Sex Toys and Eggs
On Saturday, April 14th, I was given the opportunity to represent grrl toyz, a brand of sex toys designed to appeal to the savvy, sexy, and smart woman, at the American Fertility Association's Illuminations Gala. Topco Sales donated several grrl toyz items for the night's gift bags. The event took place at one of the multi-acre estates in the Holmby Hills region of Beverly Hills. My colleague and I made the obligatory but ultimately hopeless ten or so circles around the block before accepting the offer of the friendly - and likely very fertile -Valet Girls stationed at the front gate.
Through the front drawbridge, we received an instant greeting from a representative of the AFA, who gave us a quick explanation of the "Let's Talk About Sex" campaign for better sex education. His speech gave us a moment to admire our stunning surroundings. What a perfect setting for a gala to promote fertility; the chandelier alone put me in the mood to procreate. We stood by the original Cow Parade cow, grazing in the front parlor, and perused flyers about the event.
The crowd was quickly and forcefully ushered into the backyard presentation area, and away from the unlimited cocktails and gourmet appetizers. I grabbed a handful of treats, knowing that their elegant appearance could only complement my ensemble, and eager to watch my colleague's reaction as she tasted each one.
Award presenters included, Angela Basset, Felicity Huffman, and Brenda Strong, who distracted me with her very frank discussion of her own "private time" activities. The ladies' genuinely heartfelt speeches finally helped me to understand what sex toys could possibly have to do with fertility. Sex toys are a great way to get people talking about sex, talking about sex leads to understanding both its pleasures and risks. Apparently, this technique has been working much better than our government's don't ask, don't tell, don't screw policy. For just a moment, I felt like I wasn't just someone who spends my days telling women how to get their rocks off. I was someone telling them how to understand their bodies, and get their rocks off.
Amy Balfour has been copywriting for Topco Sales since October 2006. This is her first time working in the adult industry. She also contributes monthly to the Novelty News.
Visit Prof. Burt at Topco Sales' ANE Booth #205H, July 16th-18th
Topco Sales Adds to the Team: Q & A with Lynn Swanson
How did you first get started in this industry?
I went to college in Chicago, which is where I found my first job in our industry at Capitol News Agency. I answered an ad for a clerk in a bookstore, being that I am an avid reader I thought this would be a wonderful job!
What past achievements are you most proud of?
My background is heavy in retail management. I accepted a position with Eddie W. of Capitol News Agency, when he was building his empire, and ended up helping supervise ninety plus stores for him. When he made management changes, I changed departments, eventually running M&M Sales as General Manager. I strove to make customer service my number one priority at M&M Sales and therefore became well known with customers, my own and my competitor's. Also, I am proud to be elected by my peers to the Board of Directors of the Free Speech Coalition.
What are your goals here at Topco Sales?
I want to help further develop Topco Sales market share in the US, as well as overseas, in the adult industry.
Why do you think you are needed here?
I have good ideas, massive experience and a great reputation in the adult business and joining forces with a giant like Topco Sales can only be good for Topco Sales and for me.
What do you see happening right now in the novelty industry that you find interesting?
The advent of internet sales and streaming, the increase in competition in the marketplace being greater than ever and the success of direct Chinese marketing on the international front, among many others.
How do you like it so far?
I am enjoying my work so far at Topco Sales. I am happy to be working for my supervisor, Terry McGowan, who has given me chances to work with some important customers to Topco Sales. I especially like Scott Tucker's and Mike Siegel's open door style of management, and I am grateful to be a part of the decision making team.
What Are your Topco Top-Sellers? Tell Us and We'll Send You the Shirt off our Back!
We really want to know what your top selling Topco Sales products are-so much so that we're going to give you the shirt off our back if you tell us! Well.okay, not THE actual shirt that we have on right now, that one has a mustard stain from lunch.but how about if we send you a brand spankin' new Topco Sales T-Shirt. These black beauties are stylish, comfortable and 100% preshrunk cotton.
To get one just let us know which items manufactured by Topco Sales continuously fly out the door. What are your Topco Top-Sellers? Send us an e-mail with your top five, and include your mailing address, your name, company name, and shirt size (L, XL, XXL) and we will send you a T-Shirt from Topco Sales.
Remember, Topco Sales is the manufacturer of: Penthouse Toys, Hustler Toys, Adam & Eve Signature Toys, TLC, Wildfire, grrl toyz, boi toyz, Climax, CyberSkin products, Lexington Steele Interracial Toys, Super Star Performers Series, Japanese Silk Love Rope Collection, Sex Tarts, Noveltease, Fizz Soda Flavored Lube, and Chi Chi LaRue's toys.
Send your e-mail to: topsellers@topcosales.us
(Offer extends until May 31st, 2007. E-mail lists must be received by this date to get a free T-Shirt. Offer good for one T-Shirt, per person, per company. T-Shirt supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Offer valid only for distributors that carry Topco Sales products and retail stores that stock Topco Sales products.)
Lights, Camera-Burt!
Burt Silverstein, along with the entire Topco Sales team, recently showcased products at the International Lingerie Show in Las Vegas on April 16th and 17th at the Rio. Amidst the flurry of activity that encompasses this popular bi-annual tradeshow, Burt took a moment to be interviewed for a documentary about obscenity laws in the United States.
As the loquacious front-man of Topco Sales, Burt discussed the high-profile Sherri Williams case, and the impact that it, and the laws in general, have on the adult novelty industry with documentary-maker, Jon Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss is best known for his work on Showtime's Bullshit. The as-of-yet unnamed documentary intends to reveal the absurdities and double standards in the laws of certain states.
Additionally Hotchkiss followed up with a recent visit to Topco Sales to shoot extra footage. Given a tour of the factory, Hotchkiss' camera captured the production of an array of blow-up dolls, CyberSkin dildos, and personal care cosmetics in the 170,000 square foot Chatsworth factory. "I had no idea how huge the Topco manufacturing facility is! It is enormous. It definitely was an eye-opening tour and put the scope of the industry into perspective," commented Hotchkiss after the tour. Hotchkiss promises to keep Topco Sales posted when the documentary premieres.
Where is Burt off to next? The man-on-the-move is at Eros Moscow. A relatively young exhibition, the grand festival of Eros began in 2002. Participators include manufacturers, distributors, medical centers, beauty shops, clubs, studios and artists. A seemingly collage of all things sexual, the show draws an international audience. To find out more about Eros Moscow, go to:
http://www.eros-expo.ru/eng/content.php?file=exib
Three Top Topco P.O.P.s
Savvy store owners and distributors have long recognized the impact that properly positioned P.O.P. displays can have on impulse purchases. Placing an attractive P.O.P. near the cash register and giving people the opportunity to peruse products while waiting in line is simple in concept, and lucrative to the bottom line.
Topco Sales provides three must-have P.O.P.s to boost impulse-buying.
The TLC® Sex Tarts Lube P.O.P. is a colorful eye-catching display for lube-lovers. It contains two complete sets of product, including 24 assorted flavors of two fl. oz. tubes, 24 assorted flavors of six fl. oz. tubes and 96 assorted flavors of 6 cc pillow packs.
Everyone knows that CyberSkin®, the original lifelike material manufactured by Topco Sales, feels amazing. To preserve that realistic texture, consumers should have plenty of CyberSkin® Renew on hand. The TLC® CyberSkin® Renew P.O.P. is the perfect solution for up-selling this necessity with CyberSkin® purchases. Compact enough to rest on the counter top, and light enough to hang from a hook, the CyberSkin® Renew P.O.P. display is versatile for numerous retail environments. It contains 24, 2 wt. oz (36 grams) bottles.
Gum, candy, mints-all popular impulse purchase items. With that in mind Topco Sales and Adam and Eve® Signature Toys created Go Deep Oral Mints in a 24 ct. P.O.P. These mints contain benzocaine for mild numbing that relaxes the throat muscles, making oral sex deeper. The spearmint flavor tingles the tongue and anything else it touches. Tasty and sugar free, the tiny tins of twenty mints are an easy choice.
Fetish Makes Everyone Happy!
Have a large fetish clientele? You should. And you likely do, whether you know it or not. Read on to know a little more about the fetish community.
Thank you, Australia! Sure, they have great beer, great shrimp, and great distributors and retailers (see Novelty News Issue #3). But there's more! Australia had their first national survery on Aussie's fetish habits. Everyone, round of applause.
This may not be a shocker to anyone reading this article, but the survery learned bondage and discipline may likely make you a happier person. It's a blessing to know someone actually took the time to confirm what fetish retailers have known forever.
The new sex study revealed that 2% of Australian men and 1.4% of women admit to enjoying dominance, submission and sadomasochism-type sex in the past year. However, in the 20,000 person phone survey, researchers theorize that many more Australians are engaging in the practice but unwilling to label it BDSM. "There will definitely be more men and women who have sexual tastes in this direction but won't call it this," said Dr Juliet Richters, of the University of New South Wales. Not uncommon in sex studies, many people avoid labels and the numbers skew smaller than the reality.
Presented last month at the World Association of Sexual Health congress in Sydney, the results are eye-opening for fetish retailers. While fetish behavior is seen across the board, the study found it was most common among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and bi-interested people. Also, of the women, the core participators were under 20 and single. Women over 50 were least likely to participate. And among men, any kind of man was the core user. That's right, no real distinction from men who engage in BDSM and men who do not. While not every man will do it, every kind of man will role play, handle a whip from either end or wear a pair of cuffs.
Another interesting note was that people who engaged in the habit were more likely to be sexually adventurous in other ways, like engaging in phone or cyber sex and using toys. So it seems a fetish buyer may be a good customer to hook up with the "you may also like" upsells at the bottom of retailer websites.
Here's the kicker I think all of us will enjoy, not just as sellers but also as end-users: Dr. Richters said men into BDSM scored significantly better on a scale of psychological wellbeing than other men. "This seems to imply that these men are actually happier as a result of their behaviour," she said.
Yes, doctor. Yes.
FETISH ARTICLE READERS MAY ALSO LIKE:
Let's celebrate the Australian study with fetish fun in the States! If you happen to be in South Florida later in the month, check out retailer giant Fetish Factory's 12-Year Anniversary.
Topco Sales'® FETISH® line is one of the proud sponsor of this all-weekend event. Memorial Day Weekend will start with the Beat & Greet Lounge on Friday, May 25th, and the Anniversary Fetish Ball will be held Saturday, May 26th with an Extreme Players Party on Sunday, May 27th.
Mistress of Ceremonies Bianca Beauchamp (creator of fetish photo book, Fetish Sex Symbol) will dominate the stage with guest performers Natalie Minx, Rebecca's Rubber Room, Rubberdoll, Darenzia, Chain Goddess Brandy, and Allen Falkner.
Check out more at http://www.fetishfactory.com/anniversary.
And then check out Topco's® FETISH® line:
- Topco Sales' Glass Ben Wa Balls Are Pleasures for the Eye and the Body
- Topco Sales and Heather Vandeven-the 2007 Penthouse Pet of the Year-Reveal her Vibrating CyberSkin Pet Pussy and Ass at the International Lingerie Show
- Topco Sales Supports the American Fertility Association's Annual Illuminations Gala with the donation of grrl toyz Incognito Tickling Dust Brushes
Topco Sales® Heats up Hot Spots with grrl toyz® Sweet Spot Lollipops and Swirl Spot Lollipops
Waterproof, so users can get a little target practice even underwater, these fashion-forward massagers are discreet enough to tote along for out-of-town craving relief. The grrl toyz® Swirl Spot Lollipop has a focused tip while the Sweet Spot Lollipop is intelligently curved to hit home every time. Each of these petite pleasures provides seven variations of vibration and pulsation, and they come in mouthwatering shades of Pink Lemonade or Grape Punch.
Other innovative and exciting featured products now available from Topco Sales®:
- June 8-10, 2007
- The Sex Show
Toronto, Canada
- The Sex Show
- June 22-24, 2007
- Erotica Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
- Erotica Los Angeles
- July 16-18, 2007
- AVN Adult Novelty Expo
Universal City, California
- AVN Adult Novelty Expo
- Editor-In-Chief
Terry "Boss Man" McGowan - Managing Editor
Desiree "News Goddess" Duffie - Staff Coordinator
Justina "Type A" Walford - Layout / Art Director
John "Web Monkey" Ferrel - Contact Liaison
Liz "Fabulous" Plascencia - Feature Editor
Amy "Word Mistress" Balfour
Topco Sales® is a trademark of Vast Resources, Inc. dba Topco Sales®
http://www.topcosales.us | info@topcosales.us