opinion

Retailer Tips for Boosting Sales of Fetish Role-Playing Gear

Retailer Tips for Boosting Sales of Fetish Role-Playing Gear

When it comes to spicing up our sex lives, role-play can be just the ticket! By allowing us to shed our inhibitions and step out of our day-to-day identities, role-play can be one of the more effective ways to take sex from routine to mind-blowing and incredibly connecting. When folks think of role-play, they often envision French maid outfits, naughty nurses, or sexy plumbers — but what if, instead of slipping on thigh highs and stilettos, you suited up in a collar or a furry tail?

Animal play may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sexy time, but those in the know will tell you that it can provide the ultimate role-play experience. Retailers who are knowledgeable about and comfortable with this playful and popular kink — perhaps surprisingly popular — can help customers feel comfortable, and that can equal big sales! There’s a huge array of accessories available to support a whole range of play styles, interests and lifestyles, so here’s a crash course in everything retailers need to know.

Animal play can be part of BDSM or power play, but it is not something that is limited to hardcore BDSM enthusiasts.

What is animal play?

Animal play participants take on the roles of “animal” and “trainer/ owner,” depending on the agreed-upon power dynamic. As with any form of role-play, animal play enables participants to let go of their inhibitions as they adopt qualities of the animal of their choice. For example, with puppy play, the “animal” might engage in a variety of doglike activities, such as playing fetch, walking on all fours, accepting treats or even climbing into a crate.

Why are people into animal play?

Animals live in the moment. They pursue the most basic creature comforts free from the restrictions of language or the constraints of self-conscious feelings like fear of judgment. Role-playing as an animal is not only completely unique, but it can also lead to deep and profound feelings of freedom and vulnerability that we rarely experience in our stressful everyday lives or even in more typical relational roles. Playing as a happy, adored and carefree animal and expressing only animal desires gives participants the chance to achieve a state similar to what BDSM practitioners refer to as “subspace.” How do you get into the role of an animal? It can take a dynamic imagination to transform into a beast, but fortunately there is an entire industry dedicated to creating and selling animal play gear to help wannabe animals get deeper into character.

So, what kind of accessories can aspiring animals use to transform themselves? Insertable butt plug tails can be used for each different fur-sona. Animal play lovers have options that can transform them into a cat, pony, puppy, pig and more! Offering a healthy assortment of animal accessories will help your customers explore exactly what kind of animal they want to be and keep them coming back when they are ready to switch it up!

Some animal play misconceptions

Animal play can be a lot of fun, but some shoppers might be hesitant to explore it because of some major misconceptions floating around the internet and within social or play circles. Here are some key points that every retailer — and person exploring animal play — should know:

• Animal play does not, despite its name, involve actual animals and it’s not akin to bestiality. The participants are the only animals!

• Animal play doesn’t have to be inherently sexual. It may feature sexual elements or feelings, but that’s not required. The amount of sexual play — including whether or not sex is even involved — depends entirely on participants’ preferences. Please don’t assume!

• Animal play is not the same as being a “furry,” which is the name for role-play in which participants typically wear full-body animal suits.

• Animal play can be part of BDSM or power play, but it is not something that is limited to hardcore BDSM enthusiasts. It can incorporate lots of praise and cuddles for an experience that is more tender and nurturing, and also can involve dominance and submission without incorporating rougher BDSM elements.

• Animal play is not limited to any gender or sexual orientation. It is sometimes portrayed as an activity enjoyed by gay men, but participants of all genders and orientations can enjoy getting their animal groove on. Beware of sexual stereotypes!

Though it may not be what immediately comes to mind when couples think of roleplay, animal play might be just the ticket for adding some satisfying spice to their sex lives. Finding the right gear to set the mood can help your shoppers see how satisfying animal play can be.

Rebecca Weinberg is the president of XR Brands.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 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

profile

Cat Meyer Reflects on Goals, Triumphs of Indie Lube Brand Head South

“I loved the storytelling aspect — how products weren’t just about hair but confidence, self-expression and identity,” she says. Today, she uses the same skills as the CEO and owner of Head South, a sexual wellness brand that focuses on minimalism through its design, messaging and refillable packaging.

Nishka Dhawan ·
opinion

Rebranding Sexual Wellness Through a Self-Care Approach

As most of us in the industry already know, sexual wellness remains the black sheep of self-care. Discussions about wellness glorify meditation apps, skincare routines and workout regimens — but mention masturbation or using a sex toy, and most people shy away from the topic.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Why Sex Toy Innovation Isn't What Shoppers Want Right Now

During my first year in the industry, the luxury vibrator on shelves was LELO’s Gigi, priced at $109. It was made with high-quality silicone, boasted an ergonomic design, a travel lock and a warranty. Soon after, Je Joue released its first product, SaSi, which employed “rolling ball” movements to simulate oral sex.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

How Adult Retailers Can Enhance Sales With Supplements

The supplement industry is big business. In 2024, Future Market Insights estimated it to be valued at $74.3 billion, and other market research firms anticipate that number will grow to upwards of $170 billion in just 10 years.

Rick Magana ·
opinion

Why It's Time the Pleasure Industry Got Serious About IPX Waterproof Ratings

As someone who regularly communicates with manufacturers, retailers and consumers, I’ve seen how this ambiguity can do a disservice to both the customers who use these products and the businesses that sell them.

Alicia Sinclair Rosen ·
opinion

Tips for Sexual Wellness Brands to Win Over Gen Z This Summer

As summer rolls around, the excitement in the air is palpable, especially for one particular demographic: Gen Z. College and university classes are over, vacations are booked and it’s time to let loose.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community With Inclusive Packaging Design

Pride Month is a time of visibility, joy and self-expression. In the pleasure industry, projecting that energy can start with something as simple as a box. Market research shows that 72% of U.S. consumers say product packaging influences their purchasing decisions.

Matthew Spindler ·
profile

WIA Profile: Pettus Ashley

Pettus Ashley brings her A game to the world of authentic adult branding, flitting between airports as the American face of U.K. brand Bathmate. As a company brand ambassador, Ashley personifies Bathmate’s dedication to the retail world, showering staff with equal amounts of appreciation and sales education.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Good Relations Fosters Sex Wellness, Positivity for 40+ Years

Melinda Myers, the founder and owner of Good Relations in Eureka, California, was still in college when she got invited to attend her first pleasure products home party.

Quinton Bellamie ·
opinion

Why It's Time for Pleasure Brands to Stop Ignoring B2C Marketing

For many B2B adult brands, marketing to consumers feels like a waste of time. I’ve heard it so many times: “We sell to retailers, not consumers. Why should we invest in B2C marketing?”

Hail Groo ·
Show More