LOS ANGELES — The sex toy industry has seen a spike in sales over the last few months despite the tough economic times and high unemployment rates.
“We have seen a huge surge in sales over the last three months,” CalExotics’ director of Marketing Al Bloom told XBIZ.
“In my 41 years in the business, the adult companies, by in large, have easily weathered financial storms.”
Many in the sex toy industry are experiencing the same upswing in sales. Online sex toy distributor Stefan Dallakian told CNBC that at a time when money is tight, consumers are finding ways to stay entertained at home and sex toys can be an inexpensive way to have some fun. Another reason for the spike, Dallakian said, is that all the shopping can be done online.
“People no longer have to drive to the porn store and make a face-to-face purchase,” Dallakian said. “Online ordering with discreet shipping saves you the embarrassment of exposing your kinks to strangers, and there’s absolutely zero risk of running into somebody you know while shopping.”
As an added bonus to discreet shopping, ordering online is often cheaper and offers a wider selection of products. But whether the consumer shops online or in a store, sex toys are a hot ticket these days at every price point.
“Our biggest sellers over the last year are our most expensive items,” Bloom said. “So, when it comes to sex, money doesn’t seem to be a consideration.”
Bloom added that more retailers are realizing that sex toys can have a positive impact on their bottom lines.
“Since we are surging, I would say our sales will only increase. Contrary to what people think, especially DVD makers, toys are definitely on an upswing and we are now selling to mass market stores that see sex toys as their new profit center.”
