Australian Supermarket Chain Ditches Sex Toys After Boycott Threat

SYDNEY — Australian supermarket chain Woolworths abandoned its sales of battery-powered vibrators Friday, following the Christian advocacy group FamilyVoice Australia’s call for a boycott.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Woolworths began offering the Durex Vibrating Bullet clitoral stimulator across 900 stores last week, but by Friday it was clearing its shelves of the product. In addition to FamilyVoice Australia, other organizations, including Australian Family Association, agreed that a supermarket is not an appropriate channel for sex toy sales.

Although contained within a sexual health aisle where condoms and vibrating cock rings reside, it was the section’s proximity to “family-oriented” products within the supermarket that was opposed.

Fiona Patten, president of the Australian Sex Party, told the publication she agreed that children shouldn’t be exposed to sex toys. ''While I have no problem with anyone selling vibrators, I think they should be sold from an age-restricted area.''

Nevertheless, in the article sexologist Nikki Goldstein defends the open introduction to pleasure products. “We are taught to view such products as dirty, naughty, shameful and outside the boundaries of normality, and that's wrong. A vibrator is no different to a vitamin in that it does something positive for your body.''

In the report, a Woolworths’ spokesman issued a statement saying that the Durex vibe was better suited for pharmacies rather than supermarkets.

Durex responded with its own comment arguing that: ''Products that assist Australians to have great sex should be made easily available to consumers through a variety of channels.''

Related:  

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

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

B-Vibe Spotlighted in Glamour Magazine

B-Vibe has been named Best for Anal Toys in a Glamour Magazine article on pleasure brands.

Williams Trading, ANME Founders Partner for Livestream Event

Williams Trading has partnered with CalExotics, Doc Johnson, and Nasstoys to host a virtual trade show July 14-15 during ANME.

Eldorado Names Sandy Nuyt Sales Director

Eldorado Trading has appointed Sandy Nuyt as its new sales director.

Show More