Off Topic? Hopefully not too much

Contributor: Lunacy Setting in Lunacy Setting in
Disclaimer: I'm posting this to get other contributors' inputs, I am not trying to ruffle any feathers with EdenFantasys, as I am quite fond of this site. I just think that EF contributors will have useful things to say.

My best friend and I recently started talking about running a sex store when we're older. Actually, to be precise it would be a tea room with a small retail attachment, where one could find a few books, perhaps some independent artwork and sex toys. We literally just came up with the idea about two weeks ago, and we're both recent college graduates with little business training so it won't happen anytime soon. However, both of us have sufficient knowledge of brewing tea and sex toys (she probably more than I) so we think that with proper research and planning that this could happen.

We came up with the idea when we were discussing how a lot of adult retail stores are nasty and make us feel like we should bathe after we leave them. Yes that can be hilarious and part of the experience, but in our observations it has kept some of our friends/acquaintances from ever comfortably exploring their sexuality outside of missionary position and occasionally touching themselves.

The tea room came up before the sex shop actually, both of us are slowly turning into tea-snob types, albeit the non-judgmental ones who enjoy coffee from time to time but think that quality tea is underrated. And then when discussing the sex shop we were like WHAT IF WE COMBINED THEM. HOLY SHIT.

The bottom line is that this store to be named later would be a relaxing place where adults of all backgrounds and ages feel welcome to explore their sexuality (okay maybe not physically but mentally) or just have a cup of tea with some friends. It's not like there would be a pretty glass dildo on every table or anything, we don't want it to be in your face.

SO, now that you've read all that I bring you to this question. Even though most of you are likely comfortable discussing sexuality, meeting new people and/or visiting sex shops, what would you like to see in a sex store (and tea room)? What do you think would make this shop a pleasant, welcoming place? Again if this thread is a problem than I'm sorry. I'm just seeking input, and I doubt a small business in suburban DC would be a great threat to a nice big web company anyway ^_^

Thanks!
11/08/2010
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Contributor: SexyTabby SexyTabby
A tea room to discuss new toys and what not would be preferable since it invites intelligence and not scum. I get to go to the "dirty book store" which is the only sex shop in my county lol
11/08/2010
Contributor: Lunacy Setting in Lunacy Setting in
Quote:
Originally posted by SexyTabby
A tea room to discuss new toys and what not would be preferable since it invites intelligence and not scum. I get to go to the "dirty book store" which is the only sex shop in my county lol
Very true. We were thinking that we would want the Tea Room to work with sex-positive groups like NARAL, Planned Parenthood etc for fundraisers and/or educational events.
11/08/2010
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
What a lovely idea!

My local brick-and-mortar megastore is set up like a normal department store - brightly lit, clean floors and fixtures, professionally-dressed sales people, no crowding of merchandise, and tastefully set up displays. Carpeting takes off the industrial edge, too. But never forget the good lighting so people can actually see and read the packages. Oh, and sales people who are friendly and knowledgeable - leering is grounds for dismissal.

Also have a 'doorman' (if you will) at the entrance to the sex shop part to check ID's. Having him/her professionally dressed and have a professional attitude also shows that where the customers are about to enter has Class.

A nice addition would also be educational workshops hosted in the tea room about toy materials and safety, different types of toys, safe sex practices, etc.

Marketing is another matter entirely. I couldn't even begin to imagine how that could be done.
11/08/2010
Contributor: Jobthingy Jobthingy
I think that is a really neat idea. We have a shop here that is actually for women, run by women. It is the only clean one I have seen that doesn't give you that dirty feeling afterward. Unfortunately its on the other side of town for me so I don't get there that often.
11/08/2010
Contributor: Onanist Onanist
I think you have a very good idea. Here in Connecticut, there are several adult retail stores. Being an educated older gentleman, I expect to shop in a store with a professional atmosphere.

There is one that is totally sleazy. I was followed around the store by an older, overweight, unkempt male individual. The sales clerk was greasy looking also. I felt very uneasy and couldn't wait to get out of that store. Another has peep shows in the back that attracts all kinds of low life's.

In contrast, there is a small chain of adult stores link that are called Romantic Boutique's. Their goal is to provide a fun and friendly astmosphere in an elegant professional environment. About 1/3 of the store contains a department full of Sexy and Risqué Lingerie for every occasion. They also have tons of x-rated DVD movies for sale and/or rent, along with a wide selection of adult toys. There is a greeter at the door and very knowledgeable sales persons (mostly female) roaming, who ask you if you need any help. I'm always treated in a professional manner and feel comfortable talking about the types of male toys I'm interested in. They also take a toy out of the box (put batteries in, if needed), so you can see and feel (with your hands only) how the toy feels, vibrates and so on.

So Yes, If you can provide a professional environment that will attract professional adults, I think you have a great idea.
11/09/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by Lunacy Setting in
Disclaimer: I'm posting this to get other contributors' inputs, I am not trying to ruffle any feathers with EdenFantasys, as I am quite fond of this site. I just think that EF contributors will have useful things to say.

My best ... more
If this was also a spa...count me in
11/09/2010
Contributor: Trashley Trashley
We have a kink coffee shop here in SF. I think it's a fucking great idea. I'd definitely stop in!
11/09/2010
Contributor: RosesThorns RosesThorns
I like the idea... I actually want to open an adult store as well... geared towards women, very Victorian and stuffs... ya know...classy!

Good luck, I dont have much more input than that... lol
11/10/2010
Contributor: Naughty Student Naughty Student
I agree, great idea. Hope things do work out if you take your ideas into action.
11/10/2010
Contributor: Lunacy Setting in Lunacy Setting in
Quote:
Originally posted by Onanist
I think you have a very good idea. Here in Connecticut, there are several adult retail stores. Being an educated older gentleman, I expect to shop in a store with a professional atmosphere.

There is one that is totally sleazy. I was followed ... more
That sounds similar to what we'd want. Thanks for the ideas! And yeah, we'd definitely have a relatively high education/maturity standard for any and all of our employees :]
11/12/2010