opinion

Ahead of the Pack

Recently, XBIZ World Magazine asked several adult industry players, "How do you make your company stand out in such a highly competitive market?"

Here's what they had to say:

Tantus toys are handcrafted from 100-percent ultra-premium, platinum silicone. This superior blend of Tantus silicone makes Tantus toys the world's best soft toys for adults. Tantus is dedicated to informing both retailers and consumers of the benefits of choosing Tantus. Our newly designed packaging is sophisticated, educational and retail smart.
— Jeff Muesse, Business Relations Coordinator, Tantus Inc.

Besides having built a strong reputation for the quality and innovative designs and features of our products, marketing plays a huge part in our success: A regular advertising program — along with editorial support, in-store marketing tools and displays and regular visits to our customers. California Exotic Novelties has made our business very "personal," and we are a reliable brand presence.
— Al Bloom, Marketing Manager, California Exotic Novelties

We focus on education, sex-positivity and non-judgmental attitudes. By having these added values beyond merely toys, books and videos, we're offering our customers ways of bringing sex into their lives in a more expansive way. Our stores, catalog and website offer educational materials, erotica, blogs and product information.
— Jonathan Plotzker, Senior Director of E-Commerce and Merchandising, Good Vibrations

Stockroom.com pre-dates the market! We have been selling products on the Internet since 1989, even before there was a World Wide Web, offering high-quality BDSM gear at reasonable prices and providing excellent customer service. I think the key to our standing-out (and success) has been rather simple — honesty, integrity and hiring as many artists as possible.
— Juli Crockett, Marketing Director, JT's Stockroom

Our company is the only company that is a real movie club. Our business model is similar to the Columbia Record House Club, except we took all the sucky parts out — there's no contract and no minimum number to buy. That's really what differentiates us from everyone else.
— Pamela Butkowski, Owner, DVDsforaBuck.com

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

The KPIs That Keep Payment Processing Humming While You're Away

I always look forward to the summer as my kids are home and I can plan little trips with them to reconnect and have some fun. If you’re like me, however, you probably never go on vacation without your laptop, so you can check in or lurk in the background to make sure all systems remain go.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Building an Ecommerce Engine That Bridges Online and Retail Sales

Most independent retailers couldn't afford to build, host and manage a real ecommerce site well, so we leaned on the distributor's site and accepted the friction.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

What Utah's SB 73 Means for Compliance Requirements

Utah has once again positioned itself at the center of the national battle over online age verification and adult-content regulation.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Experiential Spaces Help Adult Retailers Drive Engagement, Sales

E-commerce made adult retail accessible, efficient and discreet. But it also made it distant. For years, the industry has leaned heavily on convenience as the primary driver of growth. To be clear, it works.

Chelsea Mani ·
profile

Drea Walker Leads With Passion at North Carolina Boutique Up4Drea

Drea Walker is the face, name and vibrant personality behind Up4Drea, an adult retail boutique co-founded in eastern North Carolina. Blending clothing and pleasure products, the store is built on a clear mission: to create a space where everyone feels seen, supported and welcome.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Kathryn Byberg Nurtures Brands With Little Leaf's Growth-Focused Marketing Team

A decade ago, pleasure products and sexual wellness brands were still rarely discussed within the broader health and lifestyle landscape. Media outlets often treated the topic of sexual wellness as a novelty rather than a legitimate category, so brands struggled to secure thoughtful coverage.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Clips4Sale's Christy on Backing Creators and Fueling Growth

Understanding the industry from within goes beyond data. For Christy, Manager of Creator Experience at Clips4Sale, that insight is shaped by front-line conversations and years spent listening not just to trends, but to people.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

How to Turn Retail Seasonal Lulls Into Sales Opportunities

For many adult retailers, summer brings a predictable change in customer behavior. Routines shift, travel increases and shopping habits become less steady.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

Breaking Down AI-Powered Moderation and Platform Safety

Adult platforms, including content sites, cam services and dating apps, consistently face a range of high-risk challenges. These include verifying consent, particularly for user-uploaded content, addressing non-consensual material such as leaks and so-called revenge porn, and ensuring effective age verification and protection for minors.

Christoph Hermes ·
opinion

How to Optimize Subscription Billing for Compliance and Stability

The Federal Trade Commission’s “click to cancel” rule is coming back around. Last year, a federal appeals court vacated the FTC’s Negative Option Rule, aimed at addressing deceptive or unfair practices and making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

Jonathan Corona ·
Show More