(NOTE: This story appears in the June 2025 issue of StorErotica Magazine.)
Typically, a centennial is measured in years, not magazine issues, but in the case of StorErotica, we tend to treat milestones a little differently around here. We make our own path.
The June 2025 edition of ‘SE’ marks our 100th issue in print. To many it may seem like an arbitrary number, but to us, a ragtag mix of Florida ruffians comprised mainly of metalheads and mothers who spend the majority of our collective attention discussing the politics of strip clubs (with our parent magazine, Exotic Dancer or ‘ED’) the opportunity to be a fixture in the adult brick-and-mortar space for close to 20 years doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s been our business as well as our pleasure. Especially to someone like me who, and I’m dating myself here, went from slinging dildos behind the counter in between college courses to finding the right syntax every other month to write about them sitting at a desk.
The first issue of SE debuted in December of 2008 after we assimilated two former industry magazines — Teeze, a publication for models which later became a journal for soft good manufacturers and Adult Store Buyer, a derivative of other, older adult B2B trades that focused on movies and some novelty.
At the time, there was an elemental change, an awakening, if you will, happening in the adult retail industry. We were growing smut-muck most associated with the three letters that ineffectually labeled what we do: ‘XXX’.
With the 2008 financial crisis easing, a new administration selling itself on the audacity of hope and an industry that had weathered it’s fair share of developmental leaps along the way, the editorial staff of SE Magazine — comprised primarily of myself, our future Publisher, Dave Manack, former head of sales Lacy Empkey (now Show Director of ANME), Art Director, Kevin Pennington and our late founder Don Waitt — made a united front to honor brick-and-mortar retailers in the same obeisance and courtesy we had with our readership of adult nightclub entrepreneurs.
Not looking to break the model that we already established, SE simply copied the ED protocol — meaning if you own, operate or chuck product at an adult retail storefront (much like an adult venue), our magazine was geared to what happens within your four walls. Cool, right? Unlike ED, however, SE came with competition (still does, no lies, we’re friendly). Moreover, though these industry trades occupy the same readership, differentiating ourselves immediately was our main priority. Retailers were/are to be our focal point, every issue. Now, 100 issues deep, that methodology has proven to be the right decision.
“I’ve only been in the Pleasure Products industry for about 18 months, and there have been few resources I’ve come to rely on as much as StorErotica Magazine and Kris Kay. I’ve been buying ads and working with publications for almost 30 years, and StorErotica has been one of the best I have ever worked with. I’m excited to mark this momentous issue with them. I look forward to providing my little bit of content for as long as they will have me, hopefully for the next 100 issues or more!”
– Nathan Morimitsu, Marketing Manager, Eldorado Trading Company
“Congratulations to StorErotica on this centennial milestone. As one of the most well-respected publications in the pleasure product industry, Storerotica uplifts the community and supports brands like CalExotics with authenticity and care. It has been an honor to be part of their journey from the start, and we look forward to many more milestones together.”
– Susan Colvin, Founder and CEO of CalExotics
Today, 16 years after we looked to honor adult retailers in print, through our digital reach and in person with the annual SE Awards, we have been privileged to call this industry home. As a journalist who prefers the tactile feel and appreciation of physical media, I’m humbled to be part of this magazine’s legacy and to know that I, and those who I consider close friends now, have built a foundation so that adult retailers are recognized as equals to our brand partners, those of whom who have supported these pages with their advertisements all this time.
“Congratulations on this incredible milestone — 100 issues is a remarkable achievement. We’re honored to be part of the celebration.”
– Lisandra Perez, Marketing Brand Manager – Americas, Satisfyer
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with the StorErotica team for more than 12 of their 15 years serving this industry. Their willingness to develop creative solutions that connect brands with retailers shows an adaptability that’s hard to find anywhere else. Congratulations on 100 issues, my friends.”
– Ken Herskovitz, CEO of Vibratex, Inc.
“Serving the brick-and-mortar retailer has always been our objective, and will remain so,” says our Publisher, Dave Manack. “If we’ve played some small part in the modernization of adult stores, of the movement toward being ‘upscale’ and geared more towards women and couples, then I can declare that mission accomplished.”
I’d be remiss not to recognize the central conceit that publications consumed in today’s digital landscape are an endangered species. At best, seen as carried-over relics of an analog era that don’t have the lasting impact that they once did. Respected kitsch in a realm of simulated sex machines, orgasm amplifiers and various versions of assorted vaginal gadgetry. We went from reporting on sex toys to promoting sexual wellness. We learned, along with the rest of the world, how to respect boundaries. We get political and stand our ground when the times call for it (like now).
Congratulations to StorErotica on 100 issues, over 15 years of publishing industry articles and product information. Each issue has tackled issues near and dear to our industry. StorErotica has created a community of readers where pleasure is celebrated and retailers have a trusted source for industry news.”
– Phoebe Grott, Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Nalpac
“StorErotica has been a cornerstone of our industry for over 15 years, documenting its evolution, amplifying our voices and celebrating the people behind the products. When I first started over a decade ago, I leaned on their open, authentic editorials to gain insights I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. I truly don’t know what this industry would look like without their coverage, connection and community. So many of the relationships I’ve built and the opportunities that shaped my career can be traced back to their pages. To be part of their 100th issue isn’t just a milestone — it’s a genuine honor. StorErotica isn’t just a publication; it’s part of our foundation. Congratulations on 100 issues. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
– Tori Titus-McCrobie, Sales Director, Paradise Marketing
However, as we lean into the era of AI tech and even more instant gratification, SE Magazine is fully aware, and entirely appreciative, of what it means when our readership is able to retain something they’ve learned within the pages of our publication. For close to 20 years, this magazine has represented your business as much as it has represented ours. Thank you for setting our standards and for reading.
– Kristofer Kay
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