opinion

Adult Retail Lessons From the 'Rose' Social Media Craze

Adult Retail Lessons From the 'Rose' Social Media Craze

If you didn’t already believe TikTok and other social media could play a huge part in the adult retail business, the rose-shaped stimulator probably changed your mind. It started with influencers posting TikTok videos demonstrating the features and benefits of the product, making it irresistible to consumers. It was also touted on major mainstream social media accounts where you might not have anticipated seeing adult products. The Rose began popping up on feeds everywhere, across all platforms. The world quickly caught on and before we knew it, the toy was creating a frenzy both in stores and online.

Inventory supply chains have since leveled out, so access to the Rose is no longer the challenge it once was. This gives us a chance to take a step back and look at what the Rose has really taught us.

Sometimes a sensation like the Rose comes along and gives you the opportunity to get involved in a viral trend and compete in markets you don’t normally see sales in.

The age range of adult retail shoppers is diverse.

Yes, we know that there are shoppers of all ages, but historically we have tended to forget about the 18-28 demographic — as well as older consumers, even though they typically have the most disposable income. Both groups contributed greatly to overall sales of this particular toy. Sometimes a sensation like the Rose comes along and gives you the opportunity to get involved in a viral trend and compete in markets you don’t normally participate in or see sales in. Everybody, regardless of age or income, wants what’s popular and trending. This underlines the importance of marketing yourself as a reliable source for a broad range of products.

Cute matters.

Often, we get caught up in the function of things and forget that people also fall in love with the way things look. The Rose is fun to look at, and not a big deal to leave lying around where others can see it. Most people probably won’t even realize it’s a pleasure product, and those who do won’t shy away like they might if it were a dildo or larger vibrator. This is something that the Rose has going for it: the toy owner doesn’t mind if this toy gets seen, and people are thrilled that the Rose can pass as décor.

Sourcing relationships are important.

You may not buy from a distributor all the time, but when you need a hard-to-find item, those relationships can be very useful. Tend to your relationships even when you aren’t actively purchasing, since you never know which distributors will be able to help you later. 

In addition to riding the wave of viral products, retailers should take advantage of pictures and videos that manufacturers and distributors can provide for use on social media. Maintaining social media accounts requires a little time each day, but the payoff can be invaluable. Take advantage of available content being shared online. There are inexpensive or free apps you can download that make it easy to re-post on your own social media account and also gives credit to the content's original poster. Finally, if all else fails, ask for help! A lot of companies have graphic design teams available that can make you a custom Rose graphic to share, and incorporating your branding on a viral sensation can do a lot to build your reputation with new and repeat customers.

What’s next for the Rose? The latest version making the rounds on social media is a thrusting vibe combo, a two-for-one toy that will be hard to beat in terms of beauty and functionality. Whether or not you choose to participate in the next wave of this particular trend, the Rose vibe has clearly challenged us to learn and grow and expand our outlook, which is always important for any business in any industry.

Danielle Seerley is the director of sales for Thank Me Now. Visit her blog at AmericasSexToySweetheart.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2023 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

Logo Assessment: A Look at the Traits of Recognizable Logos

Creating a captivating logo is much like composing an orchestral masterpiece where the brand’s visual voice resonates as the leading instrument. In this intricate symphony of design, every single note — every color you choose, every unique character, every deliberate line or curve — plays a pivotal role.

Joe Powell ·
opinion

How to Outsmart an Economic Downturn With Retail Tech

As I sit and scan the retail horizon, it’s hard not to get caught up in the economic doom and gloom the mainstream news seems hell-bent on proliferating. Yes, we are in uncertain economic times. Yes, we have to be ready for anything.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Tips and Insights for Building Retail Success With Google Ads

Building a successful Google Ads campaign can be a time-consuming process, and tasks such as selecting the right setup and bidding strategy can feel overwhelming to those unfamiliar with the platform’s endless acronyms, like PMAX, SSC, LIA, DSA and ROAS.

Lauren Bailey ·
trends

Boutique Blazers: A Look at How Savvy Indie Retailers Are Navigating Latest Trends

Despite the rise of the internet, online shopping and the explosion of social media galloping across phone screens at an unprecedented pace, the centuries-old brick-and-mortar method of retail maintains its relevance by offering unique in-store experiences.

profile

Kix'ies Founder Samantha DeMartini Aims to Revolutionize Sexy Fashion

“I was 17 years old and getting in a boy’s truck for a ride home,” she recalls. “The most popular boy at school! But as I climbed in, my skirt got stuck in my backpack, exposing my ‘nylon butt.’ You know, when a girl’s rear end is smushed into a pair of high-waisted nylon tights.”

Colleen Godin ·
profile

Dr. Picolya McCall-Robinson Aims to Improve Oral Sex With SugahLipz

Dr. Picolya McCall-Robinson first conceived her idea for an oral-sex enhancement product through her work as a licensed psychologist. She observed that many of her clients, individuals and couples alike, were struggling with questions, concerns and discomfort related to their sex lives — particularly oral sex.

Sofia Barrett-Ibarria ·
opinion

A Look at the Power of Exclusive Brands in Adult Retail

One of the biggest challenges facing both brick-and-mortar and ecommerce adult retailers is staying ahead of the competition — namely, megasites like Amazon and big-box stores that offer a vast array of products at substantially lower prices.

Hamed Bosset-Allen ·
opinion

Tips for Sourcing Valuable Product Reviews, Driving Sales

The truth is, online product reviews are one of your most underrated ecommerce tools for generating revenue and converting sales. In fact, online reviews can be even more important than brand loyalty, free shipping, product quality or even price.

Carly S. ·
opinion

How to Advise Customers on G-Spot Stimulation

The clitoris and the G-spot. Between them, these two anatomical features dominate both popular discourse about sexual pleasure and the world of adult pleasure products. There are countless toys designed to stimulate the clitoris and/or G-spot, whether separately, in succession or simultaneously.

Vanessa Rose ·
opinion

Circumventing Unfair Advertising Standards Against the Pleasure Industry

In 1964, a cinema owner was prosecuted for obscenity for showing Louis Malle’s “The Lovers.” The case became sensationalized news and went all the way to the Supreme Court. This led to Justice Potter Stewart nebulously defining “hard-core pornography” by originating the infamous phrase “I know it when I see it.”

Julia Margo ·
Show More