(Note: this story appears in the August issue of Storerotica Magazine)
With its Strap U line, XR Brands boasts that strapless is in … or it soon will be.
Flush among the latest in technology running the gamut—from 24-foot Tvs to PC-caliber gaming phones to app-driven temporary tattoo machines to prototypical exoskeletons—was one piece of technology that may have stumped even the most devout tech enthusiast.
XR Brands made history at CES 2020, the world’s largest industry tech show, when it proudly displayed the Evoke 10x Remote-controlled Strapless Strap-on from Strap U.
Strap U was created to fulfill customer needs for high-quality strap-on harnesses and dildos and boasts more than 60 SKUs.
Since the show’s inception in 1967, CES 2020 marked the first time sex tech companies were welcome at the show’s health and wellness section.
And XR wanted to leave no doubt about a rousing debut.
“It was a great opportunity to show how we are applying new technologies in our industry,” says Amy Barnum with XR Brands. “We were very excited to showcase the Ergo-Fit at CES.”
I prefer to see Strap U products blended throughout a retail store, in areas that aren’t exclusive to lesbian play. They are such versatile items, so seeing them in the couples section—regardless of gender—is what we love the most. — Amy Barnum, XR Brands
STOREROTICA spoke with Barnum to learn more about Strap U, Ergo-Fit and how that appearance at CES was a harbinger of things to come for the industry of strap-ons and harnesses.
SE: What is your best-selling Strap U product?
BARNUM: I’d have to say it’s a toss up between the Revolver II and the Evoke. The most exciting new hot seller is the Ergo-Fit—the world’s first inflating strapless strap on.
SE: What’s the biggest misconception customers have when it comes to strap-ons/harnesses?
BARNUM: That they are exclusively for female bodies or lesbian couples. The versatility of the strap-on far exceeds our conception of them. They are a great addition for solo play, hetero-normative couples, male bodies, and every body in-between.
SE: How do you typically adivse retailers merchandise their strap-ons/harnesses? How about marketing Strap U specifically?
BARNUM: I prefer to see Strap U products blended throughout a retail store, in areas that aren’t exclusive to lesbian play. They are such versatile items, so seeing them in the couples section—regardless of gender—is what we love the most.
SE: How do you attempt to educate customers and/or store staff on strap-ons/harnesses?
BARNUM: When I visit stores and have an opportunity to hold a product in front of them, I explain the different uses aside from “regular lesbian sex.” They are great for deep rabbit-style penetration during solo or coupled play, a comfortable and affirming option for pegging, and a great way to engage in gender-play masturbation.
SE: In this climate of heightened sexual openness and acceptance, how has that changed either the audience for strap-ons/harnesses or the way they’re used by said audience?
BARNUM: Our customer base is far more “woke” than ever before; they read articles and do research about materials and uses of pleasure products before they ultimately make their purchase. The previous shame and stigma surrounding sexual expression and enhancements is dwindling, and people are more willing to try new things. Strap-on or strapless products check many boxes for external, internal, and couple stimulation.
SE: What was the inspiration for the newest strap-ons you’ve alluded to?
BARNUM: Our customers inspired us to design the new strapless strap-on Ergo-Fit. Customers were always looking for the perfect size, most ergonomic strap-on. With the inflating vaginal bulb feature, Ergo-Fit is the most adjustable strap-on in the market.
SE: One might think, “How technologically advanced can a strap-on be?” Can you talk about the tech Strap U is utilizing to maximize strap-ons/harnesses and how that tech translates to a positive user experience?
BARNUM: The most innovative item in Strap U is the Ergo-Fit—our bodies are all different, even on different days! Giving consumers the ability to customize the way they choose to experience pleasure is an absolute game changer. Our goal is to make sure everybody can access pleasure in ways that affirm them. Innovations in technology within our industry allows it to remain relevant and exciting in a tech-saturated world.
SE: In your estimation, how do you see the strap-on/harness game evolving in the next 5-10 years?
BARNUM: I see strap-ons becoming more of a household pleasure product rather than just a niche queer focused item. I envision more diverse couples and individual folks finding new ways to experience pleasure with less of a regard for shame, stigma, and labels. C’est la vie!
For more information, visit xrbrands.com or strapu.com.
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