Find the Right Fit
Note that the adult store takes many different forms: the adult superstore on the side of the highway, the high-end boutique downtown and everything in between. There are stores that tend towards silly novelty products, and others that carry only body-safe artisanal sex toys or offer products for the conscious consumer. Some are exclusively commercial while many strive to educate their customers and take pride in their role in empowering people to have more fulfilling sex lives.
Before you go to an adult store, search online for stores in your area to determine which one will best be able to meet your needs. Are you looking for bachelorette party favors? Go for the novelty store. Or maybe you're in the market for an artisanal flogger made by a local craftsperson. You might want to go to that high-end boutique. You can tell a lot from how a store presents itself online, and you can often get a good idea of what kinds of products they carry. Plus, although online shopping is nice, it’s often nice to see something in person, especially if you're new to sex toys.
Another thing you’ll want to research is whether or not the store has any rules and how accessible it is. Some stores may not want you to bring kids or may say that you should keep them in a stroller. Call first to ask the store’s policy - they’ll appreciate it. Do you use a walker, cane, or wheelchair? Do you have problems with stairs? Are there other concerns you have, like a sensitivity to chemicals (many stores use fragrances, whether sprays, plug-ins, or candles, not to mention heavily scented cleaners), difficulty seeing, or any other special needs? Call ahead and see if the store can accommodate your needs, and don’t be afraid to ask for help no matter what you need. Many stores will do what they can to help.
