opinion

How to Show Retail Customers the Fun of Fantasy Role-Play

How to Show Retail Customers the Fun of Fantasy Role-Play

When people are looking to spice up their sex lives, role-playing is often one of the first options they consider. It can be super fun to shed inhibitions and expectations and leap into the role of a character — so just imagine how hot it could be to go beyond playing the French maid and enter another universe.

Sci-fi and fantasy are a huge part of many people’s sex lives and imaginations. Some folks want their partner to be an alien, have tentacles or look like a post-apocalyptic radioactive reptile, and it’s our job to help bring these fantastic scenarios to life.

This kind of fantasy role-play literally takes sex to another dimension, by incorporating otherworldly creatures like those in science fiction films or fantasy novels. So, let’s talk about what it is, why people like it and how you can serve your customers who are looking to bring their darkest and deepest fantasies to life.

What is fantasy role-play?

Fantasy role-play incorporates science fiction or fantasy elements like aliens, dragons, tentacles, gargoyles, sea creatures or any otherworldly components. It is popular among kink enthusiasts and cosplayers, as well as members of fantasy, science fiction, live-action role-play and gaming communities, but can be enjoyed by anyone who is intrigued by the idea of incorporating fantastical elements into their sex play. Fantasy role-play can be based on anything at all, but it is often inspired by anime, manga, graphic novels and comics.

Why are people into fantasy role-play?

First, because it’s fun! Fantasy role-play can make sex a bit more playful, which can lift and lighten the mood, and it can be validating on multiple levels.

For folks who have been turned on by sci-fi or fantasy creatures, getting to explore that can be a fun outlet that shows them that their “strange” desires are just fine. This type of play can fly in the face of toxic messaging that tells folks that “real” sex involves being penetrated by a penis or shouldn’t involve so many toys and accessories. This also can be validating for queer folks who have been made to feel like their sex lives don’t “count,” while people who have experienced trauma or are experiencing gender dysphoria may prefer using a dildo that doesn’t look like a penis at all. Fantasy dildos give users of all kinds so many fun options, and this has fueled something of a fantasy toy explosion with all kinds of sci-fiinspired designs.

How do you bring fantasy role-play to life?

Fantasy role-play mainly just requires a healthy imagination and enthusiasm, but fun props can help take things to the next level. Luckily for today’s shoppers there are more options than ever, including a whole array of dildos designed to bring fantasy beasts to life. From tentacled creatures to intimidating and ferocious animal-like beings, there’s something for every dark desire. What’s more, fantasy dildos offer new and different textures, so the fantasy experience goes beyond just looking cool and extends to providing pleasure that is as unique as fantasy role-players themselves.

Offering a healthy assortment of fantasy shapes and designs will help your customers explore exactly what kind of being they want to play with. It will also bring them back to your store when they are ready for more!

Make fantasy accessible to your customers.

So, how do you help customers who are interested in fantasy role-play find exactly what they are looking for? The answer is to ask a few key questions to help them zero in on what they want:

  1. What type of fantasy being are they looking to embody or play with? Alien? Dragon? Mythical sea creature? Something totally different?
  2. What size toys are they comfortable with? Fantasy toys, especially dildos, can be larger than typical toys, so help your shoppers find a size that works for them.
  3. Do they need accessories? Whether it’s a harness for their new spiky dildo, costume pieces to complete the look or a waterproof sheet, help them think beyond the product they started out looking for and figure out what else they might need.

Knowing the answers to those questions should go a long way toward finding the right toys and accessories to create the perfect fantasy role-play scenario.

Scales and tentacles might not be the first thing a lot of folks think of when they hear “role-play,” but for folks looking to add some fun and spice to their sex lives, fantasy roleplay might be just the ticket. Finding the right gear to set the mood and do the job can help your shoppers bring those otherworldly fantasies to life.

Rebecca Weinberg is an award-winning industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in the adult industry. She is the president of multi-award-winning pleasure product manufacturer 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

opinion

Michigan's Intimate Ideas Offers Playful Retail Setting for Wide Range of Shoppers

Jerry Manis, the regional manager of Intimate Ideas’ Michigan stores, never planned on working in adult retail — but he says it’s turned out to be a surprisingly rewarding gig.

Quinton Bellamie ·
opinion

Kraig McGee Blends Family Biz Experience, Creative Background at TAF Distributing

Walk into any Adam & Eve store in the Mountain West region of the U.S. and you’ve likely stumbled into a TAF Distributing outfit. Owned by industry veteran Kraig McGee Jr. and staffed by his closest family members, McGee’s 35 TAF-operated stores span 13 states, from woodsy Idaho to scenic Utah and well beyond.

Colleen Godwin ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Ethically Market to LGBTQ+ Communities

Every June, the rainbow floodgates open. Suddenly, pleasure products are “Pride-themed,” companies change their logos and brands rush to show just how inclusive they are — at least for 30 days. But as a queer, nonbinary marketing strategist who works with adult brands year-round, I’m here to say: Rainbow dildos alone are not progress. They’re often just noise.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

A Retailer's Road Map for First-Timers' Anal August

Anal August offers a prime opportunity for brands and stores to capture new customers and drive growth in a category that’s gaining mainstream momentum. As consumer interest in anal play continues to rise, now is the time to meet first-time buyers where they are, with approachable products, trusted education and a clear path to pleasure.

Matthew Spindler ·
opinion

Optimizing Your Leadership Through Wellness Practices

For many of us, 2025 has proved intensely stressful — and we’re still only halfway through the year. In times like these, it may seem counterintuitive or even irresponsible to talk about seeking pleasure. Yet pleasure, presence, joy and connection can help you return to a mental and physical state that allows you to face and handle stressors.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

Chastity Play Is Trending: Why It Should Be in Your Marketing Strategy

From chastity fetishes to power play, erotic control — once considered an esoteric niche within the world of BDSM — is now entering the mainstream. Google searches for “chastity cages,” “chastity fetish” and “orgasm denial” have exploded over the past year, with interest especially high for beginner-friendly models.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

A Look at Adult Retail's Role in Community Care

In the adult retail industry, we focus on empowerment, exploration and connection. We connect people with products that can transform their relationships with their bodies, with their partners and with themselves.

Rin Musick ·
trends

A Deep Dive Into Key Trends Shaping Pleasure Products

In 2025, the pleasure industry is evolving in intentional ways. Rather than racing toward newness for novelty’s sake, brands are reassessing everything from shape and function to what price intended shoppers can afford.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Jia Jeng

Modern branding is all about storytelling — and Jia Jeng certainly knows how to tell an authentic, perspective-shifting tale. As brand manager for ID Lubricants, Jeng applies her creative talent to shaping the long-established company’s public image in a way that aligns with her own vision for an ethical future.

Women in Adult ·
profile

Spicerack Market Offers Indie Brands a Launching Pad

Spicerack Market is an ecommerce platform with the heart of an artisan crafter and the soul of a kinkster. On the website, independent sex toy makers, lingerie seamstresses and kink gear craftspeople can set up a personalized shop to sell their handmade wares, unhindered by censorship or bans on adult products.

Colleen Godin ·
Show More