IF YOU think it’s just florists and chocolate shops doing a roaring trade in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, think again.
A quick trip to Mandurah’s Sinderella’s store on Friday – purely for research purposes, of course – proved the popularity of other, shall we say, more personal items.
Whether it’s the recent release of erotic blockbuster Fifty Shades of Grey, or just the fact that love is in the air, staff at the local store have been run off their feet as people prepare for the romantic day.
“Next to Christmas, this is our second busiest time of year,” Sinderella’s sales assistant Sue said. “Valentine’s Day is always very busy.”
So what’s on the shopping lists of customers just prior to Valentine’s Day?
Everything, according to Sue.
“When the Fifty Shades books came out we were selling lots of bondage rope and handcuffs,” she said. “We sold out of pleasure balls.
“They were huge when the books were released.”
This year, amorous couples and singles can choose from a wide range of Fifty Shades of Grey merchandise, which includes blindfolds and bath oils, and for the more adventurous, riding crops and spanking paddles.
For those happy to play it a little safer, there are board games that promise to ‘spice things up in the bedroom’ or Lovers’ Lotto, which reveals a special treat under a scratch-off love heart.
“We’re selling lots of novelties,” Sue said. “And plenty of lingerie.
“The fellas are buying it for the ladies.”
Top of the list, however, are ‘personal massagers’, with Sue selling a few of these in a short span on Friday afternoon.
“Have fun,” she said to one happy couple as she wrapped their purchase.
“Oh, we will,” they said, as they left the shop giggling.
