Babeland Press

Will You Buy Your Next (or First) Vibrator at the Drugstore?

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:24:38 GMT

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="181" caption="Trojan Triphoria, $47"][/caption] Babeland was mentioned today in a New York Times article about Trojan’s new line of vibrators going on sale at drugstores near you. Founder Rachel Venning’s quote summed up Babeland’s take on this new development in the vibrator retailing business: “I know women will buy them at Duane Reade, and as a lifelong cheerleader for sexual empowerment I’m thrilled at this development,” Ms. Venning said. “It’s one more step in the evolution of vibrators to just another consumer product, unburdened of its freight of shame, sexual defect and sluttiness.” We are excited that vibrators are slowly losing their stigma, and by treating them as a normal, everyday purchase, brands like Trojan and Durex can help folks feel good about buying toys to enhance their sexuality. But my question for you readers is: "Will you or would you buy a vibrator at the drugstore?" [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="162" caption="Wahl 7-in-1, $40"][/caption] While reading this story, I remembered buying my first vibrator in 1977 at the age of 17; it was the ever-pleasing and still available Wahl. Guess where I bought it? A drugstore. So the fact that Trojan is selling Triphoria to the drugstore market isn’t exactly news (see Jen Droll's hilarious take on this in the Village Voice). Vibrators have been for sale in drugstores for decades. The big change is that they are now being sold as “vibrators” rather than “massagers.” The condom brands finally figured out that name brands like Hitachi, Wahl and Panasonic have been reaping sales from the massager-as-sex-toy market without ever lifting a finger. But how well can Durex and Trojan tap that? The first question is whether your average Joe and Jane will feel OK plonking down their new Trojan vibrator at the local drugstore checkout counter, along with the crackers and Q-tips. This hits the same nerve for people that purchases of condoms, tampons, and adult diapers have been hitting for years. It’s a little bit embarrassing and sometimes you’d just rather not risk that you’ll run into Rhett, your upstairs neighbor while you’re taking care of business. Other times, you just don’t give a damn cause you need your stuff. I’m guessing there are still a lot of folks out there who are not ready for that pubic (oops I mean public) retail experience, and are instead going to just buy it online and hope for the free shipping offer. And since I work for Babeland, a sex toy retailer that prioritizes good customer service delivered with a healthy dose of sex advice, I’m guessing your average clerk at Duane Reade is not going to be able to tell you which one of those three attachments in the Triphoria vibe feels best on the clit (hint: not the tongue-shaped one). So anyone with questions about vibes or who needs help with the selection may well pass. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="122" caption="Hitachi, $54"][/caption] The second question is whether Trojan or Durex can deliver products that resonate well with women. The one thing the vibes from big brands like Hitachi and Wahl had going for them was power--if there’s one thing we learned from the Hitachi’s permanent spot on the Top 10 bestseller list, it’s that women like their vibes strong. You know my Wahl? It lasted for years and probably logged hundreds of orgasms. The word-of-mouth recommendation on those products has fueled many purchases from both online sex toy stores and retail department stores. If the Hitachi is a 5 on a scale of 1-5, the Triphoria is a solid 3+. So Hitachi is in no danger of being displaced, but the Trojan vibe, IMHO is a pretty good starter vibe, if you’ve got the nerve to offer up the buck at the drugstore counter in order to get your bang. What do you think? Babeland blog readers tend to be seasoned vibe lovers. Would you buy your Trojan vibe at the drugstore? Would your sister or your college-age niece? Let us know. Comment here and we’ll choose one of you (at random) on May 15 and send you a Triphoria for review (no waiting in line necessary).aption="Hitachi, $54"][/caption] The second question is whether Trojan or Durex can deliver products that resonate well with women. The one thing the vibes from big brands like Hitachi and Wahl had going for them was power--if there’s one thing we learned from the Hitachi’s permanent spot on the Top 10 bestseller list, it’s that women like their vibes strong. You know my Wahl? It lasted for years and probably logged hundreds of orgasms. The word-of-mouth recommendation on those products has fueled many purchases from both online sex toy stores and retail department stores. If the Hitachi is a 5 on a scale of 1-5, the Triphoria is a solid 3+. So Hitachi is in no danger of being displaced, but the Trojan vibe, IMHO is a pretty good starter vibe, if you’ve got the nerve to offer up the buck at the drugstore counter in order to get your bang. What do you think? Babeland blog readers tend to be seasoned vibe lovers. Would you buy your Trojan vibe at the drugstore? Would your sister or your college-age niece? Let us know. Comment here and we’ll choose one of you (at random) on May 15 and send you a Triphoria for review (no waiting in line necessary).

Some Extra Tax Time Motivation: 15% Off Everything!

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:07:48 GMT

Sometimes you need something more buzzy than coffee to get you through your taxes, so this weekend, Babeland will automatically be offering 15% off your order (use code GOLD15)! For today only, every customer who spends $25 or more will also get a free gold bullet (worth $15)! Maybe tax time isn't looking so bad after all...

April Showers Bring...The Vibrella!

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:04 GMT

April showers promise to bring more than May flowers when you take your new Vibrella for a spin! Babeland introduces the first-ever vibrating umbrella: what appears to onlookers as an ordinary (albeit attractive!) umbrella is actually a waterproof vibrator that records and stores the vibrations from falling rain. You can detach the vibrating handle to use at home later, experiencing nature’s vibrations in all their thunderous glory. This discreet toy promises to make a splash wherever you take it, and only those in the know will wonder why you’ve started singing in the rain. Available online now for $65.

Customer Appreciation Party at Babeland Brooklyn

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:23:58 GMT

Thank you for being a friend, Brooklyn! This Friday night, Babeland Brooklyn wants to show how much we appreciate you. We'll be pouring Babeland Bubbly, offering mini-workshops, and even raffling off $250 dollars worth of sex toys from our fabulous "Moregasm Kit." Why? Because we love you! Stop by Babeland Brooklyn at 462 Bergen Street from 7pm - 9pm this Friday night. See you there, Brooklynites!

Brand New and On Sale! 40% the Jopen Vanity V.3 Vibe!

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:48:50 GMT

Spotlight Deal: 20% Off the G-Ki!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:46:01 GMT

Customizable, Rechargeable and NOW on Sale, through March 4th!

Spend Your V-Day Weekend with Babeland!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:35:33 GMT

Looking for romantic events to share with your sweetheart this weekend, or just want something to do, while all your coupled friends are canoodling at home? Then come on out to a Babeland event! This weekend, Babeland's Seattle, Brooklyn and Lower East Side locations will be offering a variety of unique and exciting events for everyone to enjoy: SEATTLE: In Seattle on Saturday, February 12th at 1:30 PM, join Evan Peterson for his 3rd session with Babeland, entitled "Burning Up the Page: Climax & Smolder." Discuss techniques for bringing your written fantasies into life. Do you want to send a sexy love letter? Hide an erotic poem for your lover to find? Leave a succulent voicemail? Maybe you'll write it directly onto your body — or your lover's. How to express it, when, and where are as vital as the words themselves. Then, in "afterglow," anyone wanting to read a piece to the group will have time. Cost is $20. Contact Store for More Information On Sunday, February 13th at 7:30 PM, join Babeland for a free "Love, Sex, and Astrology" talk by local astrologer Susannah White as she takes us through the sexual Zodiac in search of our own personal gods and goddesses of love. Find out how to use the powerful archetypal energies of Venus and Mars in your horoscope to enhance your sex life and the quality of your intimate relationships. Bring your birth chart or your lover’s for reference. Call to RSVP if you want a chart ($5 fee), so it can be done in advance. Contact Store for More Information BROOKLYN: Tonight at Babeland Brooklyn, come on out for a free "Valentine's Cocktail Hour: An event to pamper yourself and spark some passion!" Will you be our Valentine this evening? Bring your BFF and stop by for pampering and get tips for planning a romantic Valentine's Day. Enjoy complimentary hand and foot massages from lululemon athletica Brooklyn's ambassador, Elyse Sparkes, and pick up seductive secrets from Babeland Sex Educators. Held at lululemon athletica 472 Bergen St. RSVP to brooklyn-showroom@lululemon.com. Contact Store for More Information MANHATTAN: On Sunday, February 13th at 12:30 PM, learn how to incorporate chocolate into your sexy Valentine's Day romp at our free "V-Day Sexy Sunday: Sex and Chocolate" event. Enjoy complimentary mimosas and brunch goodies, and arrive early: the first 25 guests receive free product samples. Happy Valentine's Day! (Lower East Side) Contact Store for More Information Whatever you do this weekend, have a happy and loving holiday, be it with friends or lovers.

Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in Style...with the Rabbit Habit!

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:44:06 GMT

Tonight at Babeland Soho: The Best Laid Plans Launch Party

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:07:32 GMT

Lynn Schnurnberger, co-author of the The Botox Diaries and contributor to New York Magazine, People and the New York Times, will be launching her new book, The Best Laid Plans, at Babeland Soho tonight. Her new book follows a Upper East Side mother who returns to work after her banker husband loses his job. In order to support her family, she starts a recession-proof business - an escort agency that pairs over 40 women with thirtysomething clients. The book also has celebrity "cameos" from women such as Suze Orman, Rosie O'Donnell and Cher, as well as a scene in Babeland itself! The event is free, with free cocktails from The Summit Bar, and will begin tonight at 7 PM. Contact Babeland Soho for more details.

We Made Fleshbot's Top Ten Sex Toys of 2010!

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:45:39 GMT

With heavy hitter toy companies such as JimmyJane and Lelo featured along with the surprisingly powerful, amazingly affordable Butterfly Kiss vibe, Babeland's own Edible Body Chocolate also made Fleshbot's Top Ten Toys of 2010. Fleshbot notes its organic, free-trade and vegan ingredients, making Babeland's Edible Body Chocolate a very yummy, very green choice. I particularly love the coconut oil - such a great addition to the dark chocolate deliciousness! Thanks to Fleshbot for the shout-out in this great round-up of 2010 toys!

25% Off the Best Sex Toys of 2010!

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 13:40:21 GMT

Make the most of those gift cards and returned sweater credits and buy something just for yourself or your honey! Now through January 12th, Babeland is offering an awesome 25% off of our 25 bestsellers of 2010, including such popular items as the We-Vibe II, the Sonic Ring Kit, and the classic Rabbit Habit vibrator. Take advantage of your post-holiday downtime and give yourself the gift of pleasure! Happy Holidays from All of Us at Babeland!

There's Still Time to Shop!

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:49:29 GMT

Plus, free next-day shipping on orders over $250!

Tis the Seasion, to Give and Receive...

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:13:08 GMT

With orders over $150, get a FREE Babeland gift card!

Roll the Dice and Get Lucky!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:15 GMT

With today's holiday deal:

GO Magazine's Best Toy Shop!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:33:42 GMT

I am proud to announce that Go Magazine has voted Babeland NYC the Best Toy Shop in the Big Apple, for their yearly round-up of Best of New York! We are happy to be a part of this Best of the Best list in NYC shopping, art, music, nightlife, and events. Thanks to GO Magazine and its readers for this honor!

Free Shipping on Orders Over $99!

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:45:59 GMT

Now until December 21st!

Holiday Treats from Babeland.com!

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:14:30 GMT

Today only, stuff those stockings, trim those trees, and take $10 off your order of $100 or more!

One Day Only – 40% Off the Mystic Wand!

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:12:07 GMT

Only until supplies last!

On the 3rd Day of...Get a Free Babeland Delight Kit!

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:10:52 GMT

One day only, when you purchase from our Babeland Holiday Gift Guide.

Get A Free Silver Bullet with Any Purchase Over $50!

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:40:25 GMT

Make your holidays bright, and keep buzzing all year long!