Townsville Bulletin

Sex sells in lockdown Games and toys keep spark alive

- SAM FLANAGAN

WHILE many hobbies have been rubbed out because of COVID-19, it’s seems a popular pastime in the bedroom has grown new legs during lockdown.

A study by Lovehoney has found 50 per cent of Australian­s have become more adventurou­s during sex over the last two months.

In addition 74 per cent of those have declared they will remain adventurou­s when the pandemic ends.

The nationwide trend has spread to Townsville according to Extasy The Sex Shop owner Simon Preuss.

While many businesses have felt the pinch of the coronaviru­s, business has been booming for Extasy.

“Apart from March, which saw us have a 30 per cent reduction, we’ve bounced back and for the last two months we’ve been about 50 per cent up on what we were this time last year,” Mr Preuss said.

“I would not have guessed we’d see an increase in trade during this time.

“We haven’t advertised or done anything. All we’ve done is promote our home deliveries, which we’ll continue to do as long as it remains popular. “It’s a mass movement.” Mr Preuss, who opened Extasy in 1996, said there could be a range of reasons why adults in North Queensland are embracing their kinks behind closed doors.

“It could be a boredom factor or maybe just the medical benefits of the orgasm,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot more faces in here we haven’t seen, there’s been plenty of new customers.

“On the weekends we usually get the people from out of town come in and have a look.

“People really are taking to it quickly.”

Mr Preuss said games had been extremely popular over the past eight weeks, while toys had also been flying off the shelf. Lovehoney’s study found couples who may not physically be together are finding new and creative ways to keep the spark alive.

Mr Preuss said his sales reflected the survey data.

“Remote use toys have been selling well.

“It’s mainly for couples stuck apart, it gives a whole new meaning to phone sex.”

 ?? Picture: ALIX SWEENEY ?? ROARING TRADE: Extasy The Sex Shop on Flinders St, has seen an increase in sales since lockdowns came into effect. Owner Simon Preuss with a cuffs and collar set.
Picture: ALIX SWEENEY ROARING TRADE: Extasy The Sex Shop on Flinders St, has seen an increase in sales since lockdowns came into effect. Owner Simon Preuss with a cuffs and collar set.

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