from www.minyanville.com – Although free streaming porn has shifted a bulk of business away from DVD sales, one faction of the adult industry is remaining strong in the face of a shaky economy: Sex toys. The New York Daily News reported booming business for sex shops and online retailers in 2009 and 2010.

Sam Bard — co-founder of the Brooklyn boutique store Shag — told the paper, “Each month’s been better than the last,” as customers welcomed the launch of the shop last December with open, er, arms.

“More couples are staying at home to save money, so rather [than] spending $150 on a one-time dinner, they will spend the same amount for toys that will continue to be used indefinitely,” she said.

Makes sense, and with sex toys becoming less of a social stigma, the adult business if given that extra boost.

Even Amazon — which launched its Sexual Wellness section in 2003 — is noticing a rise in its adult items.

Spokeswoman Charmaine Diploa told the Daily News, “We’ve seen this category grow pretty significantly over the last couple of years.” The company has also increased its stock from 338 items to nearly 60,000.

Diploa credited Amazon’s discretion for the success of the section. “Customers receive an Amazon box and no one needs to know what’s inside except for that customer. And they love the fact they can purchase a vibrator, a watch and a Kindle all in one place.”

Kudos to the couple who can simultaneously use all three.