other, and they each use their body to massage their partner. Noriplay Ultra Slide gel is colourless and odourless and formulated with seaweed extract. It has a PH interval value of 5.0 - 6.0. For more information visit https://orgiecompany.com
Jimmyjane debuts patented Gripp powered pleasure devices
Earlier this summer, JimmyJane introduced its Gripp collection. The innovative Gripp holder is designed to effortlessly slip between the fingers, allowing users to explore a range of positions and techniques with minimal effort and maximum results, and it is also said to be perfect for users with mobility challenges or delicate hands.
The Form 2 Gripp is JimmyJane’s newest version of its flagship item, the iconic and best-selling Form 2. With the patented Gripp handle providing a perfect hold, the Form 2 Gripp features two motors vibrating simultaneously.
“Both motors synchronise and alternate frequencies independently, making it the ideal finger massager for amazing external stimulation and pinpoint clitoral arousal,” says JimmyJane.
For users looking to extend
their reach effortlessly without discomfort, the Reflexx Rabbit 2 features a hooked design, a flexible aluminium resistance band inside, dual independently controlled motors, and JimmyJane’s patented Gripp handle.
“With separate controls for each function and a built-in heating element for ‘warming mode’, the Reflexx Rabbit 2 is perfect for mature users and those with mobility challenges,” says JimmyJane.
With its compact dual-motor design and built-in Gripp handle, the Dual Gripp is JimmyJane’s premier finger-vibe that doubles as a dual stimulator.
“Featuring stereophonic vibrations that go from deep and rumbly low notes to orgasmic high-pitched crescendos, both motors deliver true sensations in stereo that will
rock their world,” says JimmyJane. For more information visit https://wholesale. pipedreamproducts.com
Nauti but nice: five new models available now from Net 1on1
Net 1on1 Wholesale has recently made five new additions to its Nauti brand. Available exclusively through Net 1on1 Wholesale, the Nauti brand is said to represent a new standard of excellence in intimate pleasure, combining premium materials, advanced motor technology, and unparalleled performance.
“Made from high-grade silicone and equipped with high-quality motors, these products offer a luxurious experience that users won’t forget,” the company said.
The five Nauti products are: Nauti Silicone Bullet Vibrator, Nauti Silicone Wand Vibrator,
Nauti Silicone Rabbit Vibrator, Nauti Silicone G-Spot Vibrator, and Nauti Silicone Ribbed Vibrator.
Each boast 10 functions, from gentle rumbly vibrations to intense pulsations, and they are waterproof and USB rechargeable.
“At Net 1on1 Wholesale, we’re dedicated to bringing our customers the latest and greatest in adult pleasure products,” said sales director Sebastian Gonzalez.
“With the exclusive launch of the Nauti brand, we’re excited to offer a premium selection of silicone vibrators that combine luxury, performance, and value. These products are sure to be a hit
with both retailers and consumers alike.”
He continued: “The Nauti brand represents excellent value for money, offering great margins for wholesale customers looking to expand their product offerings and boost profitability. With its attractive deep navy-blue colour scheme, sleek design, and high-end packaging, the Nauti range is sure to stand out on store shelves and captivate customers’ attention.”
For more information contact sales@1on1wholesale.co.uk or visit the ‘coming soon’ page on www.1on1wholesale.co.uk
Tenga upgrades Flip Orb with Ocean Blue and Sunset Orange versions
There is a new Flip Orb male pleasure product now available from Tenga. It contains firm, flexible orbs encased in soft, thick elastomer that are said to bound and ripple as the user passes through. More intense stimulation can be applied by the user through the product’s pressure pads, which increase the sensation and strengthen the suction.
An upgrade on the company’s original Flip Orb, it is available in either Ocean Blue or Sunset Orange varieties. The new Flip Orbs contain thicker elastomer and the orbs have been repositioned to provide smoother entry, to enhance the user’s experience during play, and to reach a more intense climax.
Ocean Blue is inspired by the waves of the ocean, and the inside features supple wavy ribs, while Sunset Orange is inspired by the sunset over the sea and boasts spiralling edges.
Both Flip Orbs feature an open design which is easy to clean after use.
Eddie Marklew, global marketing manager at Tenga, commented:
“The Flip Orb series offers new types of sensations from the firm orbs in the new thicker elastomer, allowing you to more fully experience the layers of stimulation provided.
Keeping what made the original Flip Orb great, we have enhanced the depth of the contrasting sensations, and made it easier and smoother to insert and use. As with all our products in the Flip Series, it flips open for easy lubrication and washing, and its hourglass shape makes it a perfect fit in the user’s hand, giving more control over the internal pressure and the sensations of the inner details.”
A sample of Tenga’s Real Lotion is included with the product.
For more information visit https://tenga-group.com/en
New ElectraStim Booty Buddy now available
After two collaborations with Mr S Leather, ElectraStim has linked up with another high profile name – Lovehoney – for the release of the co-branded Booty Buddy. Described as being perfect for beginners, the Lovehoney x ElectraStim Booty Buddy Butt Plug stands just 3.3 inches tall, and ElectraStim says it is suitable for both anal or vagina use.
“Designed for beginner’s anal play, the Booty Buddy is a small and slender finger-sized introduction to anal pleasure and has a curved designed that targets the P-spot,” the company said. “We suggest combining Booty Buddy with the ElectraStim KIX Stimulator for the optimum sensations.”
For more information visit www.electrastim.com
Bed Nerdz™, the ultimate destination for luxury adult toys and accessories designed to inspire exploration, enhance intimacy, and celebrate personal pleasure. We stand as a beacon of fun, innovation and empowerment, offering you an exquisite selection of curated gift sets and accessories, each crafted to provide a unique and thrilling unboxing experience
Tonga rolls out Kinky Diva collection of neckwear
A new brand of collars is available now from Tonga. There are 14 SKUs in the Kinky Diva collection and they come with either a heart-shaped padlock and key, an O-ring, or an O-ring with an accessory, such as a tassel or a leash. Colours are pink, red, and black. “A collar can be worn as a fashion accessory, a fashion statement, or as a sign of devotion to another person,” says Tonga. “Either way, a collar has a special meaning for its wearer and for the person who puts it on them. Whether it has been received as a part of an elaborate ceremony or as a gift, collars inspire and are sensual.”
For more information visit www.tongabv.com
Massage in a bottle: Scala takes on Pipedream Fuck Flasks
Pipedream’s PDX Plus Fuck Flasks are now available from Scala. Appearing to the outside world to be ordinary water bottles, the blue, grey, black, and camouflage units contain a hidden stroker sleeve made from super-soft TPE. Available in light, brown, or frosted the sleeves feature an intricate tunnel design lined with pleasure ribs.
“It’s like having a secret pleasure chamber right inside your water bottle,” said a Scala spokesperson. “Another extraordinary feature is the flip-top suction control lid. It looks like a normal straw lid, but flipping
the straw controls the suction level and the amount of airflow.
This lets you control the intensity of your session and gives you a more customisable experience. You can use it with one hand, so you can focus on enjoying yourself. These flasks are unnoticeable, so you don’t
have to worry about prying eyes or curious looks. They blend into any setting and are perfect for travel. No one will be the wiser because the PDX Plus Fuck Flask discreet strokers hide in plain sight!”
For full details visit www.scala-nl.com
Creative Conceptions inks distribution deal with Strap-On-Me
Creative Conceptions has announced it has entered into a partnership with Strap-On-Me, a pioneer in the realm of innovative intimate accessories. Creative says the partnership brings together the expertise and market presence of both entities, promising consumers an unparalleled selection of strap-on products tailored to meet a diverse range of preferences and needs.
Lucy Robinson, head of marketing at Creative Conceptions, said: “We’re beyond excited to be bringing on this brand and we know that our customers are going to be obsessed with the new offering. Strap-On-Me’s products are fun, innovative, and present something really unique to the market.”
The product range includes multi-orgasm remote-controlled strap-ons, which deliver pleasure to both the wearer and the receiver. Users can turn on motion across the clitoris, G-spot, and prostate, or isolate the pleasure to a single area. The wearable strap-ons are also available in a non-vibrating model too – a model that won the Red Dot Design Award in 2019. Creative says these products are the only ones in the world that offer a fully bendable and positionable neck, and a bulb that’s the perfect size with the ergonomics to hold and stay in place.
In addition to the wearable strap-on, Strap-On-Me’s intimate collection also includes the tapping dildo which offers pleasurable motion
in the tip, a real-feel sliding skin dildo for those who prefer a more true-to-life experience, and the squirting dildo, which can be filled with a semen-like lubricant, such as the brand’s Creamy Faux Semen Lubricant.
Discussing the new collaboration, Anne Meunier, B2B international sales director for Lovely Planet, said: “I’m delighted that Strap-On-Me is part of the Creative Conceptions
curated catalogue. With a bright, smiling team, known for their professionalism and constant focus on customer satisfaction, we know the brand will shine with success. Their excellence combined with our unique designs will ensure an unprecedented customer experience.”
Email sales@creativeconceptions.co.uk for more information.
Laura Alexandra (Creative Conceptions), Anne Meunier (Lovely Planet), and Lucy Robinson (Creative Conceptions).
Vanna Bardot becomes Fleshlight star
The latest adult star to have her own Fleshlight is the multi-awardwinning Vanna Bardot – and fans can take their experience with her to the next level via an exclusive full-length phone sex performance available to purchasers of her product.
“Vanna Bardot is a stunning performer taking the industry by storm,” said a Fleshlight representative. “We couldn’t be happier about this collaboration with her and Vixen Concepts.”
With every purchase of Vanna’s Fleshlight – either the vagina replica (Dopamine) or the anal replica (Oxytocin) – customers will receive a code granting them access to full-length phone sex performances from Bardot, available on her toll-free exclusive hotline
1-855-62-VANNA.
“We wanted to offer fans something different and unique for a performer of Vanna’s calibre,” said Mike Miller, executive producer for Vixen Media Group.
“We teamed up with Fleshlight to craft a bespoke branding campaign reminiscent of a bygone era in adult entertainment, paying tribute to the late-night phone sex commercials and men’s magazine photography of the late
‘80s and early ‘90s. Vanna’s hotline channels the spirit of the one-nine-hundred commercials that once graced late-night television.”
Vanna has starred in over 30 scenes across VMG’s brands.
XBIZ awarded the half-French, half-Brazilian brunette the title of Female Performer of the Year in both 2023 and 2024.
Bardot also clinched the 2024 Female Performer of the Year award from AVN, with her girl/girl scenes receiving recognition from AVN for three consecutive years.
“Becoming an official Fleshlight girl is a dream come true,” said Bardot.
“I’ve always looked up to the women who have been a part of Fleshlight, so to now also be part of such an
iconic company that has worked with the biggest names in the industry is truly an honour. I couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful to join the family. The initial reaction to the pre-sale announcement of my moulds has been so overwhelmingly positive.
I cannot wait for all my fans to finally experience me so intimately right in their own homes, especially while calling into my hotline or watching my scenes on Vixen Plus! I cannot express my gratitude enough to everyone at VMG for bringing this iconic retro-inspired campaign to life. It truly was such a joy to create, from shooting the photos and VHS commercial to recording the audio content for my exclusive hotline.”
Introducing the ETO Business Directory, ‘a groundbreaking new resource’
If you’re looking to source new products, the new ETO Business Directory is just a click away. Designed to streamline the product and service discovery process for industry professionals, the ETO Business Directory is believed to be the first of its kind in this sector.
“The ETO Business Directory is a groundbreaking new resource, offering an easy-to-navigate listing of products and services from carefully selected partners,” said ETO managing director
Jason Dante. “This innovative tool is set to become an indispensable resource for buyers seeking new stock or inspiration for new product lines. By simply navigating through various categories, users can effortlessly find a comprehensive list of industry suppliers.”
The directory sports user-friendly navigation, with category-based
browsing making it easy for users to find exactly what they need, and comprehensive coverage, with the directory spanning a wide range of products and services, catering to all aspects of the adult retail industry.
Dante added: “The launch of the ETO Business Directory marks a significant milestone in our mission to support and enhance the adult retail industry. For over 20 years,
Kheper Games has created a special Ladies Night version of its Drink if… drinking game, targeting last night out parties and ladies-only events.
Drink if…Ladies Night is a third extension to Kheper’s bestselling drinking game, Drink if… following More Drink if… and Drink if…Totally F*cked Up Version.
All Drink if…games are standalone products and can be played by 3-20 players. Kheper says they are all easy to learn. Players roll a dice, say
“Drink if…” and then read the item on the card next to the number rolled.
Kheper CEO Brian Pelham said: “This game line has taken off because of how easy it is to play and how humorous the content is. It is also an extremely flexible party game as players can easily exit and re-enter gameplay. For drinking games especially, rules need to be easy to follow, as they are with all our games. These games also have our unique humour as well, so things can get dirty and hilarious very quickly. This version has statements more unique to female get togethers, but guys can have fun playing also.”
For more information visit https://khepergames.com
ETO has been a cornerstone of industry news, insights, and resources. With this new directory, we are taking our commitment to the next level by providing a platform that connects buyers with top-tier suppliers, fostering growth and innovation in the sector.” Explore the ETO Business Directory at www.erotictradeonly.com/ business-directory
All Around The World
Burnaby, Canada
COTR brands, including Le Wand and B-Vibe, are now available to Canadian retailers through distributor Sexy Living.
Francis and Ivan Walsh, owners of Sexy Living, said: “Since we acquired Sexy Living in 2020, our mission has been to enhance our product offerings with top-tier quality and innovation. Collaborating with COTR allows us to take a significant step forward in fulfilling this mission.”
Burbank, California, USA
US trade publication StorErotica (SE) presented its annual awards on 16th July at the ANME Show in Burbank, California. The evening was hosted by sex ‘edutainer,’ author, and entrepreneur Zoë Ligon, along with StorErotica’s head of sales, Kristofer Kay.
The award winners were:
CalExotics (Pleasure Product Company of the Year)
Nalpac/Entrenue (Distributor of the Year)
Sportsheets (Fetish/BDSM Company of the Year)
Sexual Desires (Boutique Brand of the Year)
Pjur (Lubricant Company of the Year)
Temptasia Heartbeat Panty Vibe by Blush (New Product of the Year)
Oxballs (LGBTQIA+ Company of the Year)
Classic Brands (Sexual Enhancement Company of the Year)
Lovehoney Group (Foreign Manufacturer of the Year)
PDX Elite Fuck-o-Matic 2 by Pipedream Products (Male Pleasure Product of the Year)
We-Vibe (Product Packaging of the Year)
Kristen Denton of Doc Johnson (Account Executive of the Year)
Ken Herskovitz of Vibratex (Businessman of the Year)
Lupe Martinez of CalExotics (Businesswoman of the Year)
Feelmore, Oakland, CA (Retailer of the Year – Boutique)
Lion’s Den (Retailer of the Year – Chain)
Liz Flynt of Hustler Hollywood (2024 StorErotica Hall of Fame)
Wilmington, Delaware, USA
The owner of the innovative Balldo and Viballdo brands is offering the business for sale. Launched in 2021, Balldo introduced the concept of using a man’s testicles for penetration, and a vibrating version followed in 2023.
The sale will include the e-commerce website www.balldo.com, the educational site www.ballgasm.com and US, UK, and EU patent applications along with US, UK, and Chinese trademarks.
Beverly Hills, California, USA
Pheromone perfume brand Eye Of Love hosted The Magic of Matchmaker event at the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills earlier this summer. The soiree kicked off with a panel discussion with Patti Stanger of Millionaire Matchmaker and Eye Of Love’s vice president Jacqui Rubinof, moderated by influencer and TV personality Joey Zauzig.
Redwood City, California, USA
Sexual wellness PR communications agency
Little Leaf Agency has announced it will be working with BasisDx, a federally approved laboratory specialising in home-collect clinical tests, for its launch into the US market.
“This collaboration will establish BasisDx as the go-to brand for certified home collection STI tests across the United States, leveraging Little Leaf Agency’s expertise in brand positioning, influencer relations, and PR and marketing communications,” the announcement reads.
Little Leaf says that BasisDx, which saw phenomenal success in COVID testing during the pandemic, recently launched its Pro13 Kit, the first-ever PASScertified self-testing STI kit, making it possible for both the general public and adult industry workers to receive the same level of rigorous STI testing as required by PASS – in the comfort of their homes.
Hull, England
Lingerie distributor Alterego Lingerie has launched a new company called HubXpert which will offer specialist warehousing and fulfilment services to businesses in the lingerie and intimate apparel sectors which are seeking efficient logistics solutions. It will cater to both UK-based brands and international brands looking to enter the UK market. HubXpert will operate from a secure, modern UK-based warehouse with pallet and pick-bin storage and offer same-day dispatch for B2B and DTC orders, full customer access to a virtual warehouse management system, and integration with over 80 e-commerce and third-party selling platforms. The company says this integration will ensure that stock works harder and maximises sales opportunities.
London, England
If you’re one of the many adult brands that have seen their ads rejected and had their accounts shadowbanned on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you will be interested in a new campaign by Sciart.
Sciart, which describes itself as an ethical data-driven marketing agency, is petitioning for the reform of advertising regulations and the destigmatisation of sexual wellness products on tech platforms. It says the campaign is not just about fairness; it’s about breaking the silence and challenging outdated norms.
If you would like to sign Sciart’s petition, which takes just one minute and 30 seconds to fill out, visit https://sexaware.typeform.com/to/sm3SlZk8
Pictured: Sciart founder Fred Wahlqvistt (left) with new business development manager Dan Caplin (right).
Wasserbillig, Luxembourg
Pjur has announced it is collaborating with the German podcast Geliebte auf Zeit [Temporary Lovers], in which hosts Lenia and Luisa share their experiences as escorts, interview other people from the industry, provide sex hacks, and generally talk all things sex.
Pjur says its new partnership with the podcast underlines its commitment to making innovative and high-quality products available to a wider audience. According to the manufacturer, Geliebte auf Zeit offers a unique platform to promote honest and insightful conversations about sex work and sexual experiences, which enables Pjur to communicate its brand message of trust and quality in a suitable, broad-minded environment.
Delhi, India
Dongguan, China
Netherlands-based O-Products has announced the opening of a new office, warehouse, and shipping facility in the city of Dongguan, China, in order to improve its global logistics network and better serve its customers. André Visser, CEO of O-Products, said: “Our new facility in China is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and operated by a highly skilled team dedicated to ensuring efficient and reliable order fulfilment. This development not only accelerates our shipping capabilities but also enables us to maintain a robust inventory, ensuring that our products are always available to meet the demands of our fast-growing customer base.”
Indian adult webstore IMbesharam.com is celebrating five years of collaboration with Lovense. It offers the full line of Lovense products to its customers and to mark its five-year anniversary it invited several top artists and collaborators on social media to further push the brand association to their fans and followers.
Auf Wiedersehen, Hanover
2024:
It’s the end of an era: this month’s EroFame will be staged in Hanover for the final time, before spreading its wings across Europe next year. Dale Bradford looks back, and ahead…
Will the industry miss Hanover? Those who fly into Germany especially for the event might not miss the long taxi rides from the airport north of the city to the Expo Fairgrounds in the south, but otherwise it’s been a reliable and efficient host. A friend, even. We’ve learned by rote the best days to arrive and depart, which hotel the coolest people stay in, and when to set our alarms so we can be up and breakfasted in time to catch the last shuttlebus to the show.
Daily show routines tend to follow a familiar pattern: coffee on arrival, little bit of mingling in between meetings, lunch, bit more mingling and checking out the exhibitors, then back to the hotel to change for evening socialising.
At some point in the afternoon we might feel a gentle vibration on our wrist, as our FitBits congratulate us on achieving our target number of steps for the day, through traipsing up and down the miles of aisles. Outside of industry friends and business contacts that we have real conversations with, our chats with acquaintances we only bump into at trade shows usually follow the same format: “What do you think of the show? Where you staying? Going to the party
tonight? When you flying back?”
It’s been part of the Hanover experience (almost) every year since 2011, and it will be strange to be going through it for the last time.
What to expect
The above is clearly a veteran’s take on the show but, just like every year, there will be some people –exhibitors and visitors alike – who will be attending EroFame for the first time. If this is you, the pictures dotted around these pages, taken from past shows, will give you a taste of what to expect. And you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that a lunch buffet is provided free of charge every day, and there is even a dedicated Oktoberfest for visitors and exhibitors to get to know each other over a beer or two – again, free of charge.
The Oktoberfest takes place in the Munich Hall on the Hannover fairgrounds on the evening of Thursday September 26th. Think long tables, a selection of Bavarian food, choruses of Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit, and lashings of cold beer. It usually kicks off at 7:00pm and the drinks are free up until a
certain point so – unless you’re a guest of one of the sponsors – don’t arrive fashionably late as you won’t get a good seat (and you’ll be forfeiting precious free drinking time).
Wieland Hofmeister
Whether it’s your first or thirteenth EroFame, the main attraction as a visitor is the exhibitors and this show has always attracted many of the biggest names. At the time of writing (July) the exhibitor list had yet to be finalised, but it included: CalExotics, Creative Conceptions, E-Stim Systems, Eropartner Distribution, Fleshlight, Joydivision, Mystim, Nexus, Orion, Pipedream, Pjur, Satisfyer, Scala, ST Rubber, and Tenga. Rubbing shoulders with these big brands will be a number of unfamiliar names – 15 at the time of writing – making their EroFame debuts.
Industry giants or newcomers, what exhibitors will be presenting will be as diverse as the industry itself. Basically, whatever you want, there is likely to be an exhibitor offering it. But it’s the things you don’t know you want that will give you an advantage over your competitors.
There are always new launches scheduled for EroFame and while one can predict what most of the big US brands will be showcasing, as it is often the same items that were unveiled at July’s ANME in LA [see feature on page 44 of this issue], there are often surprises.
The numbers game
COVID and travel restrictions resulted in the cancellation of EroFame in 2020 and 2021 but, in terms of visitor numbers, it has bounced back remarkably robustly since its return. Last year saw 4,001 industry professionals pass through its doors during its three-day duration, compared to 3,049 in 2022.
I asked Wieland Hofmeister, head of Mediatainment Productions GmbH and organiser of EroFame, if such a significant increase in numbers could be attributed to people finally overcoming a post-COVID reluctance to travel, new entrants coming into the industry, or whether the organisers targeted visitors from territories outside their traditional markets.
“Visitors overcoming their COVID reluctance was probably one of the reasons they flocked to our last show in such numbers,” Hofmeister replies. “But let’s not forget the list of renowned and relevant producers
and distributors, the special event offers, and the innovative new products that the exhibitors present at EroFame. It is a perfect opportunity for trade members to plan for the upcoming holiday season. And I also want to mention the awesome Satisfyer Party on EroFame Wednesday. I wouldn’t be surprised if that also contributed to the large number of visitors.”
And it looks like 2023’s bumper crop of visitors could well be harvested again…
“Of course, the dream is to attract more visitors with each EroFame but ultimately, the market decides what is going to happen,” says Hofmeister. “All we can do is create an appealing platform for the visitors
and exhibitors and hope that they continue to place their trust in us and in our event. As far as this year’s show is concerned, the number of people who have already registered for EroFame online is larger than the number of reservations we had at the same time last year, so we are fairly confident that we will be welcoming more visitors in 2024.”
When asked what EroFame 2024 visitors can expect, Hofmeister replies that the basic concept will remain largely the same but adds: “We are aware of the changes in our industry, and we will respond to them.”
Turning to the number of exhibitors expected, Hofmeister says: “I can already announce that all the
Nichole Grossmann of CalExotics
Sabrina Earnshaw of Lovehoney
big names will be at this year’s EroFame, and we are also looking forward to welcoming a number of new, innovative companies who will be presenting their products and services to the visitors of EroFame for the first time.”
Farewell – and new hellos
Hofmeister has more reason than most to feel a little sad about the show closing its doors in Hanover for the final time on 27th September: “As someone who was born and raised in Hanover, I am admittedly a little melancholy about EroFame leaving my hometown,” he says. “Also, let’s not forget how many years we’ve been here, and at the biggest fairgrounds in the world to boot. But as mentioned, we have seen the signs of the times and therefore we have chosen a new path for the future of EroFame.
“Visitors and exhibitors generally praised the event itself, but some felt that Hanover was not the ideal location. So, after long consideration, we decided to make the necessary changes. And given the positive feedback, with so many EroFamers congratulating us on the decision, it seems that this was indeed the right thing to do. EroFame began 14 years ago as a German trade show, and from the get-go, we were lucky enough to welcome visitors from many other countries as well. In the meantime, the show has grown to become a big and well-respected European event, drawing an international audience and companies from all over the world. This international character is now at the core of the show, and that is also reflected in our decision.”
The decision made by the organisers was to move EroFame 2025 to not just a different city, but to a different country – and to add another event to the industry calendar too. Next year’s EroFame visitors will be travelling to Malaga, Spain, from 8th – 10th April and/or Amsterdam in the Netherlands from 8th – 10th October. And Hofmeister hints this overseas expansion could continue: “Having the event surrounded by appealing cultural and entertainment options is very important,” he says. “We know that. And as a result, we are going to take EroFame to
very exciting locations across Europe, with lots to do and see for the visitors. To kick things off, we’ll be in the sunshine city of the Costa del Sol, Malaga, and personally I couldn’t think of a more beautiful location to spend a few days in spring.”
After having a whole year between shows previously, the organisers are no doubt going to be extra busy next year, but Hofmeister is looking forward to this: “Organising the trade shows for 2025 and making them a success is going to be an exciting challenge for the EroFame team,” he says. “There is already lots of news and information about the events on our website.
“Of course, we also rely on the support of the industry, the producers as well as the wholesalers. On that note, I’d like to mention that the vast majority of wholesalers in Spain have already chosen to support the EroFame show in Malaga, and they will help create awareness about the event among their clients. We are also seeing lots of interest in the second show of the year, which will take place in Amsterdam in the fall of 2025.”
The organisers will be formally bidding farewell to Hanover at the Oktoberfest, when “some extra surprises” will be added to the mix. In which case, it sounds like it might be a good idea to take an extra pack of ibuprofen in the hand luggage.
2024 DETAILS
EroFame 2024 takes place from 25th – 27th September in Hall 4 of the Expo Fairgrounds in Hanover, Germany, and the show’s opening hours are 10:00am – 7:00pm (Wednesday and Thursday), 10:00am – 2:30pm (Friday).
Partner hotels are Hotel Mediterraneo, Best Western Hotel, and Radisson Blu Hotel. Reservations can be made at www.erofame.eu, where you can also find further information about the event, including the most up to date exhibitor list.
Vincent Renou now
Borgmeier Media Gruppe GmbH / Sign Magazine
RFP Regnes Fetish Planet / Regnes
Adloran GmbH
Amoreo Europe S.L. / Snail Vibe
Beautyenigma Lda / Orgie
Beston GmbH / Tracy’s Dog
Bundesverband Erotik Handel e.V. / BEH
Burntoy GmbH
CalExotics
CC Wellness LLC / System Jo
Cobeco Pharma
Creative Conceptions
E-Stim Systems Ltd
EIS GmbH / Satisfyer
Eropartner Distribution
Excellent Power Industrail Limited / Ex-Pow
Femarvi SL / Secret Play
Fleshlight International SL
Gao international s.r.o. / aiomi
Grace Land Co. Ltd. / Liebe Seele
H & Z Corporation LTD / Clix Therapy
Herbal Solutions / Mr. Stiff
HeyHey LTD / SoSé
Highpro Network SL / SECRET DOME
Hyperion Mariusz Senger / Demoniq Intt Cosmetics
Jiangsu Baishuhong International Trade / Orange Adult
Jolt Diffusion sarl
Joydivision international GmbH
Kiiroo
Kinkarso Tech LTD
KRAHO GmbH
Laboratoire Funline / Élysées cosmétiques
Leg Avenue
Leg Avenue Europe
Liaoyang Baile Health Care Product Co., Ltd / Pretty Love Toys
Lockerroom Marketing Ltd.
Lockink
LSW Trading / Erogance
LTC Healthcare / EXS Condoms
Mad Party Games
Medica-Group Sp- z.o.o.
Mystim GmbH
Mystique Clothing Limited
Nao Schmiedetechnik & Handel GmbH
Nexus
Nilion Trading GmbH
Odeco Ltd.
Orion Versand GmbH & Co. KG
Pasante Healthcare Ltd
Pipedream Products
Pjur group Luxembourg S.A.
RCC Wholesales Ltd
Red Fun Ltd
S-Linkey Inc.
Scala 2.0 BV
Schneider & Tiburtius Rubber Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
Shanghai API EXPO
Shun Heng Inc
Spitzenjunge
Style Vibes / Forplay
Svakom Europe BV
Tantaly
Tenga Europe GmbH
The Oh Collective B.V.
Toy Joy
Zhuhai Mubai Youpin Technology Co., Ltd / TINGON
[For the most up to date list of exhibitors visit www.erofame.eu]
Advent Calendars: the gifts that keep on giving
While waiting for the mainstream media to once again be gobsmacked by the concept of sex toy advent calendars, Dale Bradford looks at who’s doing what this year…
It’s become a Christmas tradition now. Every November, an over-excited tabloid intern will be tasked with cobbling together an ‘OMG! You can now buy a SEX TOYS advent calendar!’ article in an effort to harvest clicks, even though such items have been available for almost 20 years. Still, all publicity is good publicity, eh?
Retailers generally can’t go wrong with any sexy advent calendar, providing they place their orders in plenty of time: this is one sector where the warning ‘order early to avoid disappointment’ should be taken seriously.
Advent calendars in general have become big business, but just how big is difficult to quantify as estimates vary. Germany, where the tradition originated, is generally reckoned to be Europe’s biggest market for door-opening delights, with over €100 million spent annually, followed by the UK on around £50 million, then France (estimated to be between €30-40 million), and Switzerland, Austria, and the Nordic countries. I should point out that those figures are for the whole advent calendar market, not just those containing sex toys.
There is not a great deal of difference between the retail prices of this year’s sexy advent calendars – they start at €99 and peak at €199 –which leaves online retailer MegaPleasure to retain its place at the high end of the market with its four-foot-tall creation, introduced in 2022, which has a retail price of £999 (at the time of writing, there was just one left in stock).
If that sounds a bit over the top, it would be small change for customers of some mainstream luxury brands: Tiffany & Co’s 2023 Andy Warhol advent calendar, for instance, had a retail price of around $150,000. But that’s but a trifle, compared to the 2010 Porsche Design and Harrods Advent Calendar: highlights included a P’6910 Indicator Chronograph, a kitchen, and an 8.5 metre speedboat. Yours for just one million dollars. Still not quite bougie enough? The full stop on any sentence about extravagant advent calendars must go to British designer Debbie Wingham, who created a one-off extravaganza for a Swiss
Model with ONE-DC’s Naughty & Nice 2024 advent calendar
Björn Radcke of Orion Wholesale
client in 2021. Price tag: ten million dollars. Google ‘Debbie Wingham advent calendar’ for the full, slightly distasteful, story.
Back on planet Earth, more affordable mainstream advent calendars can sometimes look like marketing exercises or a cynical way to dress up excess stock in seasonal packaging, but the pleasure sector’s offerings are invariably excellent value for money.
This year’s crop is no different, as I discovered from Verena Singmann, head of PR at Lovehoney Group, Björn Radcke, head of sales and marketing (B2B) at Orion Wholesale, Melanie Bos, head of brand design at ONE-DC, and Megwyn White, Satisfyer’s director of education and certified sexologist.
Is this a sector that is growing year-on-year, or are the sales fairly consistent?
Verena Singmann: The advent calendar gets more and more popular every year with the calendar selling out earlier every time.
we eventually identified the optimal quantity to satisfy our customers. This allowed us to consistently meet the high demand during the advent calendar season and ensure our partners had sufficient stock to sell within this limited timeframe. Overall, the sector has demonstrated significant growth year-on-year, driven by strong customer demand and our ability to effectively scale production.
Megwyn White: Since the debut of the Satisfyer advent calendar in 2021, we’ve seen strong growth and increasing demand. The introduction of Deluxe and Premium versions reflects this trend, showing that the sector is expanding each year.
How seriously do you approach this sector: is it a convenient way to reduce your stock of certain items or is every product included in the calendar
planning process for next year’s calendar around this time of year. Our aim is to curate a selection of products that will get people excited and as well as able to explore new sensations, so reducing stock is not a focus. With the calendar, couples can step into the world of bondage, anal stimulation and sensation play while games and small gifts will bring cheeky fun to foreplay. It really is for couples to explore new realms of pleasure and bring them closer together, in a fun, experimental and exciting way. For this year’s calendar, we are launching a completely new design, featuring small gift boxes for each day that can be taken out. It’s a really premium experience, but with excellent value for money.
BR: We place a very high value on the products and they are by no means remnants or similar. The products have been specially developed for this advent calendar and we really agonise over the design
ONE-DC’s unboxed advent calendar
importance to including as many different products as possible in our advent calendars in order to offer customers the most varied and exciting holiday season.
Both our Deluxe and our Premium calendars are designed to offer a diverse range of experiences, with different products every day. The calendar features a curated mix of items focused on sexual wellbeing, massages, and seduction, making it an ideal gift for both singles and couples to enjoy an unforgettable holiday season.
At the start of November, we already begin the search for the best product selection for next year’s advent calendar in order to offer our fans the best and most affordable calendar ever.
Does your 2024 advent calendar have a theme?
VS: The theme for the Lovehoney advent calendar for couples is 24 Days of Discovery. It is the perfect gift for lovers as it keeps on giving long after the Christmas decorations have been taken down.
BR: The name of our advent calendar says it all: Feel the Magic Shiver! Our advent calendar Magic Shiver is perfect for anyone who is looking for pleasant variety and who wants to spice up the advent period with 24 erotic surprises – and feel the magic shiver! The diverse selection of sensual toys and accessories is a great introduction to the world of eroticism – for both couples and singles.
MB: Yes, the theme for our 2024 advent calendar is Midnight Mystique. It's an evocative Loveboxxx adventure where each day reveals a hidden treasure, designed to captivate and intrigue. Encased in the rich elegance of burgundy and gold, the calendar evokes an atmosphere of passion and mystery. The deep burgundy tones are meant to ignite a path of desire, while the shimmering gold accents unveil secrets of intimacy. Each gift included isn't merely an item, but a key to unlocking the enchantment of each night. Midnight Mystique is intended to transform December into an unforgettable journey of love and mystique, providing a unique and luxurious experience for users. MW: We always stick to a general holiday theme with our advent calendars, offering diverse products, to give everyone - regardless of gender, relationship status, sexual orientation, and personal preferencesthe chance to enjoy the most sensual holiday period.
What will your 2024 calendars contain? Is there a ‘hero’ product that stands out this year?
VS: This year’s hero product is the Womanizer Liberty 2, one of the most popular Womanizer toys. The clitoral stimulator with Pleasure Air Technology comes with a magnetic travel cap, eight intensity levels, and a travel lock for easy on-the-go pleasure. In addition to the Womanizer product, the advent calendar also contains the We-Vibe Sync Lite couple’s vibrator for hands-free clitoral stimulation during sex. With 10 intensity levels, this vibrator can be controlled via the We-Vibe App. The advent calendar also features a bullet vibrator that is compatible with other toys in the calendar for endless possibilities to explore and play with a partner.
BR: Our advent calendar contains 24 removable gift boxes full of seductive surprises: 12 sex toys, three accessories, four cosmetics, three soft bondage items and, as a hero, two premium toys. There is a lovingly designed booklet available online that contains info and seductive tips for each of the individual boxes. The content is still a surprise: there is a QR code at the back of every box that leads straight to the right page in the booklet.
MB: Our 2024 advent calendar will feature a variety of products to enhance your experience: eight sex toy products, five BDSM products, six body and care items, and five accessories and fun items. Additionally, this year's calendar includes a universal USB cable compatible with all toys, reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly solutions. The products are beautifully designed and coloured, including some trendy toys currently popular in the market. These toys are thoughtfully distributed across the 24 days, ensuring a delightful unboxing experience throughout the advent season.
MW: Customers can look forward to many exciting surprises this year. Our Premium calendar includes six of our bestselling products that will provide a multitude of sensations: Satisfyer Seal You Soon, a Double Air Pulse Vibrator in super cute animal design; Satisfyer Big Heat Connect App, an app-enabled warming G-spot vibrator sure to heat up cold winter nights; Satisfyer Cotton Candy, a small and beginner-friendly Double Air Pulse Vibrator; Satisfyer Mini Wand-er, a
small wand vibrator perfect for full-body massages; Satisfyer Masturbator Egg, a stretchy and travel-sized masturbator; and Satisfyer Yoni Power 1, a Kegel ball designed for pelvic floor training. In addition, there are more highlights waiting, from Vanilla Massage Oil and lingerie from Penthouse to other innovative products sweetening the holiday season.
Lovehoney’s 24 Days of Discovery 2024 advent calendar
Satisfyer’s 2024 Premium advent calendar
Do the supporting products tend to differ year by year, or are there some staples that appear on a regular basis?
VS: We want our customers to be able to explore a variety of different sensations and that is how we build and structure the calendar. If customers open door-bydoor, as most people do, they will be able to start slowly and expect the products to become a bit more advanced moving closer to the 24th. One of the staples is definitely the bullet vibrator. We offer a bullet vibrator every year that is able to be paired with other products in the calendar. That way, customers can explore different vibrating sensations for different erogenous zones, exploring new ways of stimulation.
BR: There are certainly some basic products, but all products have been specially developed for this advent calendar. It is a varied assortment that inspires hours of fun and makes you want to open the next box each and every day.
MB: We always include our bestsellers in the calendar, but we give them a fresh look each year to match the theme. For example, our popular handcuffs show up regularly, but with a new twist each time. Besides these favourites, we add brand-new items every year to keep things exciting and unique. This way, our advent calendars offer a mix of beloved staples and surprising new treats.
MW: All products are newly selected every year to ensure people always experience new kinds of pleasure. What remains unchanged is that you will always find high-quality Satisfyer products in the calendar – and they are mostly our bestsellers.
What pricepoint will your 2024 calendars retail at?
VS: The Lovehoney x Womanizer’s couple sex toy calendar will be available for £150.
BR: The suggested retail price of our erotic advent calendar is €149.
MB: Based on our previous experience, our 2024 advent calendars will retail between €99 and €149, depending on the version. This range reflects the quality and variety of products included, ensuring great value for the experience we provide. While retailers may have their own pricing strategies, this range is suggested to offer customers the best value for our curated collections.
MW: Satisfyer Premium Calendar starts from €199.95 and Satisfyer Deluxe Calendar starts from €119.95.
Does this represent a significant saving over the cost of the individual items?
VS: With the 24 products sold individually, it is worth over £450. By buying the advent calendar, customers save up to 67% versus the retail value of each product. If we only look at the hero product that is worth £89.99 alone, plus the couple’s vibrator that sells for £79.99, you can see that the calendar is very much worth the money.
BR: Absolutely! The end customer would save over €350 compared to the unit price of the products.
MB: Yes, purchasing our advent calendar offers a substantial saving compared to buying each item individually. We carefully curate a selection of products that provide great value, allowing customers to enjoy
premium items at a more affordable price. This makes the advent calendar an excellent choice for those looking to explore a variety of high-quality products while benefiting from the overall cost savings.
MW: Yes, it does! We’re offering customers a great deal. Our Premium Advent Calendar, if priced as individual items, would total €900.00, and the Deluxe Advent Calendar has a value of €650.00.
How many units do you expect to make available this year?
VS: While we continue to increase our stock level every year, the experience has also shown that the calendar sells out a few weeks after being available. This shows an increased interest from customers in the UK and other markets.
BR: That remains the big mystery of the Magic Shiver!
MB: We anticipate producing enough units to meet the high demand we've seen in previous years, ensuring availability for all our retailers. Each year, we carefully plan our production to balance demand and supply, aiming to satisfy both returning customers and new buyers eager to experience our advent calendar.
MW: We're keeping the exact numbers under wraps for now – but what we can reveal is that combined with the number of EIS in Germany, it will be far over 1,000,000 units. Since it’s a limited edition, all pre-orders are already in. We suggest acting quickly to secure enough stock for everyone, as these will fly off the shelves.
Finally, when is the cut-off point for retailers to order your advent calendar?
BR: Our advent calendar Magic Shiver will be available at the beginning of September. The item number is 06383150000.
MB: Our pre-sales begin early in the year. We strongly advise interested customers not to delay, as we commence production immediately after the pre-sales period. This approach enables us to accurately gauge demand and determine the necessary production quantities. While we do account for additional units in our production to accommodate last-minute orders, it's best for retailers to place their orders during the pre-sales phase to guarantee availability.
MW: Our pre-order deadline was mid-March. But the biggest distributors all over Europe will be selling our calendars from mid-September.
For more information: https://b2b.lovehoneygroup.com www.orion-wholesale.com www.edc.nl www.satisfyer.com
ANME 2024
After 25-plus years of twice-a-year shows, ANME is now an annual event. If you missed 2024’s edition, which took place from 15th-17th July, Tod Hunter reports on some of the highlights…
As usual, the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel, located conveniently across the street from Hollywood Burbank Airport, hosted July’s ANME (Adult Novelty Manufacturer’s Expo), with the lobby-adjacent ballroom functioning as a party venue. There were several of these, including the Sunday kick-off presented by US publication XBIZ, the StorErotica Awards, and a rock star themed party. The signs primly requiring that ANME attendees discuss business only on the exhibit floor were back, but they were supplemented by discreet ANME photo ops for social media use and an outdoor picnic-table discussion area reserved for ANME attendees that also functioned as a luncheon area, with lunch provided by the LA-area staple, food trucks.
In the convention centre, the remaining ANME Founders — CalExotics, Doc Johnson, and Nasstoys — held three centre positions, with other exhibitors
around the edges of the large room. A separate side room was devoted to new attendees, with overflow in the adjacent air-conditioned tent.
Drive all night
The new CalExotics Overdrive is a remote-controlled sex machine that comes with a detachable suction cup base. The remote control has a 10-meter range, and the thrusting and vibration functions are controlled separately. There are two models, one with a smooth thruster, one with a ridged thruster. "People love sex machines, but they don't always have the room. This is the way to get it in a smaller, more affordable option," said CalExotics director of marketing Nichole Grossmann. "We've got about 100 new items this season for the fall 2024 collection,” she continued. “The new Couture items have the Body Wand with 10 speeds and
vibrations. What I love about this is it's a massager, but you don’t feel anything in the handle. All the power is concentrated exactly where it needs to be. And the new Dual Pleasure Wand has suction at one end and vibration at the other. Both are USB rechargeable and waterproof."
The new Azure collection of G-spot vibes features one slim wand and two with rabbit extensions, one with ears and one with a flicking small flower. Cascade is a collection of three 10-speed silicone mini-massagers with rounded or flared ends, and Gia is a collection of three 12-function silicone vibes with one (Curved Pleaser), two (Dual Flicker), or three (Triple Teaser) vibrating ends and texture on the handle. Orgasmatron is a collection of G-spot vibes and there were new additions to the Thicc and Love Bunny ranges.
The fetish-oriented Nocturnal collection has added an over-the-door X-cross restraint and over-the-door Sex
CalExotics Overdrive & Nichole Grossmann
Swing, a Position Strap with built-in pillow, and a Doggy Style Strap. All have PVC leather and soft neoprene linings, Monster Dongs are jet-black monster-movie themed dongs with '50s monster movie graphics on the packaging, and Working Stiff is a new range of realistic dongs.
The new Bionic Vibro-Stroker offers suction, oscillation, and vibration functions with a digital readout and has a textured removable sleeve, Cyclone is a transparent dual-chamber stroker with textured interiors, offering the user four different sensations, and also allowing two users the opportunity to use the two chambers at once, and there are two new male figures in the Cheap Thrills stroker line.
Head games
Doc Johnson has expanded its Good Head line with several new products. "We've added a lot of different flavours," Doc Johnson brand manager Krystal Silva told ETO. "Good Head Juicy Head is a dry-mouth spray, and we recently added six new sour flavours. There are five new flavours in the Pussy Licker and Booty Licker lines. There's no tingling or numbing, just flavour." New Good
Head kits — Honeymoon Head, Birthday Blowjob, and Pussy Pleasure — have a flavour item and a toy, and two new Blowjob Sets feature watermelon and pineapple flavour items and themed strokers.
Cocktail Delight is a set of three cocktail-flavoured warming gels. "Good Head is one of our best-selling collections. It's kind of a no-brainer," Silva said.
A new line called Fantasy Fuckers has started with a double-ended stroker called The Worm which resembles a creature from a recent movie. "We'll be adding more, stay tuned," Silva said. Main Squeeze has added 26 new strokers moulded from adult-industry and online performers including Anna Claire Clouds, Nicole Doshi, and Leana Lovings, each with a unique interior pattern. All 26 performers are also represented with new hand-held Signature Strokers. The Realistic Cock line has new packaging, with colour coding: "Blue for Vanilla, green for Caramel, red for Chocolate."
Silex-D, a Barcelona-based partner company to Doc Johnson, is offering its thermally reactive dongs and plugs, and liquid-silicone torso masturbators: the male model has a hole so the user can insert their dong of choice, and the bent-over female model has two usable orifices. Another Doc Johnson partner,
Doc Johnson's Main Squeeze
Doc Johnson - ©TracyLynnCompany
©TracyLynnCompany
military-themed gay line Fort Troft, has added new bondage items: the Tactical Cross has a pad in the centre and silicone grips for the hands and feet. New wrist and ankle cuffs are designed for the sub's comfort with covered rivets and soft neoprene on the inside and industrial Velcro closures: "We don’t like buckles. Sometimes it's too tight, sometimes it's too loose, you have to fumble and adjust. You kill the Top-bottom headspace. The minute you put it on the sub and it's not right, you aren’t the Top anymore. This restraint is intuitive. You can feel when it's right," a company rep told ETO.
A new blindfold features cupped eye covers ("You can blink. Every other blindfold smashes against your eyes. They can stay blindfolded and blink in total darkness.") and a new ball gag has ridges on the ball so a sub can bite down on it. New nipple clamps have silicone ends and an aluminium chain so the Top can add weights.
Goddesses and Unihorns
Nasstoys has added several items to its Goddess collection, including the long-eared Diamond Bunny Tickler, rose-shaped Diamond Bloom Massager, swirled oval Diamond Tulip Massager and jet-black Diamond Vibrating Plug. All have seven vibrations, are USB rechargeable, and have a diamond push button on the base. Also new in the Goddess line are the Heat-up Tapping Massager, a 10-vibration G-spot vibe with a tapping point on the rabbit extension, and the On The Spot Massager, a 10-vibration pinpoint vibrator. The Blaze collection has added two G-spot thumping vibes: the Suction Thumper Vibe with suction extension and Bunny Thumper Vibe, with a long-eared rabbit extension. Also new to Blaze is the Exciter Vibe, a dual-motor vibe with a G-spot stimulator attached to a fluttering clitoral stimulator. The Atomic Dual Delight is a silicone anal-bead-and-cock-ring combination with a remote control, and the Great Extender 2 In 1 Extender And Masturbator is an extender with an anchoring ring and a vagina-shaped opening. It comes in 7, 8 and 9-inch lengths.
Creative Conceptions has added Unihorn Mini, a "10-speed micro steed" vibrator. "Very discreet, you can have it hanging anywhere," international account
Nasstoys - ©TracyLynnCompany
Doc Johnson partner Fort Troft
manager Nick Bull said. "Nobody's going to know what it is." Also new is Super Excite, a rechargeable 10-speed bullet from Skins. Shots' Ouch! line has added high-end bondage items themed to fashionable cities around the world, including Venice, Milan, Florence, Paris, London, and New York. The items include collar with leash, ball gag, handcuffs, legcuffs, under-the-bed restraint, blindfold, hogtie, paddle, and flogger, and are available for individual sale or in a kit that includes a bullet vibe and is packaged in a faux-leather purse.
Prowler was exhibiting its items in the tent, introducing itself to the US market. "We've been around since 1989. We're already established in the UK, we're raising brand awareness in the US. We have different colours for different things: red for fetish, green for anal, blue for vibrators, orange for masturbators, silvery for cock rings," Justin Vickers said. "The socks do quite well. Each store will have different bestsellers." Lingerie for men includes a lace bra "designed for men. There's no wires. For cross-dressers who want to wear it under a shirt, or somebody transitioning."
What’s Next?
Next is a new product from Womanizer. "It's a step up from Premium 2," said company rep Kelly. It has 14 levels of Pleasure Air, and features Climax Control, which is a deeper intensity of Pleasure Air." Blend is a U-shaped hands-free dual stimulator, with an internal G-spot vibrator and Pleasure Air. The Golden Moments Collection 2 combines a Premium 2 and a We-Vibe Chorus in matching black. The We-Vibe line has added the Jive 2, a wearable egg vibrator with a wider insertable end and a remote control. Jive 2 can also be controlled by the We-Vibe Bluetooth app. XR Brands has added new items to its BDSM line, including scent-based gas masks, a throne, and the Ultimate Enforcer Forced Orgasm Tower, with an illustration of a bound woman on one side of the box and a bound man on the other side. "We're trying to do that more and more," an XR rep said. "Having respect for all types of users." New Creature Cocks include Octophallus, Jurassic Cock, and Doom, which is made up of four graduated skulls, as well as Creature Slime lube and Creature Cum for use with ejaculating items. The Play With Me line at Blush has added Blooming Bliss, a kit with two small vibrators, a remote control,
and a carrying case that can recharge them. "Very similar to your AirPods," account manager Denise Young told ETO. "It's very small and super-portable, and also discreet. Great for that young customer traveling with their first toy, or they live at home or with roommates." Renaissance is a new line of realistic dual-density silicone dildos with liquid silicone loose skin on the shaft and realistic balls in the scrotum at the base. "It's been getting a lot of traction because of the realistic feel. It's very veiny and has a realistic skin." DaVinci is 8 inches and Raphael is 9.5 inches. Impressions New York is a dual motor vibe with nine vibrating modes and ‘Gyro-Quake’ thumping action. Silicone, USB rechargeable, waterproof, suction cup base, harness-compatible, and comes with an anti-microbial storage bag. And Dr Skin+ has two new double-ended dildos, 14 inches and 16 inches, covered in soft TPE and featuring a jointed connector at the centre. Slambox is a stroker from Blush's M for Men collection: it looks like a Bluetooth speaker but opens up to reveal an open-ended thrusting and rotating stroker. It recharges with a standard USB-C connector. M for Men has also added Dome X, an open-ended waterproof vibrating stroker with squeezable side panels; Whirlwind Pro, a vibrating stroker with suction; Spinmaster Pro, a vibrating stroker with rotation; and Master Blaster, which combines vibration, suction, and stroking at variable intensity levels and warming. Enlust is a line of TPE strokers modelled after AI-generated models. "The fun part is that under the box flap there's a QR code," Young said. "A customer can scan it, verify that they're of age, and access spicier images of the character."
Hello Cuties
Screaming O creative director Gideon Perez told ETO: "We have a few new vibes we're calling Screaming O Cuties, small silicone vibrators at a really fun price point. We're looking at a $29.95 MSRP. They're meant to be a grab-and-go type item." Palmy is a palm vibe, Winny is a small wand, and Dotty is an egg vibe in a small nest. "The cool thing is that in the nest, it doesn’t transfer as much vibration to the hand."
Rebound is a compact power wand at $39.95 MSRP and a new Premium Lipstick Vibe has five speeds and five pulse patterns and comes in a gold-stamped presentation box with four silicone tips. "We've always had a vibrating lipstick, that's been one of our top
Shots America - ©TracyLynnCompany
Prowler - ©TracyLynnCompany
XR Brands - ©TracyLynnCompany Blush - ©TracyLynnCompany
sellers in our My Secret line, but we discontinued it because of the button-cell batteries. We created a premium rechargeable lipstick vibe." MSRP is $49.95. New Soft Touch Rechargeable Bullet vibes have five speeds and a pulse function ("A little upgrade over the standard bullet"), come in four colours and have an MSRP of $24.95.
Sportsheets' Pivot line has added ten new items, including the Positioner, a firm foam wedge with a water-resistant cover and loops to add connectors, and an Inflatable Positioner Plus "that's really good for travel," said Sportsheets commercial director Kelly Sofferman. "With all Pivot items, we try to figure out 'How many functions can this have?' and 'How can it help people with limited abilities be able to have more pleasurable sex with their partner?'" The Convertible Toy Mount is two firm-foam pillows with Velcro straps that can hold a wand vibrator or stroker "with 180 degrees of placement." It can also lay flat "for a little bit of lift." MSRP is $129. The packaging on the Pivot products is shrink-wrapped, with diagrams
and informational copy on the box and a QR code that the customer can scan for more product information. "The site doesn't have the ability to buy, it's just more information," Sofferman said.
Satisfyer has a number of new products ("Every two weeks," Satisfyer director of education Megwyn White said) including the Tap & Climax, a vibrator with a tapping motion; the Heat Flex 4, with rotation and heating functions, and a loop that stimulates the vulva when being used for penetration ("Very oceanic, very wave-like"); the Ring Stroker, which can be used as a vibrating stroker or supplement to oral; the Exciterrr, with a rotating ball on a vibrating plate and the Dew Drop, a teardrop-shaped vibe.
Iroha has added Mai, which uses haptic sound waves to generate vibration, sales and marketing rep Hayato Iizuka told ETO. "When you hold it, you can't really feel the strength of it, but once you put it on your body, you can feel it internally. It has 10 different modes and three different speeds." Also new are Gems, handheld disposable massagers — "It's 98 percent water and
2 percent agar," Iizuka said. "You can cool them down or warm them up. Some people like them for ice play."
"We have a new label refresh," Pjur founder Alexander Giebel told ETO. "The yellow dot on the J was blown up and that's the new logo. It's bigger and Pjur is centred in the logo. We changed the colour codes and we have a new hierarchy of information, making it easier to understand. First, at the top, the logo, then the name of the product, then the design area, and then the product identity — water, silicone, hybrid — and then the advantages or benefits of the product. This is coming along on every single product. You can identify your product so much easier. The whole portfolio is now in this new design. We want it to be fresh for our 30th anniversary next year."
The company is also introducing a new product, a vibrating orgasm gel called Pjur WOMAN Lust, which it is calling "the clitoral orgasm revolution." The effect "starts at second two and lasts for up to 15 minutes," Giebel said, and the Pjur WOMAN Lust Intense formula "lasts up to 20-30 minutes, depending on sensitivity."
Both formulas are water-based with no silicone or oil so they are toy-compatible.
Oil be back
Shunga has a new mango flavoured massage oil and has repackaged its body powders. "It's a smaller container, easier to use," director of business development Kim Chanel said. "And it comes with a feather applier that matches the aroma. You can use it for dry massage, when it's hot and you don’t want to use oil. It leaves your skin soft and silky." Raspberry and sparkling strawberry wine remain in the flavour lineup, and mango and coconut have been added.
JO has added 8-ounce bottles to the Agape and Coconut Hybrid lines, west coast regional manager Timothy Ferencz told ETO. "We have a new masturbation cream which is purely coconut oil. The formula stays slick, it's not going to gunk up or dry out. It's for doing it the old-fashioned way, it's not safe for toys." Agape has added an aloe formula, and there's a new water-based anal lube, H2O Anal Thick: "It's water
based so it's good for anything, but we market it for anal because it’s thicker."
"Since our last show Hemptation has come back," Andrew Eustace, adult sales director for Wet, told ETO. "Far and away our most hydrating formula, with cannabis sativa seed extract. No THC, no CBD. As long as you're good with hemp, you're good with this. Available worldwide."
Uranus Anal Lube has added an extra-thick water-based lube. "It's by far and away our thickest formula," Eustace said. "This will stay where you put it. It is good for all uses, but it is absolutely marketed as anal. Anyone using a silicone-based anal toy has this option, because it's safe for silicone toys. And it's condom-compatible across the range." Also, Wet's Fun Flavors warming lube line has new red caps, to make it easy for users and customers to differentiate from the non-warming lines.
Sliquid is prepping Tsunami for a fall release in Europe. "It is a super-thick gel that will stay in place longer, will last longer, and it's our product that most closely emulates your body's own natural moisture," vice
president of marketing Erik Vasquez told ETO. "The seaweed extract is going to allow for more slip." Ride lube is getting a rebrand, replacing the cowboy image with a cartoon-ish grinning emoji with horns. "It's a departure for Sliquid, which is natural, organic, pretty — this is gay sex. It's raunchy, it's funny, and irreverent. We've keyed in our specific target demo — and we let 'em have it."
After the show concluded, ANME show director Lacy Empkey was “thrilled with its remarkable success." She added: "The high attendance underscored the event's significance, while the introduction of our new networking area proved to be an invaluable addition, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations. I am deeply grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event such a tremendous achievement, and we look forward to doing it again next year."
The next ANME Founders Show will take place 14th – 16th July 2025.
Sliquid - ©TracyLynnCompany
Whoop·de·doo Spotlight:
Readers from the Czech Republic will already be familiar with the work of Anna Marešová, and Dale Bradford thinks that it’s about time the rest of us were too…
The word ‘unique’ is used far too frequently, and often incorrectly – it means ‘the only one’, after all – but when it comes to sex toy designers, I am confident in applying the term to Anna Marešová. Anna is unique – unless you know any other pleasure product creators who have also designed mass transit systems – and her approach to her business is pretty unusual too: all materials and components are sourced exclusively from Czech and European suppliers, and all manufacturing takes place in the Czech Republic. The name of her company is also worthy of note: Whoop·de·doo. When I see it written down, I read it in the same voice
to create sex toys for her diploma thesis. She owned a vibrator at the time but was, she says, ashamed of it and hid it away. She takes up the story: “It made me think about why such a beautiful area of human life – intimacy – was often represented in such tasteless and even vulgar ways. Eventually I concluded that it could be interesting to design aids that don’t embarrass you but rather serve as a sort of icebreaker, conversation pieces, if you will. After all, a vibrator is a product just like a toothbrush – it has to be designed and engineered and manufactured. I’d often thought it was an area that deserved more focus on design, but I never imagined it would become my thesis project;
When people say it, they usually have a little grin on their lips. Since it was my diploma thesis, I didn’t think much about the name in terms of marketing.” Although she thought it would be nice if her products were put into production at some point, that was never her aim. But after she received the National Award for Student Design for her project, the Czech media took an interest in it, and her: “Lots of people started
year of school, so I chose a topic that would keep me gynaecologist who has years of experience with them
expression is used when there’s some excitement
© 2019 Anna Marešová by Lenka Bukacova
© 2021 Anna Marešová Designers
– Black Venus Balls and Red above
2023 Venus Balls by Social Minds
contacting me,” Anna says. “There were meetings with various investors and all sorts of offers talking about mass production in China and how to harness the media hype, but there really wasn’t any discussion of anything else, which I didn’t like.”
Anna resisted all commercial overtures, metaphorically putting the design in a drawer for a year. And when she did revisit it, she knew exactly what she wanted to do: “I said to myself that if I was going to do it, I was going to do it properly. I started visiting Czech companies and putting together a production chain.” She took out a loan and used all her personal savings to start the business, keeping the Whoop·de·doo brand name, despite advice from various marketers that it wouldn’t work.
On the ball
In 2013, the Whoop·de·doo Venus balls went on sale, and the initial production run sold out within days. Anna went on to open an eponymous design studio and bring to market the vibrator she had developed in her thesis.
Sustainably manufactured in the Czech Republic, the Vibrator Classic might look a little understated, but every aspect of it has been considered. Its shape was decided after Anna consulted with a gynaecologist
and the input of professional testers determined its functions.
Made from medical-grade silicone, with no surface protrusions, it flexes in use, so it is adaptive to the female body. Anna took inspiration from the braille alphabet when designing the controls: they are described as being so intuitive that users can enjoy their vibe in the dark or even with their eyes closed. Anna received the prestigious Red Dot Award for the Vibrator Classic in 2016 and she has been called ‘the most important Czech product designer’ by Forbes CZ. In 2020, Anna launched her menstrual cup, moving into an entirely new area of intimacy, and she focused on the topic of menstruation in her first podcast series Přiznej barvu (Show Your Colour). “What’s important to me, in addition to functional and durable design, is how and where the product is made,” Anna says. “We’re one of the few brands that have their own original designs and moulds with manufacturing based in Europe for all products. We’re not fast-moving goods from Asia. And I can see that more and more people are starting to appreciate that. We can easily document the origin of the materials and components used, including safety certifications. That’s really important to me, because I want the best for my customers.”
The Vibrator Classic of today has much in common
with Anna’s original design and the first model that came to market: “There are various incremental improvements but, as its name – Classic – implies, the DNA remains unchanged,” she says. “It looks completely innocent, but it can vibrate very intensely, which is always a surprise. It has three motors and three modes, letting users adjust the intensity and
© 2021 Anna Marešová Designers – Vibrator Musa Edition
© 2014 Anna Marešová Designers – White Venus Balls
© 2021 Anna Marešová by Martin Tiso
© 2021 Anna Marešová Designers – Vibrator Classic
frequency in as many as 105 different combinations, from intensive slow vibrations to fast gentle vibrations... And because it’s all-silicone, it vibrates along its entire length. I’ve had customers come back after years wanting a second one, or maybe they’ve misplaced the first one and they don’t want anything else. That always brings a smile to my face.”
Business talk
Although Anna rejected the first overtures she received from the business community, she is not ruling out some form of strategic partnership at some stage: “I think I can say with some confidence now that after ten years, the company and the brand are clearly defined and have succeeded in pursuing the same philosophy the whole time,” she says. “The products have been proven by thousands of customers, so now I am considering inviting an investor in, someone who sees things the way I do but also has a business mindset that can move the brand forward. I don’t want it to be solely
about turning profits, it has to be about the meaning of the brand as a whole as well. We also put quite a bit of focus on education in this area, and for me, the greatest motivation is the reactions we get from customers. When I see that they love our products and provide us with amazing feedback, I have no doubt that all the effort and hard work are well worth it.”
Any third parties thinking of inviting Anna to sprinkle a little of her design magic on their own sex toy collections are likely to be disappointed, however.
“I have received offers to design aids for various companies,” Anna says. “But I made it a rule for myself that I’d only design intimate aids for Whoop·de·doo. After all, I’m a product designer, so I design other products and create industrial designs, and I enjoy that. Most recently, my studio, Anna Marešová Designers, won a competition for the design of the Petřín funicular in the very heart of Prague [see boxout].”
The retail price of Whoop·de·doo vibrators places them at the top end of the market, and there are no plans for this to change by introducing a more mainstreampriced model. However, the third project she originally designed – the vibrating egg – is now in the pipeline and this is likely to be offered at a lower price.
“When you’re making a truly honest product, it simply costs more,” Anna says. “So, I don’t think there’ll be much change there. Nonetheless, when I look at the price of our menstrual cup, it’s perfectly affordable. And when I know that it really works and looks great, too, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”
As mentioned earlier, Anna has become well-known in the Czech Republic for her design flair in other areas, besides sex toys, so does she consider herself a sex toy designer with other interests, or a designer who happens to create sex toys?
“The Czech media called me the Queen of Vibrators, but I don’t mind,” Anna replies. “On the contrary – I think I’ll mind when I’m no longer known as such. I have no doubt that I’ve done some really good design work here, and I stand by my brand. At the same time, I have other significant achievements in the field of public transport, and that combination is very surprising for people. But like I say, it doesn’t matter if I’m creating a tram or a vibrator – they both have to work flawlessly and look great. If they do, then we’ve got some good, quality design.”
Looking to the future, Anna would like to open a Whoop·de·doo store in London at some point: “A pleasant and safe space for the sale of intimate aids,”
she says. “Nothing lascivious, but a niche design store where there’s a pleasant smell, pleasant music, pleasant service, and quality products. It might sound a little crazy in today’s online age, but I think people are increasingly looking for shopping experiences like that.” Bloggers who are active on social media can apply to become a Whoop·de·doo affiliate and a list of retail stockists can be found on the Whoop·de·doo website. Anna would like to increase these in the future, as she explains: “I’d like to expand the brand to other countries. European countries for now. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right distributors. After all, we are a bit more expensive, but the quality is on a completely different level. Customers often tell us that our products look even better in person than they do in the photos – for most products it’s the other way around. Most importantly, though, our customers tell us that our products always work the way they’re supposed to. It’s great to see intimate aids breaking through into the field of wellbeing. I believe that will help us expand Whoop·de·doo to other countries.”
For further information visit https://whoopdedoo.love/en
© 2023 Menstral Cups by Kristina Hrabetova
©
2023 Anna Marešová Designers
Putting the fun in funicular
As mentioned elsewhere on these pages, Anna’s design expertise crosses sectors: she is well-known in the Czech Republic for designing the T3 Coupé pleasure tram for the city of Prague, which received the Red Dot 2019 Award and German Design Award 2020. With her team, she also won an international competition for the design of the funicular (cable railway system) at Petřín in Prague. How did a sex toy designer move into transport systems, I wondered? Turns out I had the question the wrong way round… “The tram came about before the toys,” Anna explains. “I studied product design. I even spent two years at the University of Derby in the UK and earned a bachelor’s degree there, and the topic of that thesis was a tram for Prague. The intimate aids were later, for my master’s thesis.
“Once I’d completed my studies, I founded a design studio and the Whoop·de·doo brand, and roughly six years later I was commissioned by the Prague Public Transport Company to design a sightseeing tram for our city. Thus, the T3 Coupé tram
was born. It’s based on the old T3 tram from the 1960s, but I gave it a kind of luxury-oldtimer look.”
The one-off tram has a bar and is available for private hire. It has proven so popular that it is constantly booked up. There is more to come from her in the field of transport, and Anna’s designs will soon be found in other areas of life…
“Currently, we’re working on the funicular
with the Swiss company Doppelmayr, and I’m also consulting with Škoda Transportation on the design of new trams,” she says. “I’ve also designed a collection of lighting fixtures and a collection of jewellery. I like working in a lot of different areas, and if the product I design serve people well, then I know that what I’m doing makes sense.”
You can find out more about Anna Marešová Designers at www.annamaresova.com/en
© 2018 T3 Coupé by Petr Hejna
© 2022 Whoop•de•doo Red Dot by Adam Dvorak
© 2022 Anna Marešová Designers - Prague Tram
© 2021 Anna Marešová Designers
What’s next for Satisfyer?
Satisfyer’s FUN FACTORY acquisition surprised many of us this summer, and there may be more such deals to come, as Sven Pelka, managing director at the German group EIS/Satisfyer/Triple A, explains…
It’s fair to say Satisfyer shocked the industry in July when it announced it had acquired FUN FACTORY. Was this an opportunity that presented itself or did Satisfyer actively target the brand?
We have had our eye on FUN FACTORY for quite some years: we have been in discussions with them for several years, culminating in a year of intense negotiations – which were successfully concluded. In addition to that, we are currently in negotiations with several other major brands, which are reportedly not performing well.
Although it’s early days, has Satisfyer decided what it will do with FUN FACTORY? Will it continue to be run as a standalone business, for instance, with its own product range, customers, and marketing, or will the two brands share everything with each other, including IP, development costs, and logistics?
With Satisfyer already being the world market leader, there is room for a strong brand like FUN FACTORY to set itself apart and appeal to different customers and sales channels. Our group now holds the largest patent portfolios in the industry, massively expanded with recent acquisitions. We aim to leverage this by offering new product experiences and innovations to end consumers, positioning FUN FACTORY as a driver of innovation once more.
Could FUN FACTORY become the upmarket arm of Satisfyer, as Lexus is to Toyota in the car world?
We don't need to reposition FUN FACTORY, as the company is one of the most important sexual wellness
businesses and has built its own position in the sexual wellness industry. We hold the founders' work and FUN FACTORY's legacy in high regard – and we will continue to do so!
We know we can only honour and continue this legacy if we were already able to invest the same amount, in addition to the purchase price. Fortunately, we have also acquired future product developments and patents, ensuring the brand's ongoing innovation without delay for years to come. Additionally, we purchased the Stronic technology patents, enabling FUN FACTORY to focus on advancing this unique technology without incurring licensing fees.
What has been the initial reaction from the trade, and Satisfyer customers, to the acquisition announcement?
We received only positive feedback because we have invested a substantial double-digit million amount and will spend a similar sum to put the product ideas already existing in FUN FACTORY’s drawers into practice with a lot of money. We are confident in the upcoming developments and are convinced that it’s going to be big: FUN FACTORY will set new standards, continuing to attract new customers outside of the traditional sex toy industry. With our investment, we’ll support the brand thriving in the future, taking on an even more crucial role in the market moving forward. We consider ourselves market leaders in the sexual wellness market rather than just the sex toy industry. This distinction is significant as we supply to large retail chains worldwide, with sexual wellness trending in many markets while classic sex toys decline. Despite
other major brands in the industry attempting to acquire FUN FACTORY, we succeeded with a superior offer and concept. FUN FACTORY can be considered the ‘mother’ of the sexual wellness industry. They revolutionised the market 28 years ago and set new standards – just like Satisfyer is doing today. Thus, FUN FACTORY is a strong, complementary brand that suits us 100%. With this acquisition, we plan to solidify our position as a global market leader and trailblazer in the industry.
Sven Pelka
FUN FACTORY at EroSpain 2024
We need to address and dispel prejudices, explaining who we are. Most other major players buy companies through loans, are heavily indebted and focus solely on maximising profits to sell the company again. Customers are never their primary concern. We, on the other hand, do not invest with the intent to sell our company but focus on innovation, patents, and invest significant amounts of our owner's private money in the companies we acquire. This approach allows us to remain flexible, invest in the industry, and drive innovations, while others save costs, even for trade fair stands. Our investments aim to grow the industry, which in turn leads to higher sales for our customers.
Leaving aside the FUN FACTORY deal, how has 2024 been for Satisfyer so far? What have been your most successful launches this year?
Satisfyer offers the largest range of high-quality devices at affordable prices. Our visionary, human-centred approach has made us the fastest growing brand in sexual wellness. We currently launch 120 new product innovations every year, compared to the two to five innovations typically released by other players. As a result, all of our innovations are driving our growth.
Who tends to drive the demand for new toys: you, the retailer, or the consumer?
With EIS.de, we own the largest online platform with currently 16,000,000 customers. These customers and the AI algorithms that analyse customer behaviour tell us which products we need to develop. Therefore, it is the future wishes of our customers, determined by our AI, that drive the demand for new toys.
Apart from always having something ‘new’, and showcasing the latest advances in technology, what other benefits are there in continually introducing new models?
Our products are not just new, they are innovative. There’s a reason why we have the largest patent portfolio in the entire sexual wellness industry. To give you an example: in addition to vibration and pressure waves, there is a third and only other enabling technology that is used in the sexual wellness
industry and has also successfully established itself on the market. This technology is based on magnetic motors and magnetic drive, used more and more in various industries, which the EIS/Satisfyer/Triple A group has already successfully licensed to a player in another industry this week.
FUN FACTORY has used the pulsator technology until now through an exclusive licensing agreement. We have spent several million euros and bought the entire Stronic/Pulsator patent portfolio for all industries. We have thus secured this innovative technology for our industry for the remaining patent term of over eight years and are now the sole owner of this technology instead of a licensee. Our goal is to make the pulsator technology accessible to a wider range of consumers worldwide and to significantly undercut the current price level of around 200 euros from 2025. Our success is based on the fact that we invest in the future and do not extract the maximum financial benefit from our companies.
What in your experience is most important for a new toy’s success? Its retail price, its features, or its appearance?
One example: the Satisfyer Pro 2 alone has sold well over 30,000,000 units worldwide. There are almost 60,000 product reviews on Amazon alone. The Womanizer top seller, on the other hand, has less than
Satisfyer Pro 2: over 30m units sold
Products from Satisfyer’s Deluxe advent calendar
Satisfyer at EroSpain 2024
1,000 reviews on Amazon. The Satisfyer Pro 2 is the product with almost the largest number of reviews across all product groups on Amazon and has more reviews by far than any top-selling product from brands such as Apple, Philips, Braun etc.
In many markets, such as Spain, Satisfyer is even a synonym for sexual wellness products in general. We attribute our success to the perfect mix of innovation, pricing, design, and quality. And the accolades are plenty: Satisfyer has won over 500 international design awards in recent years alone.
How important is app compatibility in a toy these days?
Our app is the most downloaded in this industry and even won the CES Innovation Award in Las Vegas for it, sharing it with a Samsung product. We have both, so it's not important for us, as the customer can decide what they want.
Do you have any data on the age groups of your app’s users? Are they predominantly young, for instance, or does its appeal cross all ages?
Data protection is really important to us, so we do not collect personal data, such as age, from our app users. However, if we follow discussions online, for example in Reddit threads, where users indicate their age looking for remote partners, we can assume that the app is used by
a very heterogeneous age group – this shows that our brand and our products are accessible to all people.
Do you have a target of how many new toys you will launch in a typical year? Is there an optimal number?
The minimum for us is 120 novelties per year, excluding FUN FACTORY products.
Do you project how long a particular toy will remain in your catalogue? Or is a toy’s longevity determined solely by its sales?
The longevity of a toy in our catalogue is primarily decided by the customer, as their demand and
feedback are crucial indicators of a toy's success. However, we also consider other factors such as seasonal trends, market shifts, and strategic brand alignment to ensure our product range remains relevant and appealing.
Do you launch new models as and when they become available, or do you follow an agenda? Do you have a calendar, for instance, which stretches several years into the future, with details of when forthcoming releases are scheduled?
We meticulously follow a strategic agenda guided by our advanced AI, which helps us plan releases down to the finest detail—colours, designs, and technology. With over 16 million direct customers on our EIS platform, we stay closely connected to consumer preferences and trends, ensuring that each launch is perfectly timed and aligned with what our customers desire.
Finally, what can we expect from Satisfyer in the second half of this year? Will you be making a splash at EroFame, for instance, like last year?
To be honest, we are shocked by the trade fair battles in this industry and therefore do not want to add fuel to the fire. We believe it's time for major manufacturers and distributors to collaborate for cost-effective decisions that benefit the trade and, ultimately, the consumer. We don't want to promote parallel trade fairs, because in the end the consumer bears the costs of this madness.
We are currently waiting and will decide the best course of action with our customers in the coming weeks.
FUN FACTORY Stronic
G Forte G-spot Pulsator
Satisfyer’s Premium advent calendar
Having a spooktacular Halloween
Ghouls just wanna have fun! Witchful thinking! Boos cruise! Just three of the titles Dale Bradford rejected for this piece on making the most of Halloween…
As Wikipedia will tell you, Halloween is a celebration observed annually on 31st October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead.
To most people though, 31st October is the second most popular party night of the year (after New Year’s Eve, obvs). And dressing up for the occasion has become de rigueur in many social circles.
This year Halloween falls on a Thursday, which is not a conventional going out-out party night, but despite this I am willing to bet there will be a lot less commuting taking place on Friday 1st November, and social media timelines will be plastered with pics of people behaving inappropriately in their scary/sexy outfits. Will you be supplying those outfits?
Stocking any type of clothing can be a bit of a headache for non-specialists, with all the different sizes, styles, and colours to keep tabs on, so opting for a selection of ‘standard’ sexy outfits for Halloween is a smart move if space is constrained and/or money is tight.
Suppliers such as Orion Wholesale can offer a range of outfits that are inexpensive to buy and come in a limited number of sizes. Naughty ‘uniforms’ for nuns,
nurses, secretaries, maids, police officers, waitresses, flight attendants etc can instantly transform a one-metre bay into a dedicated Halloween section with a little imagination. A few carefully chosen accessories, such as wigs and masks, can help to complete the ‘it’s not me’ look.
While ‘workwear’ of this nature would be impractical, not to mention inappropriate in commercial environments, these outfits can be repurposed into a role-play section after Halloween, should the retailer fail to sell out.
Orion Wholesale - Nurse outfits
Orion Wholesale - Secretary
Orion Wholesale - Wig
This year’s models
Although the ‘traditional’ costumes mentioned will always have a certain appeal, a growing number of people now take their cues from the news. Whoever has been in the headlines during 2024 can usually be relied upon to return in costume form on 31st October, and two of 2024’s newsmakers ripe for dressing up as are Beyonce and Taylor Swift.
Beyonce did the unthinkable in March 2024: make country music contemporary with the release of her latest album, Cowboy Carter. The persona she chose to promote the album can be easily appropriated with little more than a leather studded belt, a Stetson hat, and stick-on frills for a jacket. Source those accessories from budget outlets, put them in a bag, and you’ve got yourself a gen-u-ine own-brand Beyonce outfit to offer your customers. Yee-haw! Taylor Swift famously made a staggering 16 costume changes during her 2024 Eras tour, one to mark each of her 17 years in the limelight, so choosing one or two – after googling her various looks and comparing
them to your suppliers’ lingerie catalogues – shouldn’t be too much of a stretch. As an added bonus, an American football top can be easily paired with your chosen Taylor look for those couples keen on wearing complementary his ‘n’ hers outfits. Assuming Taylor and Travis Kelce are still a thing by 31st October, of course.
But for those who want to be papped on the ‘gram in something a little more current, September will see the release of a sequel to Tim Burton’s classic 1988 movie, Beetlejuice. The original propelled Michael Keaton into A-list territory, even though he was only actually on screen for 17 minutes, and there are sure to be ready-to-go versions of his garb available from your suppliers in time for the big day.
If not, the look is relatively easy to emulate, even on a budget: strips of black parcel tape will transform an ordinary white suite into an ‘it’ll do’ Beetlejuice-alike – though strips of white tape on a black suit, not so much – and a cheap comedy wig and ghoulish face paint will complete the transformation. At the very least, putting a ‘DIY Beetlejuice Outfit’ sign on a few
rolls of black tape might prove a talking point among your customers.
Fantasy land
Dreamgirl is one of the highest-profile brands in the upmarket costume section and it offers a range of stunning styles inspired by pop culture icons. If you are looking for outfits that have the wow factor, I would urge you to check out Dreamgirl’s Dark Mistress, Lady of the Dead, Raving Mad, and Vampire Vixen. The popularity of shows such as House of the Dragon and its predecessor, Game of Thrones, has had a huge impact on many aspects of modern society, and the Halloween costume sector is no exception.
Dreangirl’s Dragon Queen, for instance, conjures up images of Daenerys Targaryen swooping majestically through the skies above King’s Landing on the back of her dragon, Drogon, before burning the city to the ground.
If that sounds a bit of a turn on to you, you’re not alone.
After House of the Dragon (and Lord of the Rings
Orion Wholesale - Maid
Orion Wholesale - Police Officer
Orion Wholesale - Waitress
Dreamgirl - Parti Skeleton
Dreamgirl - Lady of the Dead
Dreamgirl - Dark Mistress
spin-off, The Rings of Power), premiered in August 2022, Bedbible reported that Google searches for ‘dragon sex’ had doubled.
“Whilst ‘dragon sex’ is nothing new to more experimental couples, the term has grown exponentially in popularity following the start of promotions for the two TV shows,” said a Bedbible spokesperson. “Usually sitting an average of 40-50 searches per day, ‘dragon sex’ had almost doubled to 100 searches per day, as of the end of August.”
At the time of writing, season two of House of the Dragon is airing, so there could still be residual consumer interest in the fantasy sector by Halloween. And it’s not limited to things to wear…
Toy stories
Blush was one of the first mainstream toy manufacturers to climb aboard the ‘fantasy sex’ bandwagon when it debuted a range of toys called The Realm in 2020.
The collection was launched with the Drago lock-on sword and a matching range of lock-on dildos, which included a blue one with dragon skin called Draken. Also available was the werewolf-inspired lock-on handle Rougarou, the black and red lock-on dildo Lycan, which had the same werewolf theme, and a waterproof silver bullet vibrator that could be inserted into the Lycan dildo.
The products were distributed in Europe by Tonga and a representative said at the time of the launch: “They have striking designs, very different from the usual, and are especially popular with lovers of fantasy roleplaying.”
XR Brands raised the bar for fantasy sex products in 2022 with the launch of Creature Cocks. There were five designs on offer: the green thick and scaly Radioactive Reptile, the bright red Hell-Hound Canine Penis, the silver rock hard Gargoyle, the purple veiny space alien Orion Invader, and the silver Tapered Bumpy Beastly.
“Fantasy shapes are hugely popular among sex toy enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike,” XR Brands’ president Rebecca Weinberg said at the time. “We’re so excited about Creature Cocks, and our customers are, too. It is such a unique line, truly like nothing we have ever made before. The artistry and attention to detail that goes into each one of these dildos is unparalleled and the unique metallic look is something that is sure to catch shoppers’ eyes. Whether for pleasure use or as a novelty purchase, we think shoppers are going to be drawn to Creature Cocks.”
XR Brands - Creature Slime
Blush - Draken lock-on dildo
Blush - Lycan lock-on dildo
Blush - Rougarou lock-on sword handle
They certainly appeared to be, as the collection has grown in the intervening years and earlier this summer XR introduced a range of Creature-branded lubes. No article on fantasy-themed sex toys should fail to acknowledge Bad Dragon, the first manufacturer to paddle in these waters. Formed in 2008, it offers an extensive range of sex toys based on creatures such as dragons, chimeras, and werewolves. It also promotes its retailers on its website, so that’s another reason to support the company.
Shop talk
Whatever products you’re offering this Halloween, you need to promote them. We’ll assume you have a ‘seasonal’ section of your store, which is perhaps currently holding the last of your summer special stock, and which is crying out for fresh produce. As always, a few occasion-appropriate accessories highlighting the stars of the show can prove beneficial. A display of lit candles would look great, particularly if the lights around the sector are dimmed or off, but real flames are not practical in a retail environment. A few flickering LED candles can look almost as good though, especially if you display them with glow-in-the dark vibes and dildos.
Adult retailers short of inspiration might want to consider this advice from ETO’s Paul Smith, writing on the subject of what can be learned from mainstream outlets: “When it comes to Halloween, there’s no such thing as tacky and garish is no obstacle to a sale. Don’t go for the half-hearted approach; commit to the kitsch. Halloween is meant to be fun, so bold and colourful is never wrong. Keeping a coherent theme within the display will also help pull it all together. Spiders, coffins or Mexican Day of the Dead skulls would be great. If you’ve a suitable floor, consider adding glossy bright red bloody footprints leading to a ‘pool’ below the display.
“Find a creepy Spotify playlist to stream instore. Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett and the Crypt Kickers’ Monster Mash is fine any time in October. As are the following: Sheb Wooley’s Purple People Eater, Warren Zevon’s Werewolves of London, the theme from Ghostbusters, Bowie’s Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), Michael Jackson’s Thriller, The Cure’s Lullaby, I was a Teenage Werewolf by The Cramps, Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Specials’ Ghost Town, Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell, Screaming Jay Hawkins’ I Put a Spell on You and People are Strange by Echo and the Bunnymen – the latter from The Lost Boys soundtrack, of course.”
with can be sourced very easily (try places like Notonthehighstreet, Etsy, Amazon, or even your local supermarket). Think pumpkin-faced orange balloons, plastic insects, fake cobwebs, edible creepy crawlies etc.
While you will obviously use your social media sites to highlight your business your products, and any offers that you have, they can also be used at this time of year to promote engagement, perhaps by inviting followers to submit a pic of themselves in costume, with the best or worst taste entries winning a prize. Halloween is lucrative for retailers: the total consumer spend across Europe is estimated to be in excess of €1.5 billion, when costumes, decorations, parties, and tat is included. The UK leads the way with around £474 million, followed by Germany on €300 million, France with €200 million, Spain with €150 million, Italy with €100 million, and the Netherlands with €70 million. It’s a big pie, so we hope you grab your slice of it and have a fang-tastic time this year!
XR Brands
- Creature Cocks
Deluxe Centaur
Social Intercourse revisited: Twitter/X
Tabitha Rayne continues her updated series of ‘social media for the adult biz’ articles by exploring the opportunities that the platform previously known as Twitter can offer…
Right chaps, I’m just going to put my cards out on the table – I love Twitter. OK ok, ‘X’… I think it’s still my favourite. To get me out of this archaic hole, I’m going to look at who is still using it and why, the alternatives, and their success. By the end of this article, I aim to find out if the X can be prised from my hands before they are very cold and very dead. If you didn’t know, Twitter was bought by Elon Musk and rebranded as X in July of last year. With promises of free speech and eliminating censorship, I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought the adult biz might have found its social media home… let’s see how this has played out.
Several things have changed in terms of structure: where once you had to be a person of note to earn that blue tick, now you have to pay for it.
If you don’t, you are stripped of your ‘legacy’ tick. Ads were meant to be replaced by subscriptions, but now sponsored posts and ads are the norm.
Oooo I thought, maybe this means I’ll be able to finally do a legitimate advert or ‘boost’ a post. I looked up the X ad T&Cs so you don’t have to. And lo… ’twas as it’s always been. A firm no.
First on the Prohibited Merchandise Category list is, you guessed it, ‘Adult or Sexually Suggestive Content. Examples include sex toys, pornography and items displaying nudity or implied sexual acts.’
Hmm, at least we’ll be able to post what we want for free right?
Post ‘likes’ have now been made anonymous (but not to the account who wrote said post) so you can like what you want
unencumbered by the judgement of fellow Xers. And one of the biggest changes is the view count on every one of your posts – to show just how popular you are! Yikes…
Girl on the Net
Tabitha Rayne
Someone who uses Twitter to drive traffic to her site is ETO award-winning sex blogger, Girl on the Net. She works with many adult brands and retailers and is a fantastic ambassador for our sexual freedoms. She doesn’t meddle with the likes of Facebook, Insta, or TikTok and I can respect that in a woman. It would be extremely remiss of me to not seek out her expertise to pass on for this topic as she reigns supreme in the tweet game and offered her insights the first time round with this series.
In 2020 Twitter was driving a whopping 84% of the social media traffic to her site. I asked GOTN what impact the switch to X has had on her business.
“Twitter, or ‘X’, as I refuse to call it without scare quotes, is now a pretty rubbish network on a number of levels:
Girl on the Net
it shadowbans accounts I really need to see (other sex bloggers, adult companies, etc) and engagement is low and getting lower by the day. If I were drawing up a social strategy today, Twitter would likely not be a part of it.”
So far, so bad…
This isn’t great news when so many of us still rely on social media to make press contacts, getting content seen, or responding to journo requests, so where do we go?
“For professional clout, BlueSky is my platform of choice,” GOTN says. “There are many big names on there, as well as journalists etc. BlueSky has tools for content noting adult material, which is welcome, but I imagine they will shadowban at some point if they don’t already.”
While there are many professionals and relevant influencers over there, GOTN says engagement is fairly low but maintaining a presence is still important. She uses the scheduling tool, Publer.io publish posts for now and will dedicate time to building a bigger following in the future.
While seeking Twitter alternatives, GOTN discovered Mastodon, an open source micro blogging platform that can be customised to focus on certain community interests… like sex.
“For engagement and sharing, Mastodon is my home,” she says. “The people on Masto are, in my experience, far more likely to share things, support content creators, and BUY STUFF. They understand how hard it can be for content creators and small businesses and they really do support the people they love.”
She warns that it’s not a quick fix promotional tool though: “I think there may be some hostility to big brands, or ones that are too focused on promotion - it’s something that needs to be treated sensitively, as the community very much cares about being a *community*, so you have to join in.”
Mastodon is a great alternative for those like GOTN who deliberately don’t use visual platforms like Insta and TikTok where the rules for adult content and even sex education is ludicrous and basically a hiding to nothing.
“Mastodon shows you all the posts from people you follow in the order in which they posted them. There are now ‘recommended’ type algorithms, but my home timeline is not edited or censored. It also has lists, as Twitter did, so I can keep track of sex blogs, for instance, all in one place. You can also make use of hashtags to push your content in front of a new audience, and it has a really good system for noting
content that might be sexual or otherwise triggering. The downside of it is that it’s hard to track and measure traffic because it is privacy-focused, so if you’re using it for promo you may need to use above-the-line strategies (eg discount codes etc) for tracking purchases rather than relying on analytics data.”
The thought of having to start again ‘building my audience’ and navigate an entire new platform gives me the fear, and every day that goes by has the stress of not gaining new followers. Is it possible for people like me to make up for lost time? GOTN, a self-confessed nerd says YES, and is more than happy to offer advice. She’s drilled beneath the apparent complexity of the multi servered Mastodon beast and breaks it down into its simple form.
“All you need to know is that people can see your posts *no matter what server [or community] they’re on* if somebody shares them.”
Hooray!
“Fundamentally the principles on building a following are very much the way old Twitter used to be. Join in conversations, use hashtags, follow cool people and share their posts.”
If you’re looking to build a Mastodon presence, Girl on the Net is brilliantly placed to work with your adult brand and offers this very service. I thoroughly recommend doing this.
Topher Taylor
Topher Taylor, a sex educator and broadcaster, has used Twitter for years and has never had a problem with censorship: “The positives are you can post any language and X-rated content that you like. They announced in the beginning of June that pornographic content is safe to post on Twitter, even though it always has been, really. It is a great platform for networking with people in the adult industry, porn influencers, and the kink community. I can accredit huge amounts of my career growth to the earlier days of Twitter when reach was organic and less algorithm focused.”
To stay visible on Twitter and not fall foul of the shadowban/algorithm loop where you can simply disappear from view, Topher pins his success on his constant engagement with his followers and commenters: “I engage with every tweet that comes at me, every-single-last-one. I used my previously learned experience from working with Clonezone, Nexus Range, and my sex-worker friends and applied it to my adult content pseudonym STR8BoyToy and it seems to be working.”
Topher warns that you have to be very thick skinned to remain upbeat and visible on the platform as it’s become an increasingly toxic environment.
“As a left-wing, visibly queer person with huge sexual context and a career in sexuality, it is a gutter fire whenever I poke my head over the parapet. It has always been a provocative platform, but people are more empowered to hassle queer adult content. I cannot post anything without some sort of homophobic comments.”
He also warns that not addressing any dodgy replies can actually harm your brand: “I would advise anyone in the industry who does the social media management to monitor the replies etc to your content – as it may put potential customers off.”
As a recommended alternative to X, Topher says Bluesky is a safer place for the queer community, especially trans and non-binary people but adds: “Unfortunately, none seem to have the same vibe as Twitter as it is the most interactive, provocative, and mixed platform of them all. It feels a bit like a very frustrating but necessary evil. Especially for the world
Topher Taylor
of adult, and it is great for SEO and search results.”
And here’s where I too can’t give up the X, like Topher: “It is also the platform I look at immediately whenever something big happens in the news, to see the different takes and get a feeling for what the temperature of the world is right now, so to speak.”
Topher makes an important point about SEO – the main thing that gets us adult brands in front of our customers. In fact, Twitter is topped only by YouTube as one of the best social media platforms for boosting your SEO and search rankings.
Topher, whose podcast Outcast UK was picked up by Virgin Radio UK for Pride month, is also active on other platforms, but he does it very strategically: “I really enjoy moving with the times. I analysed TikTok for a long time before posting. You must grab someone’s attention in the first 5-8 seconds or it’s game over and you have lost them. I like the challenge. It is just very, very difficult to have organic reach with provocative topics on TikTok. I have been shadowbanned on Instagram since 2012 – its only in the past year I started gaining a small number of followers and then I got shadowbanned again after a collaboration I did with Ann Summers’ Pleasure Positivity Project.”
Topher recommends having someone on your team to keep you up to date with the ever-changing world of social media. “I really advise following @bloggeronpole, who is Dr Carolina Are/Hades. She is an incredibly well-researched expert on the censorship of platforms, what to post, what to avoid posting, word censorship, AI scanning censorship etc. Something as simple as writing ‘sex’, can have your account shadowbanned immediately. For example, you can see adult brands with followings of 100k+ only getting 20-100 views on their posts because a word has been flagged. It is a minefield, and you must be ‘on it.’”
Anna Richards
As a creator of sex toys and erotic content like Girl on the Net – sexy stories, audio and nude art – I have often fallen into the deep lonely crevice of the shadowban on Twitter so it’s very interesting to me that more explicit content than mine seems to have swerved these restrictions.
Anna Richards owner of the ethical porn platform, FrolicMe, says she’s not encountered much censorship on Twitter at all, nor has the account been taken down which has happened on her Instagram without warning. “For me social media can be just noise
and I felt Twitter was falling into that with our focus becoming more on Insta but with limitations,” she says. “When it first changed to X there was quite a bit of settling down but with post views on the rise again, we will be looking to add more content.”
Girl on the Net concludes: “We’re in a period of weird (and mostly bad) change across the whole internet: the horrible impact of AI poisoning search cannot be understated, likewise the impact of censorship and algorithms on social platforms deciding what we can and cannot see. This means focusing on channels which aren’t dictated by algorithms or a single corporation (Mastodon) and ones you own (newsletters) or building partnerships with brands who have audiences they can point in your direction.”
Girl on the Net works with adult companies to do just this. When it comes to social media platforms, there are no shortcuts: “If you want to get in front of people, you have to invest in creating content they want or partnering with someone who is doing that already. Vibratex have recently partnered with sex blogger Kate Sloan to produce a podcast about the Hitachi Magic Wand and it struck me as such a genius idea: where people might not see social posts, they absolutely will see podcasts they’ve subscribed to, and it’s a fabulous way to deliver great content and build brand loyalty while bypassing the traditional search and social routes that are so difficult to navigate right now.”
Partnering up with industry bloggers like Girl on the Net offer opportunities to get content in front of thirsty customers – especially with things like audio porn and podcasts being so popular right now. And there you have it.
X seems to still be a valuable tool in our social arsenal and I personally feel more comfortable being able to label my content with words that apply rather than the strange euphemistic world of other platforms where we have ‘seggs education’ and ‘ethical corn’ Surely it makes more sense to be honest about what we’re doing so that people who really do want to access adult products, entertainment, or education can – and Auntie Mable can search out those corndog recipes in peace…
Anna Richards
MYSTERY SHOPPER: DUBLIN
The capital of the Republic of Ireland has been Mystery Shopped twice before, in 2006 and 2017, but thanks to her love of music, Guinness, trams, and James Joyce, it was easy to persuade our roving retail reporter to return…
Ann Summers Glamworld Good Vibrations
Starting with a familiar name, this branch of Ann Summers is on a busy pedestrian street and sadly featured enough bad stuff to pull it down to two stars. This included a security guard on his phone, accompanied but unchallenged children in the shop, staff which ignored me, damaged mannequins, detritus and stock on the very pretty black and white polished stone floor, and enough facing-up opportunities to keep me busy for 20 minutes.
On the flipside, I liked the pink lighting in the frontage, We-Vibe deals (SyncO was €192, now €171, SyncGo was €120, now €108, and SyncLite was €95 now €85.50), the way lingerie had been arranged by colour – lovely rainbow effect – the ‘Undressing Rooms’ at the rear, and urban music. Black and white photos around the tops of the walls, black ceiling with good spot lighting, €38 bras and €14 knickers – with €8 bras and €4 nix deals in the window; it was far from all bad.
However, this fell below my expectations for an Ann Summers store, with too much unpriced stock, too many empty hooks (the battery display was woeful), and staff who dropped the F-bomb while chatting among themselves. But it’s a naked mannequin with a missing finger, pulling a very odd pose with one hand seemingly from a smaller sized model, that will live on in my memory.
A little further down the same road, I found this quirky offering, with erotic graffiti on its walls and a cinema at rear, offering an all-day pass for €20. The window offered ‘Professional Adult Advise’ which didn’t absolutely fill me with confidence, but as I stepped in I was met with giant-chested mannequins with strap-ons, which felt oddly reassuring(?) A pale wood-a-like floor helped bump light levels up, as a lot of the stock and surfaces were dark or black, so I was drawn to Sweet Sensations toys and anything else colourful. A red Doxy Diecast was perfect, but I couldn’t see a price on it or its box. The manager gave me a nod and a gravelly mumble in welcome as I passed his booth, heading to Leg Avenue and Kink by Leg Avenue boxed playwear and to a set of stairs heading down below a rainbow flag.
The cellar was a little tight for a lady who likes her dinners, but I negotiated fetishwear (some of it looking pretty tired, or misdescribed, or unpriced, or combinations of these) without tripping over anything. €40 white PVC military cap looked good for a wild night out (oh to be 22 again), €120 latex catsuit with inflatable breasts intrigued, and €60 PVC Chaps titillated. Red lighting also worked in patches, although it did make some labels hard to read. I can always live without ‘Smokers Requisites’ in adult stores, but given how Dublin smelt, Glamworld knows its customers.
Around the corner I found this very pink store, which promised a fluffier experience. I also got my first proper welcome as I stepped inside, to scan a dark grey carpet, Lipstick boxed lingerie and costumes, €29.99 ‘Honkers’ nipple suckers, €50 Neo pink vibe from Blush, and lots of Pipedream King Cocks. Fetish Fantasy Series lines, a bank of Satisfyer vibes, and a glass case of speculums, pinwheels, and diamante covered handcuffs all pleased. Gold cuffs in the same case, which I couldn’t locate a price on, hinted at a recurring problem in this store – and Dublin as a whole – which is a lack of visible prices. I did find DVDs here though, with prices banded at €30, €40, €50 and even €60 for some more specialist titles. Despite some odd tight corners created by the room’s layout, the lighting all worked fine and I could see Ouch! armbinders were €60 without having to strain my eyes at all. A 17” dildo offered to strain something else, but instead I noted a step up towards the back had hi-viz hazard tape on it, guarding against a more easily explained in A&E sort of nasty incident.
Tidier, friendlier, and a borderline four-star store, this was still a bit generic, a bit unfocused when it comes to displays, and didn’t live up to the promise of the exterior for me. Not bad though.
With a population of just under 600k, Dublin is towards the smaller end of European capital cities, which helps give it a cosy, friendly, town atmosphere. That’s not to ignore its more civic features of boulevards, Greek Revival architecture, and the beautiful Liffey running through it. Also running through Dublin, the city’s history of – and influence on – literature is visible in the very cobbles; just follow the inset Ulysses bronze plaques.
You can also take a pub crawl tour of the past haunts of famous writers, from Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, and Samuel Beckett to Bram Stoker. The Book of Kells probably features in the corner of some southside pub too…
Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Phil Lynott, actors Brendan and Domhnall Gleeson, Maeve Binchy, Iris Murdoch, WB Yeats, Gay and Gabriel Byrne – they’ve all called Dublin home, and this is just the tip of a very long list of notable people.
Basic Instincts Miss Fantasia
I continued my tour of town south of the river, up the road from the famous Molly Malone statue with her well-polished charms. I’m not sure her charms would charm especially strongly here as it’s a gay-focus store, but I’m certain there’s a Dublin drag act called Dolly Dalone out there somewhere… Buzzer entry, a very polished look to the exterior, and a wall of masks suitable for every sort of Ball all set a mood, and I was soon enjoying Mr Riegillio green leather shirts (€209.99), Japanese style boxed bondage kits, the grey and red non-slip flooring, and Satisfyer display. I was less thrilled to find an unpriced inflatable red fist toy, but a glass case of anal hooks, clamps, weights, rings, stretchers and other shiny things distracted me. I also liked the use of plants to ‘soften’ the look of the shop. Succulents will do that. Spreader bars with cuffs were down from €240 to €168. With a cinema and playroom downstairs, ‘Flags of all Notions’ display, a playful atmosphere and presentation I called ‘plush’ on my notes, I left impressed. That INXS music was playing (very much my era), leather trousers were available, and the strap-on harness pants were well-priced were a bonus.
This store started with a hiccup; it was closed. But I waited outside the locked first floor door (up the stairs, past the building works) until I was let in. The setting was a little odd, but the retail experience was nice, with a warm welcome, music, good lighting (partly from large windows covered in privacy drapes), and an interesting mix of stock. I browsed LateX and Black Level boxed lines, DVDs from €5 to €45 in €5 steps, and €80 shiny Shirley of Hollywood corsets, all to the creaks of the wooden floor below dark blue/grey carpet. Lots of Leg Avenue – including €40-€45 wigs – enticed, while Chilirose, Bad Kitty, Taboom, Colt, and bottomless skirts ‘for those who dare’ were all admired. GetReal dildos by ToyJoy, Svenjoyment for the boys, CalExotics’ Cheap Thrills range of masturbators, €30 underskirts, €10 clearance fetish shoes, €120 thigh boots (not in my size, sadly), and Rouge floggers were all noticed too. Grey slatwall and patterned wallpaper were neutral enough not to be distracting, but modern enough to be attractive.
Sophisticated and satisfying, with a solid range offering a great choice, clear displays and chatty, engaging staff, this got very close to the full five stars. With €6 thongs and €10 fancy pants, a lube tower marked ‘Water Based, Silicone, Anal, and Flavoured’, and lots of bondage lines, I wrote ‘comfortable’ on my score sheet and as a one word review of an enjoyable experience, I think it sums up this store well.
Exceptional and inspiring.
An impressive shopping experience.
Ticks almost all of the right boxes.
Lacking some vital elements.
Memorable for the wrong reasons.
Business to business: dealing with toxic employees
A toxic workplace can lead to a lowering of staff morale and productivity and an increase in absenteeism, so it’s vital that the employer addresses it, as Adam Bernstein explains…
Many of you will have come across colleagues who are ordinarily good at their job and technically competent but who are, unfortunately, poisonous to those around them.
Typified by a negative attitude, disruptive behaviour, and an air of arrogance that can radically affect how a workplace operates, their presence can lower both morale and productivity. Such behaviour has the potential to spread and lead colleagues to look for positions elsewhere. Worse, the public isn’t stupid, they soon pick up on the negative atmosphere.
Employers need to be alive to the toxic employee: they need to learn to spot such individuals and take action to staunch the poor behaviour.
Toxic personas
For Toyah Marshall, a principal employment law adviser and solicitor at WorkNest, the phrase ‘toxic employee’ covers a range of characteristics and behaviours that can harm a workplace and those that work there. She
reckons that there are three key types of negative employee, each with ‘personas’:
The disruptor: this employee is unhappy at work and intent on taking everyone else down with them. They have a persistently negative attitude, always finding fault in situations and expressing pessimism. Their negative energy can spread like wildfire, dampening team morale and stifling productivity.
The narcissist: this employee likes to play the blame game. They are overconfident, never take accountability or responsibility, deflect from their own underperformance by pointing out other people’s mistakes, and gaslight and manipulate others. They are not a team player.
The aggravator: this employee belittles, humiliates and insults others. They have a tendency to spread misinformation, set people up to fail, and exclude people from meetings and projects. Their behaviour is often targeted towards a specific or small number of individuals.
Of these identified personas, Marshall reckons that
most can be categorised as disruptors, next comes the narcissist employee, while at the lower end of the spectrum is the aggravator type.
She says: “These different shades of employee present their own unique challenges, and some are easier to spot than others. While the behaviours of an aggravator may be easily identifiable and akin to bullying, the more covert nature of a narcissist’s behaviour may require careful observation to recognise and address.”
But in terms of the disruptor, Marshall warns that employers need to deal with them tactfully, as a heavy-handed approach may breed further resentment and exacerbate the issue. “Managers,” she says, “can sometimes go in too heavy handed or initiate a formal process too early. It’s often far more constructive, initially at least, to pitch these discussions as a collaborative conversation rather than a telling off.” Naturally, employees should be able to vent their feelings and express any genuine discontent. But there is a right way along with a serious and obvious difference between an employee who has a real concern and wants a resolution and somebody who simply enjoys complaining. This means, as Marshall highlights, “depending on which type of employee you’re dealing with, and what happens afterwards, a firmer conversation or formal action may be warranted, and it is important to proceed on this basis if necessary.”
Interestingly, it’s often the case that long-serving members of staff are the biggest offenders. Now this could be due to any one of number of factors such as a greater sense of entitlement and comfort, feelings of seniority, a resistance to change, and the fact that they may have accumulated a long list of frustrations over the course of their employment that have never been addressed. But whatever the case may be, Marshall says that “new employees will often look to long-serving members of staff to gauge accepted behaviours, so this can set a dangerous precedent and have a detrimental impact on the culture.”
Introducing policies
It follows that uncovering and spotting the bad employee isn’t easy as they may be adept at hiding their true nature during the hiring process or disguise their character through professional competence. The question for employers is how to tackle the matter; many employers feel they can’t address it due to a lack
of any clear evidence to base conversations around. From Marshall’s perspective, evidence is crucial when taking action of any form against an employee. She says that “engagement surveys, exit interviews, anonymous reporting systems, and other documented records such as written accounts, emails and chat logs will all help employers establish a pattern of toxic behaviour and support any action taken.”
Another option is for managers to privately ask staff if there is anything making them uncomfortable in the workplace while offering a regular meeting for staff to express concerns and frustrations. Something else to consider is ‘a concern box’ that is confidential for staff to bring their concerns to the attention of management. No matter the route, toxic behaviour needs correcting – it won’t do it itself. This means equipping managers with the right skills to be able to handle these situations. As a result, Marshall highly recommends having “clear policies in place that outline expectations, consequences, and a proper procedure for addressing toxic behaviour can empower managers to take action confidently.”
She says that “this can be reinforced through training, which will give managers the skills and knowledge to recognise, address and prevent this behaviour within their teams. It will also promote consistency in how these issues are dealt with, reducing the risk of repercussions such as grievances and legal action.”
The absence of such policies and training can leave employers feeling ill-equipped to tackle toxic behaviour and its complexities and will only serve to perpetuate the impact of an individual.
Worryingly, Marshall has seen negativity often trickle from the top down. This is because, as she says, “employers and HR professionals may find it difficult challenging more senior members of staff on their behaviour, allowing it to become a cultural norm and making it more difficult to take others to task.” In her view “it’s absolutely crucial that all levels of staff are held to the same standards.”
Challenging behaviour
At this point it’s fair to ask how employers should identify and deal with poor behaviours.
Marshall says here that “the most common response from employees when confronted about their behaviour is to deflect blame onto others. Often, employees initially acknowledge the feedback and
appear receptive to change before reverting to type.”
Notably, a good number of employees admit their behaviour: sometimes, they can be disciplined but their behaviour persists.
Given this, it’s not surprising that employers are reluctant to tackle this behaviour, as in many cases attempts to confront the issue are either ineffective or make matters worse.
These poor outcomes, in Marshall’s view, underscore the need for effective strategies that not only address toxic behaviour, but which promote lasting behavioural change. She thinks it better to “create a supportive environment that encourages open communication and builds trust, provides ongoing feedback and support, and addresses underlying issues. Doing this can contribute to a more successful resolution of toxic behaviour and the cultivation of a healthier work culture.”
Regardless, forestalling toxicity requires following three key steps.
Firstly, firms should listen to their staff and deal with any issues that arise – the idea being to head off trouble and ill-will before it has a chance to embed itself. Secondly, they should let go of disruptive staff before the rot sets in and transfers around the workplace. Procedure needs to be followed, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to action.
Lastly, they need to consider giving staff new roles and cross training them to keep them fresh and engaged. New skills along with a chance to develop and learn should occupy staff during any lulls.
There are serious consequences to not acting. Logically, a poor working environment can lead to an increase in absences, low morale, and high turnover rates, as talented individuals seek refuge in healthier work environments. To drive the point home, comments on social media will make it harder to recruit.
Ultimately, an employer’s actions can either nurture a positive work environment or inadvertently, if left unchecked, allow the development of toxic individuals. While some people’s behaviour will be unjustifiable and require disciplinary action or even dismissal, employers should see these situations as a symptom that has a root cause which needs to be uncovered. By taking proactive steps to identify and address personality issues, firms will create a healthier and more productive work environment where all employees can thrive.
renee denyer Shop Talk:
It’s been a summer of love for Renee Denyer, customer engagement manager of the multi-award winning Sh! Women’s Store, as she explains…
Who run the world? Girls! Lesbian girls, to be more specific. The last few weeks have been a leztravaganza of love, fun, pride, and dildos. It started with Ky casually sneaking in a comment about ‘Tiff & KJ’ coming to visit. Not knowing who the two were, I wasn’t overly concerned. We are used to folks stopping by to say hi, so this was no different. How wrong I was!
Straight off a flight from the US, Tiff & KJ were surprisingly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for a few days of sex toys. They bounced in and started by looking through boxes of press clippings and memorabilia, squealing with delight and occasional horror.
Tiff & KJ moved on to investigating the sex toys, and started picking out products to bring back to Florida. Our packing desk was piled high with dildos, harnesses, lube, and vibrators. They grabbed armfuls of toys off the shelves; Ky put some back (“We need them for the website!”), and I was trying to keep up with the stock count. If you have never seen two over-excited lesbians in a warehouse full of sex toys, well... You have missed out!
I spent most of the second day of their visit sharing funny and poignant stories from the shop. They tried on harnesses (posing for photos, obvs), and we discussed clits, squirting techniques and how vibrator frequency can make or break an orgasm. They gamely licked flavoured lube off their fingers and barely took time for lunch. There was a third day, but I can’t remember what we did - probably worn out by their enthusiasm and energy! I eventually discovered that Tiff reached out to Ky during the pandemic, and the two stayed in touch and became firm online friends. This first IRL meeting culminated in five (five!) boxes of sex toys shipped to the States. I hope they have frisky friends.
Sapphic summer fête
We had barely recovered from the Floridians’ visit when we remembered that we’d accepted an invitation to the London Dyke Market. We packed crates with remaining stock and humped them into Ky’s car, setting off for a day at Space Station Sixty-Five in Kennington, South London. The London Dyke Market, organised by the fantastic Emily Witham, is a community-led event celebrating lesbian creativity, culture, and community. The market featured work from over 30 participants, including ceramics, paintings, performance art, illustration, photography, textiles, tattoo artists, and piercers. And a kissing booth, which I didn’t have time to enjoy. I didn’t anticipate a particularly strenuous workday,
thinking our table would be passed over in favour of cooler dykes like Butch, Please and tattooists. I sent Ky and Carly on their way, fully expecting to cope with any stray lesbians who made their way to the Sh! stall. Thankfully, Ky clocked the queue snaking around the block and came back.
Close to 2,000 women (plus some well-behaved dogs) queued for up to 45 minutes to get in. It was mad! Lesbians of all shapes and sizes, femmes, butches, transmascs and pillow princesses - mingling, giggling and inspecting wares. Ky and I, like a dildo-dealing Del Boy and Rodney, chucked dildos across the tables, bartered prices and tried our best to answer questions while maintaining some control of the heaving crowd around our stall. I spotted many familiar faces, and when one customer told me she had travelled from Ireland especially to see us, I was overwhelmed with dyke love and sold her a hand-poured dildo for the bargain price of £10. Despite the bargain-bucket prices (mainly due to me forgetting to bring pricelists and making it up as we went), we made some serious dil-dough. I usually mingle with other stall holders, take pics, and make the most of any freebies when we’re out and about, but I’m not lying when I say there was no time. I didn’t take a single photo, grabbed no swag, and only left our table for a quick loo break. I need to apologise to the lovely folks from the Common Press who didn’t bat an eyelid when my sizeable butt accidentally
swiped a row of their sapphic books onto the floor. They brushed off my embarrassment, picked up the books, and then bought our girthiest dildo as a new treat for themselves. Pure class!
For those who aren’t familiar with The Common Press, they’re based in Shoreditch and provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether looking for the latest novels by gay, lesbian, queer, trans and non-binary authors, seminal works of Black history, fourth-wave feminist theory, or a niche book on disability activism, they have it or know how to get it. The babes from the Bishopsgate Institute had a table on our other side, selling copies of original 1980s editions of Spare Rib and Virago Press classics for £1 each. Unsurprisingly, the well-thumbed lez magazines sold out fast, and we helped ourselves to their table. More table space meant more dildos on display, and more dildos equalled more happy lesbians! Located near Liverpool Street station in East London and established in 1895, the Bishopsgate Institute archives have one of the most extensive collections on LGBTQ+ history, politics, and culture in the UK. I recommend visiting this atmospheric space when you are next in town. Of course, London also hosted its first dyke march since the Lesbian Strength marches of the 1980s, and Pride is always joyous. It has truly been a time of community, love, solidarity.
Emily Witham, organiser of The London Dyke Market.
tracey whitmore Shop Talk:
Tracey Whitmore, of Aylesford’s award-winning Vibez Adult Boutique, brought a touch of Grease to her store this summer. Tell us more, tell us more, how much dough did they spend?
What happened to summer? We gave up waiting and decided to bring the sunshine season to Vibez and hence our Summer Lovin’ campaign was born. The bunting went up, hundreds of flowers were scattered around the store, and Chis (chief gardener) waved his big horticultural wand and transformed the front of the shop into The Eden Project: customers ask if we are a florist on a regular basis!
This campaign mostly involved dressing up and making fools of ourselves – standard – and was loosely based on the movie Grease. Olivia Neutron Bomb and John Revolting were dragged out of retirement to star in our social media spoof. We donned our wigs and outfits and recreated some memorable scenes from the movie in our own unique style.
Sandy and Danny were busy all July promoting new products, organising promotions, giveaways, and competitions in their own unique style and Sandy has been offering up her Pink Lady Cocktail and Danny’s Creamy cupcakes (we found it helps sales to get the customers squiffy first).
It wasn’t easy transforming myself into the gorgeous Olivia, however Chris was born to play Danny Zuko and if there is ever a Grease 3 made they need to be looking this way at this natural! I never dreamt I would ever be filmed dressed as Sandy being wheeled around a store in a shopping basket whilst wielding a giant cock by my son, but then life rarely turns out as expected. It was so much fun and we have laughed til’ we leaked whilst trying to recreate this classic: the things we do to sell a dildo or two. However, it was very successful and brought a lot of smiles to faces and raised the temperature in other regions during the gloomy, cold, miserable summer. Our equity cards are in the post I’m sure, along with our BAFTA. It could have been even more successful if it hadn’t been for Facebook and Instgram’s bots sticking their oars in, though. Why are we not able to be ‘seen’ on the social media platforms when it is perfectly okay to see a beheading, full cum shot porn, and much much worse? It makes us wonder how the larger companies amongst us in the industry are able to post content. The platforms all seem to hate us. This makes us sad as we put so much hard work into our social media pages and we are not offensive in any way. Don’t get me started on the injustices in this industry: I might leave that to Chris in my next column as he is just waiting to have a hissy fit and let it all out!
Upon investigation, on this occasion, the thing violating all the community standards was not the 15 inch dildo in one of the videos, but it was in fact… MY CLEAVAGE! Oh well, at least I am still of violating standards even at my age.
The ones that I want
We have introduced some exciting new products into the store this summer including more Vive from Shots. These toys are so powerful and different to the normal style of vibes that the general public are used to seeing and it is always great to have things to hand when a customer asks: “Do you have anything new?”
Another product flying off the shelves has been the Snail Vibe thanks to our friends at Creative Conceptions. This little guy is a great talking point at the till and once demonstrated almost certainly another sale. Its unique design makes it our number one product in store right now.
We have also been looking at the more environmentally friendly toys and are so pleased that the customers love the Nauti range from Net1on1 Wholesale as much as we do. These are fantastic products which have a great price point and a great USP in the fact that they give a percentage of sales to ocean clean up and marine
conservation charities. This is also true of Ocean Toys which have just been introduced by the lovely guys at Playharda Wholesale. These are cute, oceanic creatures (Dolphin, Seahorse, and Beluga) that are app-controlled couples or singles toys with a backstory (customers love a story or when you can give the product a character).
We also put a new fully stocked Fleshlight stand in store for all the summer wankers. This generally happens when the missus takes the kids away in the holidays and hubby/partner is “far too busy with work” to join her. Yeah ok hun, we got you.
We have noticed an increase in thefts recently in store. We think this is due to the Cost-of-Living Crisis, but fear not, we are currently building a Wall of Shame as this seems to be the only deterrent when it comes to thefts. Is it worth going viral and being caught secreting a butt plug or dildo upon your person? Signs around the store seem to be working: can you imagine the shame?
We turned 19 this year too. We haven’t really marked the occasion too much as we are saving that for the big 20 next year. So suck up to us good enough and you might be lucky to get on the limited guest list for whatever shenanigans we have planned!
SILICONE Valley Ola Miedzynska
In this intriguing article, Ola Miedzynska considers whether AI’s impact on adult content is an innovation or an illusion…
Not long ago, I took the Nexus stage at the Dublin Tech Summit to pitch the topic of AI and virtual beings in sex tech. With AI already transforming diverse sectors such as medicine, education, science, and finance, it was inevitable to explore its influence on adult entertainment. And let me tell you, throughout my nearly decade career as a speaker, I’ve never received as many questions, requests, and interest as I did on this topic.
“What is the market value of sex AI?” someone asked. “What is the impact on product R&D and integration with existing devices?” - some others. Suddenly outside the adult tech bubble, mainstream tech was on fire, trying to grasp what this ‘Black Mirror scenario’ would look like in terms of commercialising AI in sex and intimate lives. For years, the media has speculated that robots could overtake human sex life. This is part of the ‘Future of Sex’ report, saying that “One in 10 young adults will have had sex with a humanoid robot by 2045” though I am semi-sceptical about how they arrived at such data.
In 2019, I had the pleasure of working with the Realbotix company, where we showcased an already somewhat outdated version of Harmony AI Sex Robot at our Sx Tech Conference in Berlin. We only had a torso because Guile Lindroth, the Realbotix Founder Associate, couldn’t travel with a full-body set. Why not? We would have needed to book her a human passenger seat at a cost of over $2k, so we compromised with just the torso.
“She is too heavy to take for a walk,” he joked. But jokes aside, RealDolls and robots are not only heavy objects but also expensive ones. You need space to interact with them. It’s not something every ten young adults will be able to afford and secure by 2045, still referring to the ‘Future of Sex’ report. So, what is this big fuss about AI taking over our sex lives? I asked my industry friend, Dick Brick DoolBanger, known for his love and passion for synthetic humanoids.
“I predict Synthetic Companions to be common in the next decade. More so for intellectual discourse, with a sexual component if wanted,” said Brick “Yet the price would fall with increased production and technology advancements. I see a price point 10-15k for a companion with head, torso, and arm movement and an advanced AI chat capability,” he added. Robots are expensive, but AI itself is not necessarily costly, and the demand for a fully customised and personalised experience is huge. Yet we always have to start with understanding the market need. Are you fully aware of what needs your product meets? I asked Philip Pühusseneger, founder of Cyber Brothel from Berlin, who is offering the immersive sex tech dolls experience.
“Personally, I think everyone needs our product,” he replied. “It is essential to create a shame-free space where people can explore their own sexuality. We particularly appeal to young people who are more enlightened and reflective from the outset and do not want to end up in a sleazy milieu.
“But questions arise! What should an AI do? Should it simulate the perfect partner, help people reconnect with others, explore the human body, or learn how to interact with others?” Pühusseneger rightly noticed.
Ethics in adult AI
AI learns from us and can make our experiences even more suited to the moment. Users can benefit from it in various ways.
For example, AI-based sex toys could recognise if you are having an orgasm and, based on your patterns, adjust the haptic movements to perfectly match the climactic moment.
Lovense just recently integrated ChatGPT into their sex toys beta version through the mobile app where users can choose the story’s genre, main characters, and location to play.
But when it comes to B2B requirements, the primary focus is on the content-driven sector. Emerging AI tools empower content creators to generate a variety of content and provide extensive access to personalised stimuli that cater to individual needs and desires, ultimately enriching user experiences.
“Content aggregators, porn studios, and webcam companies seek high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective AI solutions to boost user engagement, personalisation, and operational efficiency,” said Alex Georges, founder of Lustlab.AI. In addition, he included: “But for us Ethical AI means ensuring responsible content creation, promoting healthy usage for end-users, and making a positive societal impact.”
Ethics in adult AI. That is the point. That part was still reflecting on my departure from the Dublin Summit. I was left with many unanswered questions. Studios and creators are increasingly using AI to modify content for personal sales and to offer a broader variety of experiences to users. This resonates with me, as I see immense value in personalisation, customisation, and content control. AI’s ability to mimic human interactions provides comfort, especially to those who feel lonely or isolated.
However, a major concern remains: the need for companies to be transparent about data collection, usage, and storage, ensuring users have control over their personal information. This won’t be easy to achieve.
“We are working on the world’s first sex-positive, queer AI and are consulting machine and AI ethicists to establish moral guidelines,” said Phissenger from Cyber Brothel.
Will gender equality and inclusivity shape the future of AI integration in the adult industry? How can creators be safeguarded against non-consensual deepfakes and algorithmic bias? I posed these questions to content creator and sex educator Ana Ornelas, who recently founded the Open Mind AI Coalition, an independent initiative for adult brands to engage in the AI discussion.
“We’re seeing the initial efforts to regulate AI and it’s fundamental that policymakers turn to those in the adult industry to understand how to navigate this landscape,” Ana said. “AI and adult content are inevitably linked, and the need for NSFW content in AI is only going to increase. To see inclusivity and gender equality in AI we need to ensure those values are entrenched in the rules regulating AI. The discussion around censorship, bias, and deepfake porn is complicated and long, but it needs to be done in an upfront manner – without moralism. And it absolutely must include the main stakeholders. In other words: sex workers, creators, educators, all our industry must have a seat at the table while discussing AI regulations.”
AI’s role in the adult content industry presents a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges. While it enhances user experience, optimises content distribution, and improves regulatory measures, it also raises significant ethical and legal issues. I eagerly await the new developments this technology will bring to our industry. One thing is certain: this machine cannot be stopped.
Ola Miedzynska
Founder SX Tech EU, SXPR
www.sxtech.eu
www.sxpr.eu
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Chris Bowles, general manager, Creative Conceptions READERS LIVES:
He might be the son of beloved industry veterans Jane and Richie, but Chris is very much his own man and has been a grafter all his life. Even now, he can still be spotted in his old pizza delivery uniform…
What was your childhood ambition?
I think from the first time I kicked a football I wanted to be a footballer. I still love it and play three times a week, but when I was 13 I got in to selling Creme Eggs around the school, then more sweets followed. I loved the buzz of selling, how to make a profit, the dodgy buyers around the school that I had to chase constantly for money… I started thinking about business a little more, plus the sweets weren’t really helping my football.
What ambitions do you still have?
From a business perspective, to keep growing Creative Conceptions and Skins. Over the eight years I have been in the company, we have grown a substantial amount and we have clear growth ambitions over the next five years. Whilst we grow, the ambition is to ensure that our core values stay true, and that whilst we have grown to a larger company, we keep the family run element in terms of care and attention that has made the company successful so far.
What was your first real job?
Pot washer and FIFA eBay seller. I started pot washing at the local pub in Upton at about 14. It was horrendous, the head chef was also the owner, and I have never seen a man so stressed in my life. I was trying to calm him down, and a 14-year-old trying to calm you down probably only did one thing, rile him up even more. At the same time I was pot washing, I was selling FIFA players virtually on eBay and making a decent amount of money at the time. But you couldn’t sell ‘virtual goods’ on eBay, and after being warned I got banned. I also had a call from Mum who told me that the company’s PayPal had been locked for 12 months because it was registered at the same address as my PayPal. Safe to say I was in the doghouse. I did also work for 12 months as a Domino’s delivery driver at university to get some extra beer tokens. When I left, I asked to buy the uniform, and have since used it at fancy dress parties.
Was it always your intention to follow in Jane and Richie’s footsteps?
I worked in the warehouse every summer holidays from about 14-15, including when I was at university. I loved the buzz of business already at that point and was interested in how everything worked in the
company. My top subject at school for GCSE and A Levels was Business Studies and I was always trying to think of gaps in the market in any area. When it really hit me that I was going to join the company was in my placement year at university. I did 15 months in the business, three months in marketing, accounts, and purchasing and six months in sales. It gave me a brilliant grounding in the company and I loved every minute of those 15 months. I knew then I wanted to come into the business and on the next working day after I ‘finished’ university, I came straight in to the company helping with the buying and shipping.
Does working with your parents present its own set of challenges?
Honestly, not massively. We have worked together for eight years now, and luckily we all do feel very similar about the direction of the business and how things should be run at Creative Conceptions. We also now have very clearly split roles in the business which allows us to make decisions on our own effectively alongside consulting each other at board meetings. I am so proud of both my mum and dad, on what they have achieved from a business perspective, but also from a personal perspective. To work together with your husband/wife for over 20 years and still be as happy as they are is really great, and they are both very understanding so if there are ever differences in opinion in something, we all deal with that really well together.
Was Unihorns designed to be the industry’s cutest sex toy range?
We wanted to bring something new and unique to the market, and we did just that. They have been one of our most successful product launches ever, and that is due to them being one-of-a-kind. Quite often, sex toys can seem big and intimidating to pick up off the shelves, but these are super cute and approachable. Whilst they’re sweet and petite, they’re powerful – so don’t be deceived.
Do you find that consumers are collecting them? Absolutely. Each Unihorn offers a unique sensation, so customers enjoy trying each Unihorn to find their favourite and switching up their self-pleasure sessions every time. The desire to collect the full set has also been driven by the quirky Pokemon-style cards that
are included in each box, as customers are able to claim a special-edition collectors’ card once they’ve bought all of the Unihorns. Our Instagram inbox is inundated with our wonderful customers sending over pictures of their full collector card set.
How successful was this summer’s #wherehasyourUnihornbeen social media competition?
We had a fantastic response to the competition, and it was such a joy to see all of the entries. Our team were thoroughly entertained by them and we were astounded at the efforts that people went to – it just goes to show how loved our Unihorns are. Whilst this competition was for the end customer, our next competition is centred around the retailer, as we want to reward them for all of the efforts that they put into making attractive Unihorn displays in-store. So, keep your eyes peeled for information coming very soon.
What else can we expect from Creative Conceptions this year?
We’re working on lots of VERY exciting product launches, and we can’t wait to share them with you. From new brands to extending our product portfolio within existing brands. We listen to customer feedback and keep on top of market trends so that we can continue to provide top quality products that exceed expectations. We’re working even more closely with EU and US customers, venturing into white label, and ramping up our digital presence, to name just a few of the fantastic things that we’re doing.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Hidden talent, no. Flaunt any talent you have I would say, but I do have a hidden tip that I have started doing over the last 12 months or so and it’s saved me a fortune: if you go on holiday and you drive to the airport, don’t pay for parking. Go to a nearby village/ town and park on the roadside then book an Uber in to the airport from there, which is usually around £10 each way. I have now done this six times and honestly it’s saved me so much money in car parking. Few clauses here: Chris is not responsible if your car gets broken into, Chris is also not responsible if you can’t get an Uber to the airport from your car. Touch wood it carries on working!
