from www.lvrj.com – Makers of adult-oriented products from around the globe converged on the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo and Adult Novelty Expo in Las Vegas this week, but for some it was a short commute.
Las Vegas-based Erotic Beverages’ booth was busy throughout AVN’s show, which wraps up today at the Hard Rock Hotel. The company, which got its start about 100 days ago, already is building a presence in Las Vegas.
Erotic Beverages sells two canned energy drinks in cola and passion fruit flavors. The company is planning to directly compete with Red Bull and Monster.
“We’re going to knock both of them off their little rocker,” said Kevin Marsden, the company’s senior vice president of marketing.
Erotic plans to stand out because neither of its drinks has that aftertaste for which most energy beverages are famous. The drinks also have names that, well, let’s just say that’s why they’re exhibiting at AVN and no, we’re not going to print them here.
The drinks are available in Las Vegas at Mr. Bill’s Smoke Shop and soon will be stocked in mini-bars and clubs at the LVH-Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. The company is also in negotiations with a slew of Las Vegas strip clubs, Marsden said.
As of now, pricing is set at $50 per case.
In equally positive news, depending on your perspective, Las Vegas-based AL Enterprises is marketing a male chastity device that retails for $150. (Answer to obvious question: plastic tubes in various sizes, locking rings and padlocks.)
“It puts control of the couple’s sexuality into the key-holder’s hands,” said Nikki Yates, co-corporate director.
About 80 percent of the company’s customers are couples, she said. About 95 percent of the devices are purchased by men, but usually because the man’s partner thinks it’s a good idea.
AL works with five distributors, in addition to direct sales through its website, cb-6000.com.
Christi Morrell, co-corporate director, said the 13-year-old company’s sales increase 12 percent to 15 percent each year.
“The economy hasn’t affected us,” Yates said, adding that buyers at AVN seem more receptive to different products than in previous years.
The show is smaller this year than in the past — 35,000 square feet compared to 55,000 square feet — but Amy Pieper, of Chicago-based Vamp Silicone, said it gives small companies like hers a better chance of being seen by potential business partners.
And on the retail side, at least one iconic name is faring well even in this economy.
Hustler operates 14 Hustler Hollywood stores, including one at 6007 Dean Martin Drive, and is looking to open more this year.
“The retail does great. It’s like a date destination,” said Theresa Flynt, daughter of the founder, Larry Flynt, and executive vice president of LFP Inc.
“We’re not going anywhere,” added Michael Klein, Hustler president.
As more and more consumers go online to buy adult content, many adult retailers around the country have gone away, however.
“It’s a very challenging time,” said Steve Javors, assistant managing editor of AVN Media Network.
But Javors said Hustler Hollywood and another retail chain, Adam & Eve, do well because they have brightly lighted, open stores that aren’t as intimidating to enter for most people as were the adult stores of yesteryear.
And the same kind of retail marketing savvy goes for product displays once the customer is in the door: Softer, more playful products at the front of the shop; more hard-core stuff in back, he said.