ANE Exhibitors Prep for Third, Final Day

LAS VEGAS—Exhibitors for the AVN Novelty Expo were gearing up for the third and final day, with almost every single one expressing their happiness with everything from foot traffic, to orders, to contacts made during the show. Though many companies were only staying through Friday, when ANE officially closes, several had opted to exhibit at AEE in front of trade and consumers. DildoOfTheDay.com owner Adam said at his booth, staffers were not only planning on offering great deals on some of the best products in the adult novelty arena today, but noted there would be some giveaways to fans as well. He explained his e-commerce site is similar to Groupon or Woot.com, just for the adult novelty industry. “We have no content, nothing streaming, no DVDs,” he said. “Every 24 hours we put a deal up that offers a great product up to 50 percent off retail prices, and it stays there for 24 hours or until it sells out.” The site offers deals on merchandise that fits every taste and budget, he said. Back Alley also exhibited in the AEE side to bring attention to their clothing line which boasts T-shirts with basic graphics that have a vintage ’50s feel, said company owner Matt.  He noted the shirts are cut and designed to appeal to women, too. “We say they are flattering yet forgiving,” he said. Also exhibiting is M-1 is a synergistic formulation of 14 herbs and extracts which claim to bring youthfulness to a male’s body. Each capsule is infused by modern science in the form of resonance technology, company officials said. Retired Porn Star also was on hand to take advantage of fan traffic to show off the line of hats and T-shirts emblazoned with phrases including “Retired Porn Star,” My Boyfriend Is A Retired Porn Star” and “My Wife Is A Retired Porn Star.” “They are really good for the market that shops for ‘Over the Hill’ birthday parties and the like,” said company owner Dan. Electronic cigarettes were a part of several exhibitors’ stock this year, including Vapor Corp., a publicly traded company. Employee rep Judah noted that the company’s Krave and Trio e-cigs are carried in Rite-Aid and 7-Eleven stores across the country. Glow Industries also showcased e-cigarettes, as well as other smoking accessories. Sales rep Tonja said the products receiving some of the most attention were the Black Label and Green Label cleaners which care for glass, metal and ceramic smoking accessories. Platinum Stages’ Janice said the ANE and AEE shows have always been good for the company, which offers everything from free-standing to removable stages for dancing and exercise. “And all of our poles, both the spinning and stationary, are U.S. made, which is a big factor for many of our customers,” she said. The staff from Fleshlight were fielding questions from everyone—including national and international press outlets—about the Flight, the newest product from the company. “Everyone is telling us they love the compact and tight design,” said marketing manager Daniel Pacheco. With a smaller textured case, and a clear sleeve that features a nondescript orifice similar to the company’s Pure product, the Flight will retail for $49.95 and is expected to ship this spring. NTimate, the company behind the award-nominated FleshWrap, introduced the Jack Strap. Company rep David explained that the item is used for masturbation with the loop at one end secured around the testicles and the loop at the other end of the strap placed around the fingers so the device lightly tugs at the testicles during the stroking motion. No newcomer to the industry Jelique and owner Angel were exhibiting at their first trade show ever in 12 years. A highlight, Angel said, was the ability to show off the new packaging for the popular Pure Instinct sex attractant cologne. Another industry favorite, Vamp Silicone showed off some new designs and colors. Sales rep Amy Pieper said that the army green swirl and the Heidi design, which features a clear silicone infused with red glitter, were among the big hits. Reliant products showed off a new product that has been in design for a few years, owner Matt said. The Knobbie is a simple, discreet, portable and affordable vibrator, company rep Jarrett said. Based on the design of a motorized toothbrush, the Knobbie has a removable head that pinpoints stimulation anywhere, and another head that is a real toothbrush. “You literally can brush your teeth with it,” Matt said. S&J Wholesale was on hand with enhancement pills and herbal supplements, including Gold Reallas, which is designed for men. Inventor Will and S&J rep Azahn said the pill relies on bombyx mori as a main ingredient, and works in as little as 45 minutes, lasting up to 72 hours. Julian and Matt from Jack Adams showed off the company’s new underwear line for men. The designs combine some of the best features from traditional lines—a fly that opens, more room in the crotch, soft and stretchy fabric—and feature greats styles and sizes. “Real men wear jock straps,” Matt said of the new line, noting that the jock straps and briefs are a stylish look that doesn’t break the bank. Shawn, a representative for the herbal supplement company Rush showed off the herbal potpourri available for distribution, including Mollys, which gives a euphoric feeling; the Joker, which affect the mind and body; the Green giant, which offers up a more mellow feeling; and Mind Trip, which afford s a “head high,” he said. Another pill company on hand was Eruption XL, which is a male enhancement pill that allows users to last longer in bed by stimulating their libido, explained company chemist Jamitta. “It is formulated to help men maintain their erection and stay firm even after ejaculation,” she said, adding that the effects can last up to three days. Minna Life’s Ola was once again a hit at ANE. The Ola has a unique interface that allows the user to control the vibrations and patterns by increasing and decreasing pressure on the handle. Additionally, favorite pattern variations can be stored and repeated later. Company rep Marissa noted the Ola was recently written about in Women’s Health magazine. JJK Industries’ Jeff told AVN that the company is ready to branch out from its popular Tongue Joy vibe after 12 years. In addition to showcasing the Lix Oral Vibrator—a version of the original Tongue Joy but for pierced tongues, which comesin in 20 styles—he presented the Thrust Vibe, billed as the world’s first “green” vibrator, since it provides vaginal stimulation through a thrusting action of the handle of the user or a partner instead of relying on batteries and motors. “Our other big news is that after 12 years as have reduced the price of the Tongue Joy by more than 70 percent to $29.95,” he said. “The Tongue Joy has the misconception that it is priced too high, but that’s really not the case anymore.” Adam Moore, head of Moore Sex, displayed the sexual supplements for men and women he helps create. “The key is that we found the clinically proven ingredients in sexual enhancements and found the effective dosages for them to use in our formulas,” he said. “A lot of pills will include the same ingredients, just not enough of them to be effective.” Distribution company Eldorado had a major presence at the show, meeting with clients and searching out new lines and products to carry for its retail customers. “This show has been a great success for us,” company head Larry Garland said. Gaining a lot of attention is the company’s Store Extender program, which is a subscription based service that provides a customized website for e-tailers and handles everything from fraud check to drop-shipping to hosting the website to maintaining it, he said. He noted that buyers were showing interest in several lines carried by his company, including LELO, Kama Sutra, Dreamgirl and more. NS Novelties made a big splash with the release of several new lines and products, the first major release of product since its initial launch last year. “This has all been a seven-month process of getting out design, molds, products and more,” said company owner Scott Taylor. “Lavi, who came to us from Doc Johson, has made the world of difference for me and getting out these products.” With vibres like the Alise, Muse and Envie, and the Renegade line of boys toys, Taylor said NS Novelties is “in it to make a splash.” Dr. Clockwork’s Violet Wand made more of a spark than a splash, as the company introduced a violet wand set that retails for under $200. The key is the fact that it’s a solid state violet wand that is electrical versus mechanical, explained Dr. Clockwork. The piece has an indefinite run time, is much less weight than a traditional violet wand and the attachments are compatible with other systems, allowing a user to easily upgrade to a traditional violet wand if they wish without much added expense. For a milder tingling sensation, Touch Me had samples is it arousal oil for women. Company spokesperson Alex said the oil uses herbs and a touch of cinnamon for a warming a tingling sensation that tightens a bit as well. Finally, the makers of the Elator were proud to showcase the latest version of their product that helps with erectile dysfuntion issues. Previously, owner and inventor Mark said, the Elator was only available as a customized device, with consumers providing measurements for the right fit, Now, however, there is a medium, large and extra-large version that allows retailers to carry the device, while still providing most men with a comfortable fit. ANE continues through Friday at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel. For more information, visit AVNNoveltyExpo.com.