There is something to be said when a sex toy store makes a point of being ”sex positive”. The industry surrounding an obvious cultural obsession has proven time and time again that pleasure and comfort are sidelined by profits. Simple oversights such as cancer causing agents in dildos and cock rings, lubricants that cause yeast infections and skin irritations, or badly placed warnings on vibrators sold exclusively as ‘adult novelties’ are all too common.
Dr. Brian Parker and Susan Naylen Sorrell believe they have the answer to these problems for Calgary with their new venture, A Little More Interesting. Their goal is to create a friendly non-judgmental place in Calgary for people of all walks of life to explore their sexuality. The shop is located on 1501B, 17th Ave SW just south of the chocolate bar, and proudly displays a sex positive sign on the front step. The store has large open windows, a sitting area with books, and product samples out of their packages on display with batteries to encourage the curious buyer to touch and feel. While geared with an emphasis toward women, men are also encouraged to come in and find something for themselves or their partner.
The owners believe that sex is more than just a mindless, emotionless activity, nor is it something shameful that should warrant a discreet, black bag approach to shopping. A Little More Interesting seeks to turn this trend on its head by working to eliminate the stigmas felt by first timers and frequent buyers alike. Part of that is about ensuring the packaging doesn’t make people uncomfortable – like those tacky fake breasts that many see as they enter the typical sex toy store – or the unrealistic clothing that average men and women are expected to wear.
Part of Parker and Sorrell’s strategy is to educate while selling wares. Dr. Brian Parker is a widely regarded sexologist and sex educator with a PhD and Ed. D from The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. This allows customers the opportunity to bring problems and questions to an expert. Small cards with interesting sexual facts and statistics are placed around the store for shoppers to read and gain new appreciation for the sexual world - although it may be daunting to learn that the most consecutive orgasms a woman has ever had was 138. Sorrell herself holds a MBA from the Ivey School of Business, and is a mother of four.
The owners state that all of the toys sold in store are made of 100% medical grade silicone or elastomer, which harbor no cancer causing softening agents, and is non-porous so it can be cleaned easily and completely to maintain safe use. All the lubes sold are non-irritants; a large selection, believe it or not, is vegan friendly. They also carry a large number of sex education videos, as well as a tasteful porn selection. The owners say their stock is ethically sourced with an emphasis on local or Canadian manufactures.
The staff is extremely friendly and focuses on customer comfort and education where necessary. They are always with open and knowledgeable, ready to explain everything from anal play to the incompatibility of condoms and oil-based lubes, and of course the basic safety tips that many may be assumed to know.
A Little More interesting certainly lives up to its ambitions. Open and spacious, tastefully decorated the store is welcoming. Offering you the option to grab a coffee of cup of tea, take the tour, ask questions, browse the book selection, make suggestions or just stay a while. In most cases you won’t leave without learning something new, be it about a product, or yourself.
Sorrell is plowing ahead with a multitude of seminars in the works with Dr. Trina Read, a sex columnist and international speaker, who carries sex positive notions by her side like a trusty sword. These will be open to groups hoping to learn more about specific subjects. Already the store has hosted a sex toy party for the University of Calgary’s gay and lesbian student association, and for other private groups.
Their online store displays all of the products currently available, a bevy of sexual information, a tour of the store and mission statement, as well as a chance to glean some advice from Dr. Parker and Dr. Read.
Take the opportunity to go down and support a locally owned business that is dedicated to putting your comfort and best interests at heart. Try something new or introduce your partner to something they might like. Or drop in and have an interesting conversation about erotic cake decoration - it has to be seen to be believed!
So try them out and maybe you’ll find something a little more interesting.
A Little More Interesting
1501B, 17th Ave SW, Calgary
(403) 475-7775
www.alittlemoreinteresting.com
