Good Vibrations Restructures, Seeks Investment

SAN FRANCISCO — Adult toy and novelty retailer GoodVibrations has restructured from an employee-owned cooperative to a general business corporation in order to seek outside capital to fund plans for national expansion.

Good Vibrations new corporate structure is the first of its kind in California, according to CFO and acting General Manager Theresa Sparks.

“What makes the conversion unique by any standards is that we have ensured through institutionalizing our value statement and code of conduct into our new bylaws that a future board of directors cannot change the fundamental progressive values of the company — only the shareowners can do this, if they choose,” Sparks said. “The decision to restructure will give us the opportunity to take our vision to more people, have access to growth capital and respond to the market more quickly.”

Founder Joani Blank opened the first Good Vibrations store in 1977. In 1992, Blank sold the company to 15 workers, converting it from a sole proprietorship to a worker-owned cooperative.

The company’s emphasis on creating a “clean, well-lighted place” to buy sex toys and videos, and especially its focus on attracting female customers and couples, allowed it to become a multimillion-dollar operation with double-digit profits, open up new locations and expand into publishing, video production, wholesaling and ecommerce.

In 2003, Good Vibrations began hiring a professional management team with experience expanding retail companies. Under their direction, the company closed down unprofitable enterprises and focused on its core retail business.

According to the company, Good Vibrations has had to use its owners’ cash to fund these new ventures. Sparks said it became clear that continued growth in the face of industry competition would require outside investments, prompting Good Vibrations to change its capital structure.

“The restructure will allow the company to move as fast as the public-at-large is moving in a growing comfort of owning sex toys,” Sparks said.

In February 2006, Good Vibrations opened its first East Coast store in the greater Boston area, which the company said was profitable within the first month of operation.

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 News

Xgen's Dr. Mindy DeSeta Spotlighted on CBS News

CBS News has spotlighted Xgen Products resident sex therapist Dr. Mindy DeSeta on their Miami and West Palm Beach affiliate stations.

Electric Novelties Expands 'Gläs' Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced a variety of new items from its Gläs collection.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

Orion Debuts 'Gyro' Stroker From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the You2Toys Gyro stroker.

Share Satisfaction Debuts 'Evolve Penis Pump' Collection

Wellness brand Share Satisfaction has introduced its new Evolve Penis Pump line.

ULoversDoll Debuts 'Isabella' Love Doll

ULoversDoll has added Isabella to its Top-Cydoll collection.

Motorbunny Launches Direct Wholesale Program

Motorbunny has launched a direct wholesale program for brick-and-mortar retailers and ecommerce sites.

Biird Introduces 'Together' Intimacy Card Game

Biird has debuted its new card game, Together, designed to promote intimacy in couples.

BeYourLover Debuts 'Wavey' Vibrating Wand

Pleasure brand BeYourLover has introduced its new Wavey four-in-one rotation and suction vibrating wand.

Show More