The summer edition of the ANME Show came to a close with exhibitors and buyers buzzing and making deals through the event’s final hours.
“This was probably one of the most happening shows,” pjur Group USA CEO Richie Harris said. “There was an energy level that I haven’t seen in the industry in a long time.”
We want to help store owners gain awareness by combining media spending, we can cross promote throughout its community. -Caggiano
Harris added that while the economy may not be ideal overall, attendees during the ANME Show generally expressed satisfaction with their profits.
“The show was very well attended both internationally and domestically.”
Extase, a new line of luxury vibes launched in partnership with pjur, was showcased alongside its partner.
“Extase was very well received at the show,” Extase’s Jon Lin said. “There were retailers from Australia, Russia, Canada and parts of Europe. I got to learn a lot more about the local market too and their reaction to the line is really helpful with future development.”
Kama Sutra exhibited its new products of the year, all of which were added based on customer feedback, said Robert La Joie, U.S. senior director of sales. Among the company’s new releases were massage candles, shaving cream and massage oils, all made from natural ingredients.
“I’m delighted to be at the show,” Kama Sutra founder Joe Bolstad said. “It’s great meeting with old friends and introduce our newest products. We hope to have gained respect for our high standards. Kama Sutra sets the bar high.”
Paradise Marketing exhibited the new Midnight Collection of massagers from Trojan, which will enjoy mass market advertising but will only market in adult retail, Dennis Paradise said.
“I’m very pleased with the number of attendees, but as always, I’m impressed by the quality of traffic,” Paradise said. “I sense a very upbeat and enthusiastic attitude on the part of the industry. It was great to see friends and their positive reaction to the new Midnight Collection. I couldn’t be leaving here with more enthusiasm.”
The Screaming O showcased its marketing power with a video montage on display featuring the company’s nationwide promos. According to The Screaming O partner Keith Caggiano, by bringing its Scream Team, giveaways and fun, the company helps retailers come out of the shadows and into the community as a safe sex promoter.
“We’re taking adult into mainstream,” Caggiano said. “We want to help store owners gain awareness by combining media spending, we can cross promote throughout its community.
“The show was a great opportunity to see our customers and to spend time with them,” Caggiano said, “It’s important to remind retailers what our message is.”
Kheper Games exhibited at ANME as it embarks on a rebranding of the company that includes relocation to a new warehouse and office, company sales manager Roxana Forenza told XBIZ.
“We are a family-owned, independent company that works together to bring the very best, unique and very detailed products,” Forenza said, noting the company’s international success that’s resulted in the inclusion of multilingual packaging.
According to Forenza, the Sex! line of games has sold more than 1 million and has been expanded to cover international markets, including the addition of Sexo!, as well as editions targeting the gay and lesbian markets.
“Retailers’ feedback tells us that games serve as a good ice breaker in an adult store,” Forenza said. “They’re able to display the games in the front of the store as a starting point for shoppers that are beginners.”
Kheper Games also debuted a new line of novelties for a girls’ night out.
“The summer is known as the bachelorette season but this line can be used all year round,” Forenza said. “We removed the bridal references to the packaging, and with the exception of a few items that are still bridal- inspired, this collection can be enjoyed by anyone, any time of the year.”
Doc Johnson is banking on the booming Latin market with a new line of the company’s proven bestsellers featuring packaging with Spanish as its primary language.
According to Chad Braverman, Doc Johnson’s director of product development and licensing, like all of the company’s new additions, the launch of Latin Nights was directly based on consumer demand.
Another expanded line by Doc Johnson is its Mood collection, which now features lube and bullet vibes featuring BMS Factory’s Power Bullet technology.
“It’s obvious that this is the most important show to the industry,” Braverman said. “It brings together the right manufacturers and buyers in a true B2B format.”
Fellow ANME founder and Pipedream Products CEO, Nick Orlandino, echoed Braverman’s sentiment, adding, “this is the biggest show ever — for Pipedream and ANME both. We’re excited for the future.”
OhMiBod exhibited at ANME for the first time this year, and company founder Suki Dunham said she was pleased with the turnout.
“There’s a great international buyer presence and it’s very well organized,” Dunham said. “It’s our first time at the show. I’d always heard good things about it and now I’m happy to be experiencing it.”
“This was the biggest, best show,” agreed Nasstoys’ Elliot Schwartz and Ted Rothstein, who are among the ANME Show founders.
