Shop Talk

Medusas co-owner Randy Gill shares how his career as a drug and alcohol counselor has contributed to owning an adult store and their unique approach to retail. (NOTE: This story appears in the February 2025 issue of SE Magazine) Shifting from drug and alcohol counseling to operating an adult retail store may seem unconventional, but for Randy Gill, it was a...

Doc Johnson’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Scott Watkins, weighs in on how adult retailers can choose the best supplements to stock in stores. (NOTE: This story appears in the February 2025 issue of SE Magazine.) In recent years, sexual enhancement supplements have surged in popularity, making a significant contribution to the products sold by adult retailers. While historically, discussions about sex...

Josh Ortiz of XR Brands, via his “Dear DadBodDom” SE column, answers retailers’ most pressing questions. In this issue, a retailer in Houston has been deluged with questions from women about “yoni” products to assist with feminine hygiene. (NOTE: This story appears in the December 2024 issue of SE Magazine.) Dear DadBodDom: I have had an influx of young people coming in...

After a rare move from an adult store to the church (the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, to be exact), Brianna McKnight realized where her true calling lied, and came back to Fantasy Gifts as their sex educator, social media coordinator and events consultant. (NOTE: This story appears in the December 2024 issue of SE Magazine.) Brianna McKnight wears several hats at Fantasy Gifts...

From psychology major to general manager — while also spending time as a dominatrix — Alex Decker has brought a wealth of tools and experience to Fantasy Gifts’ three locations in New Jersey. (NOTE: This story appears in the December 2024 issue of SE Magazine.) While earning her undergraduate psychology degree, Fantasy Gifts NJ GM Alex Decker worked as an online dominatrix,...

Two decades ago, an adult store owned by a woman with an all-female staff — one that also caters to women, couples and the LGBTQ communities — was practically unheard of. But today, stores like Dee Bertino’s three Fantasy Gifts locations in New Jersey are more the norm than ever. Here, Bertino explains why she gravitated to this industry,...

How is your store promoting Anal August this year? If the answer is "I don't know" or "My store isn't promoting it," then you're missing out on some optimal marketing opportunities. Anal August is the perfect time to advertise products designed for the rear, and it's not too late to get started! Perhaps you need some inspiration? Here are some...

Some adult store owners are seeing this as a sign to bring back their DVD sections. After PornHub's decision to ban Idaho residents went into effect last month, a Boise staple that rents X-rated videos has seen an upsurge in foot traffic. Founded in 1975, the Over 19 Adult Shop also provides customers with private video booths where they can...

SE Focus Cover by Claire Sass Retail buyer for the Knock First store in Maryland, Claire Sass, shares her perspective on stocking smoke products in an adult store, as well as advice for those who may have some reservations about the cross-merchandising. (Note: This story appears in the April 2024 issue of SE Magazine)  R ecent trends in our industry have owners wondering...