I’ve posted before on this thread about how I’m relaxed visiting and adult shop. Reading this again, it reminds me of my first visit to buy a vibrator for my OH.
I had visited before for lingerie, but this time asked about vibrators. The shop kept these in a separate section and the female assistant took me in and asked me what my partner would be looking for. She was so relaxed and helpful it made me realise that it was just another shopping experience. Her technique worked, as I revisited many times!
100 percent comfortable.first time many years was a bit nerve wracking but don’t care at all now.after all everyone in there is there for the same reason ,but if someone is feeling anxious about going in o e I’d advise to visit one in your closest next town to cut down on the chances of possibly seeing someone in there who knows you.”the festival of erotica “ at olympia used to be fantastic ,everyone there with the same ideas and Interests as us there so felt we felt totally comfortable.1st time we went was in 1998 when dvd r18 porn became legal to buy .was a great exhibition and such a shame it stopped .visited quite a few times.great day out
Honestly, I’d probably feel a pretty awkward visiting one as a man on my own, but with my OH it’s not awkward at all! Not sure what that says… Just feels less seedy?
My first toys were purchased in a brick and mortar store. I loved being able to see the toys in person, and being able to ask questions of the assistant.
My wife and I have both popped into one together in the past to pick up some lingerie and toys.
Maybe it’s just me but there doesn’t seem to be the stigma around them as in the past. While we shop online for the convenience, I will go in to a store with hubby or alone , feel very comfortable and enjoy the interaction with the staff. Even shopped in one with my bestie and that was great!
I think you’re right about the stigma. When I went into one around 25 years ago, I was glad it was out of the way and I wouldn’t be seen by anyone. I honestly felt like a pervert eyeing up the toys, and felt quite a lot of shame.
I think the internet generally has normalised lots of things for the better. We’re all much more sex positive than we were.
Being able to buy porn dvds legally in 1998 I think in uk was a real game changer for us .we always used to pop in to our local adult shop and buy them.it became more mainstream even then before the Internet sites took over.the guy who owned the shop had a system where you trade them in for others when you were bored of it .was like a naughty blockbusters lol.we have loads of blue Ray and dvd ones and still go back to our favourites from time to time
The DVD title, “All Ladies Do It” (1992) from Tinto Brass is a good one. Like in many of his movies, a couple breaks up at the beginning, sexual adventures due to the breakup ensue, and the couple gets back together at the end. It is available with English subtitles.
I definitely get a bit giggly. Like picturing my missus in the gear and the toys. So I seem to regress to an excited youngster that knows he’s gonna get a present or something.
We came out of one recently and saw a chap with his partner and she was asking what shop was that. (it was the major high St chain one) then when he said what it was, she replied by saying ‘well we won’t be needing anything in there’. The guy looked crestfallen. Lol. All I could think was poor bugger they could be having so much more fun….. Ah well.
I Havent been in an adult shop for a long time, either on my own or with Mrs A. I think the conveniance of online shopping for these type of products is far easier, given the addage of reviews and more of a look into a larger range if products online.
Although this thread has actually made me want to revisit a physical store now to experience it one again and have a good look around and see the products up close and maybe it is something me & Mrs A will dip in and out if now and again rather than all online. Though I do think if there was a LH physical store I would have mos def visited it numerous times, given the fun we have using the LH website and forum.
Only been in one once to buy a huge dildo for a hen party. I think i was with my sister at the time as it was more her friend than mine. I didnt feel uncomfortable at the time as i was with someone but i think i would have felt uncomfortable if on my own not because i was embarrassed but due to the looks you get from the men that are also browsing in there. Wouldnt mind going to one with hubby though, then they can look all they like and be thinking lucky bloke
This was well before LH.
There used to be 3 in my local area 1 on the high street now closed down, 1 that was seedy DVD’s hard porn mags, and one independent. A while ago I went into “Seedy” for cock rings a dildo and butt plug, got asked by man behind counter in a very judgemental way “why would a bloke want to stick anything up his arse”. I never answered just walked out.
Went to independent where I went scarlet when the shop assistant was a very attractive lady, (not overt or putting it out there), she put me at ease right away, told me I looked cute being all hot and bothered. Absolutely no judgement, even asked what experience I had and was I sure I’d be able to handle the girth/length etc.
what a shame independent closed.
Im 64, I have no problem being in a sex shop, it’s more when you walk out and people look and stare ,as if to say, what’s an old man like you doing in there?
