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Eve's Garden
- Orgasm Rating
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- Address 119 W. 57th St., Suite 1201 (6th & 7th Aves.) New York, NY
- Hours M-Sa: 11am-7pm
- Phone 800-848-3837
- Website http://www.evesgarden.com
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Incongruously, this sex toy store is located on the 12th floor of a Midtown office building. You'll feel slightly naughty as you pass the security guard in the lobby, ascend the elevator and enter through a discreetly marked door. Once inside, the room is cheerful and well-lit, the radio is playing music, the walls are painted a cozy shade of peach, and a helpful salesperson is ready to offer advice.
Owner Dell Williams founded Eve's Garden in 1974 with a two-page catalog and an ad in Ms. Magazine after realizing that women needed to learn more about sexuality and take greater responsibility for their sexual pleasure. Today, the store still emphasizes a safe and comfortable environment for women to shop for erotic toys and accoutrements.
In such a hidden location, walk-in traffic is virtually nonexistent. Instead, customers find their way to the shop through referrals by sex therapists, mentions in the press or by word of mouth. The clientele is varied-largely local businesswomen and European tourists-and shoppers range in age from the 20s to 60s. Until recently, men were discouraged from coming to the store except during certain hours, but Williams now says, with a twinkle, they're welcome to shop "as long as they behave themselves." In fact, the latest Eve's Garden catalog includes a section devoted to men, called Adam's Corner.
One of Williams' first products-the Magic Wand vibrator that was made famous by an endorsement from sex therapist Betty Dodson-is still a bestseller. The usual range of dildos and plugs, vibrators, massage oils, lubricants, and S&M accessories is also available in a wide price range.
What we like best about Eve's Garden is that there are sample or demo items of almost everything in stock, including vibrators. You can also sample honey dust and sensual massage oils. The approachable salespeople answer questions about the items for sale in a straightforward and tactful way, and can put even the shyest of customers at ease.
There's also a nice assortment of books and videos, both erotic and instructional, for hetero and gay customers. After all, says Williams, "My purpose is not only to titillate, but educate."
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