opinion

Selling Tactile Stimulation With Textured Toys

Selling Tactile Stimulation With Textured Toys

Tactile stimulation plays a pivotal role in elevating intimate encounters. As consumers recognize and explore the link between diverse, expansive sensory engagement and enhanced pleasure, we are seeing a shift toward products that go beyond basic functionality. Aware of the complex nature of pleasure, increasingly savvy consumers on the lookout for a wider variety of options and varied personalized experiences are embracing textured toys for their ability to offer a wide range of tactile stimulation and creative new possibilities for intimate fulfillment.

Let’s explore how adult retail stores can best cater to this demand, satisfying customers who have already been won over by the artistry and innovation behind these intimate companions, while also introducing curious new shoppers to how textured toys can elevate sensory engagement and redefine the boundaries of pleasure.

Textured toys have the potential to help redefine pleasure and pave the way for a more inclusive, diverse and sensorially captivating industry.

Show Them What You’ve Got, Find Out What They Want

The varied landscape of adult toys caters to a broad spectrum of sensory preferences, so as a retailer, you want to offer a range of textured toys that resonate with the myriad ways individuals seek to enrich their intimate moments. From silky smoothness to tantalizing textures that add an extra layer of excitement, different textures and materials will provide different and unique sensations. Here are some ideas that will help create a more engaging and educational shopping experience by highlighting the various textures that your store has to offer.

Dedicated Texture Display: Designate an area within the store specifically for showcasing textured products, with conspicuous signage and eye-catching displays. Include a comprehensive visual guide or chart to illuminate the diverse array of textures and materials in your range of intimate products and provide customers with a nuanced understanding of the tactile sensations and unique characteristics associated with each. Weaving descriptors such as “smooth,” “ribbed” and “silky” into this visual narrative will help customers navigate the varied landscape of textures.

Interactive Product Samples: Entice customers to run their fingers over the various surfaces and textures and experience the variety of tactile sensations these products offer, by incorporating display models that embody the diverse textures available. To ensure hygiene and freshness, be sure to clean and replace floor samples regularly!

Themed Displays: Orchestrate themed displays that showcase specific textures or materials. For instance, envision a “Sensual Silk” display featuring a curated ensemble of products distinguished by their exquisitely silky textures, creating a visual and tactile narrative of luxury and indulgence. Rotate themed displays to ensure that the shopping experience remains dynamic and engaging. The ever-changing scenery not only piques curiosity, but also encourages repeat visits as customers anticipate discovering new and exciting textures during each store visit.

Bundles: Creating bundles of different textures is an excellent way to offer customers a curated and varied selection of products. Bundles not only cater to different texture preferences but also provide customers with a convenient way to explore a range of products that complement one another. Consider offering these bundles at a discounted price compared to purchasing each item individually, encouraging customers to indulge in a more comprehensive textured experience.

Educational Workshops: Elevate the shopping experience from a simple transaction to an immersive journey with captivating workshops or events unraveling the intricacies of different textured intimate products. Enlist the expertise of product specialists, industry professionals or brand representatives who can guide attendees through an exploration of materials, manufacturing processes and the distinct sensations each texture elicits. Encourage attendees to ask questions, making the workshops an interactive forum where customers gain deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind the products, forging a deeper connection with their purchases while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Invite Feedback: Educational sessions can also function as a “feedback zone” where customers can share their insights and articulate their preferences and feelings about the various textures in your intimate product range. Being encouraged to share personal experiences transforms the act of shopping into a dialogue wherein customers become active participants in shaping the offerings of the store. Whether during educational sessions or at any point in the shopping experience, customer feedback serves as a wellspring of knowledge, offering a deep understanding of what resonates with your clientele and enabling you to curate a more tailored and personalized shopping experience.

I encourage you to delve into the realm of textured toys and follow these tips as you incorporate these innovative products into your current offerings. Don’t be intimidated by texture! Textured toys have the potential to help redefine pleasure and pave the way for a more inclusive, diverse and sensorially captivating industry.

Known as the Queen of Wands, Carly S. is a pleasure educator, author of the blog “Dildo or Dildon’t” and a self-described bad bitch from the Bronx. Find her on social media @Makeupandsin. She is the product manager for Spectrum Boutique, social media manager for Nasstoys and provides freelance social media and consulting services.

Copyright © 2026 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

Why Discretion Has Been the Defining Force in India's Sex Toy Market

One of Besharam’s earliest customers contacted us three times before placing an order. Not about the product, but about the packaging. “Will anyone know what’s inside?”

Raj Armani ·
profile

Julie Stewart on Leading Sportsheets While Honoring Its Family Roots

When Sportsheets founder Tom Stewart retired at the start of 2020, he left the company in the capable hands of his sister, Julie Stewart. Since taking over as CEO, she has guided Sportsheets through an era of transformation, resilience and renewed purpose.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Tracy Eagle Soars as Co-Boss of Betty's Toy Box

They say sisterhood is powerful. For proof, you need look no further than Tracy and Carolyn Eagle, two sisters who have built not just one but three online retail brands together.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Essence Protection Brings Specialized Coverage to Adult Retail

For adult businesses, swimming against the mainstream current makes it hard to find an insurance company that can keep up. One company is aiming to change that.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How Retailers Can Get the Most Out of Trade Shows

Trade shows offer something that catalogs and online browsing can’t match. Seeing, touching and discussing products in person gives you a better sense of how they might perform in your store.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

How Promoting Wellness Fuels Retail Growth in Uncertain Times

My PR and marketing work helping adult brands, performers and platforms reach audiences has made one thing very clear. The brands most likely to succeed in the current economic, political and social climate are the ones marketing more than just sex.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Capture Attention Through Press Trips

In many industries, press trips are considered desirable but optional — a bonus rather than a core element of a brand’s marketing strategy. In sexual wellness, however, they are essential.

Bryony Lees ·
opinion

Automating Retail Accounting With AI

With 21 locations, I’m pretty much always hiring. Unfortunately, the employment market these days can be chaotic, as candidates send out applications across dozens of job boards with a single click. For managers like me, this results in more time spent sorting through signals and static.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

5 Ways Social Media Can Boost Retail Sales

In today’s retail landscape, social media isn’t optional. It is one of the most essential drivers of product discovery, store traffic and long-term customer loyalty. The retailers seeing the strongest engagement and sell-through today are creating experiences customers want to share.

Genevieve Lariviere ·
profile

Meghan Dunkel Brings Momentum, Focus to Sales Management

As an 18-year veteran of the sex toy business, Meghan Dunkel has witnessed plenty of the industry’s ups and downs. One of her big takeaways: Only the most committed end up staying.

Women In Adult ·
Show More