Chi Chi LaRue's Circus to Open at Iconic West Hollywood Location

Chi Chi LaRue's Circus to Open at Iconic West Hollywood Location

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Chi Chi LaRue’s Circus will be taking over the infamous Circus of Books adult book store in West Hollywood.

"We are thrilled to open and keep the iconic gay landmark location open," Chi Chi LaRue told XBIZ tonight. "It’s part of my and many gay men’s history in West Hollywood."

“They leased the space,” said Karen Mason, who owns Circus of Books with her husband Barry Mason. “I’ve seen a drawing of the exterior, which looks the way it used to look when we got the store, but the colors are more vibrant.

“We met with the city today to talk about bringing back the big picture windows in the store. They want to put those back. They want to put circus stripes on the front. They really want it to look how it used to look.”

Circus of Books — which sells adult magazines, porn movies, sex toys, lube, poppers and glass pipes — opened in 1960 and was acquired by the Masons in 1982.

The store is now closing after all these years. It’s last day is tomorrow.

Chi Chi LaRue's — an adult store operated by its namesake porn director, DJ and retail storeowner — is located about a mile west of the Circus of Books. Both store locations are on Santa Monica Boulevard.

The second store will simply add “circus” to its title.

“I think they are very strong operators,” Mason told the WeHo Times. “They run a much more upscale place, at least than we do. I think they’ll do a good job.”

Pictured: Chi Chi LaRue in front of her retail store

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

Honey Play Box Introduces 'Vibrosa' Egg Vibe

Honey Play Box is debuting its new Vibrosa app-controlled egg vibrator.

ProDx Health Joins The Play as New Testing Partner, Launches 'Play Safe' Kit

ProDx Health has joined lifestyle organization Play LA as its new testing partner and marked the partnership with the launch of its Play Safe kit.

Cliterature Expands Pleasure Product Collection

Cliterature has expanded its collection of pleasure products.

Like a Kitten, Dr. Tush Partner for 'Aftercare' Campaign

Pleasure brand Like a Kitten and wellness brand Dr. Tush have partnered for an aftercare-centered marketing campaign.

Wicked Sensual Care Debuts 'Coconut' Lube

Wicked Sensual Care (WSC) has introduced its first coconut oil-based lubricant.

Sportsheets Debuts 'Indica' Collection of Bondage, Fetish Accessories

Sportsheets has introduced the new Indica collection from its Sex & Mischief line of bondage and fetish gear.

We-Vibe Debuts 'Temp' Vibe That Heats, Cools

We-Vibe has introduced its new Temp heating and cooling palm vibrator.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

ProDx Health Launches 'Priority Club' Expedited Testing Program

ProDx Health has launched its new Priority Club expedited testing program.

Show More