Tales from Ann Summers shopfloor

ANN SUMMERS: THE 5 BEST-SELLING ITEMS

1 Rose Gold Mini Massager
2 Metal & Silicone Sex Toys
3 Rampant Rabbit Silicone Neon One
4 Phoenix Lingerie Range
5 Giles Deacon Zorita Lingerie

What kind of customers do you have?

Every one is different. We have quite a varied mix of customers, from shoppers who are more curious and looking to pick out their first sex toy all the way through to the more experienced customer who will come in knowing exactly what they want.

Do more women than men visit the store?

We have witnessed a surge in couples shopping together, which is definitely down to the popularity of the Fifty Shades of Grey book, as couples are more open to using sex toys together than ever before.  We also have groups of girlfriends coming into our store together like they would any other high street store, which is great to see.

Have your customers changed over the past 15 years?

Our customers are certainly more confident and open to new ideas, products and conversations with the store staff than they were 15 years ago. This is largely down to a more open attitude to sexuality in Ireland and also the Fifty Shades phenomenon, because, for the first time ever; people are open to discussing their sex lives.

Why do you think people still come into the store now they’ve got the option to shop online?

We offer a personal, expert service in-store where customers have the opportunity to speak to a member of staff for tips and guidance on products, which I think is still important to a lot of our shoppers. We also offer a bra-fitting service.

If you could recommend one product to try in Ann Summers, what would it be?

Whilst we are renowned for our sex toys and sexcessories, we’re also experts in lingerie Our new range from British designer Giles Deacon is proving attractive.