OAKLAND, Calif. — The Feelmore Adult Gallery sex toy and novelty store is offering a discount Tuesday to patrons who display an “I Voted” sticker or ballot receipt.
"The City of Oakland, as in the rest of the country, is going through a fierce midterm election cycle. With such pressing issues as homelessness and immigration, many in our city are tired and ready for inclusivity. The city and citizens deserve relief,” said owner Nenna Joiner, who has operated the boutique since 2011.
“Small business weren’t highlighted during this election campaign as much as I would have personally liked,” Joiner said. “Like many businesses, Feelmore has been on the frontline of protests and policy in Oakland. Feelmore has maintained a love for Oakland but also feels the pushing-and-pulling in the community.”
To maintain “a sense of levity,” Joiner “walks around Oakland with an ‘I Sell Sex Toys’ T-shirt” and considers it a uniform. “I keep fighting every day to stay put in the city where I started selling sex toys out the trunk of my car,” she said. “It’s not easy but we have a unique opportunity to not just sell to the community but be a part of the community as a business — authentically.”
“We need everyone involved. As a business, I don’t suggest who to vote for, only that voting is cheaper than a vibrator and influences their lives just as much.”
In related news, Feelmore announced in July they will no longer stock plastic penis straws or any non-biodegradable item (click here for details) and the business was named by Essence.com as a prime spot for vacationing couples to visit in Northern California (click here).
Visit Feelmore online here and follow the boutique on Twitter.
