Major American drugstore chains such as Duane Reade, Target, and Walgreens are buzzing with the latest trend: vibrators stocked alongside razors and toothpaste. Last week, US condom maker Trojan announced its plans to widen distribution of its new line of vibrators to local retailers throughout the US.
Unlike countries such as France, where vibrators have long been sold alongside fine lingerie in major department stores, the US has been slower to embrace vibrators as a mainstream product. For years, the devices have only been sold in sex shops or online, or if sold in drugstores, discreetly marketed as neck massagers. Even now, seven states ban sales of vibrators.
But according to condom makers, public perception of battery-operated fun is changing, and in a very big way. Alan Cheung, senior brand manager for Durex, told the New York Times last month that sales of the company's vibrating products were up 60 percent over the last six months. Also, Trojan conducted a study in 2008 that revealed that over half of American women had used vibrators and that nearly 80 percent of that group did so with their sexual partners.
The new three-tip battery-powered vibrator is called Tri-Phoria and, at 5.7 inches (14.5 cm) tall, delivers five speeds, three pulse variations, and three tips, including two soft silicone tips and one hard-domed tip. The product, currently available only in the US, retails for $39.99 (about €30). Other products already sold at drugstores include A:Muse Personal Pleasure Massager by LifeStyles, which debuted in January, and Durex's Allure, available since 2008. Both vibrators sell for $19.99 (€13.60).
http://www.trojanvibrations.com/
Watch a commerical for Trojan's new vibrator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WF-YeFuu7c
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