Let’s face it, gift shopping can be stressful. Stress can make people fall back on “safe” gifts — think ties, scented candles and gift cards — that they aren’t excited to give and, honestly, a lot of folks aren’t excited to receive. It doesn't have to be this way, though! As an adult retailer, you are uniquely positioned to help shoppers elevate their gift-giving game and treat that special someone to something special.
Gift shopping in a sex shop? Sure!
Aesthetically speaking, we are in a golden age of giftable adult retail products.
Contrary to what some folks might think, an adult store is the perfect place to score that next-level gift. There once was a time when that wasn’t the case but these days, with so much more sex positivity and the world embracing so many different types of products, you as a retailer can help shoppers give their best gifts ever. After all, gift-shopping in an adult store comes with some solid benefits.
More and more couples are introducing sexual wellness products into the bedroom. It can be a powerful way to build intimacy, and the gifting season is a great opportunity for couples to deepen their connection.
There’s never been a better time for adult retail gifting.
Aesthetically speaking, we are in a golden age of giftable adult retail products. Whereas once, shopping for gifts in a sex shop was likely to lead to an oversized beige dildo, these days toys come in all sorts of unique colors and patterns.
Today’s shoppers have plenty of opportunity to not only select a beautiful gift but to also shop with the specific recipient’s preferences in mind. What’s their favorite color? What would match their bedroom? What would they think looks attractive or cool? There are options for just about anyone.
Help your shoppers find the ideal gift, and maybe more!
As a retailer, there’s a lot you can do to help your customers gift-shop effectively while also boosting your bottom line.
Offer the whole package
Sure, a single product could be great, but so many products work better with accessories. For example, your dildo display could include lubricant, cleaning spray and even compatible harnesses. Suddenly, putting together the perfect gift is easy.
Think “what,” not “who”
Brick-and-mortar stores should focus on the experience products can provide instead of outdated, exclusionary “for him” or “for her” displays. Picture a vibrating gift display, a wall of sexy apparel that goes beyond bras and bodysuits, or a “Butt Stuff” display. This type of display tells shoppers what the products are for versus who the products are for, making shopping super easy.
Encourage add-on sales
Cross-promotions, BOGO offers and discounts please shoppers while giving your sales a boost. What if a certain brand of lube is 10% off with a silicone dildo purchase? Or maybe a “buy one item, get 50% off another” sale? The add-on sales possibilities are endless.
Have fun with impulse buys
Eye-catching spinner displays and well-stocked counter displays can lead to big impulse buys. Baskets of bullet vibes or batteries by the register can compel shoppers to grab one “just in case,” while displays of lube, massage oil and other sexy body products can hit them with some unexpected inspiration.
Give your shoppers the gift of easy gifting
One of the best things you can do for a customer is help them find the perfect gift. By stocking quality, aesthetically pleasing products, creating eye-catching displays and helping customers find everything they need, you can give your shoppers the kind of satisfying, low-stress shopping experience that makes them want to come back again and again.
Verna Meng is the co-founder and CEO of Blush, and the recipient of the 2018 International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge Foundation Award.
