PinkCherry Reports Sales Spikes Driven by 'Fifty Shades'

TORONTO—As has happened in the United States, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele have invaded Canada and sparked a fervent interest in sex toys featured in Fifty Shades of Grey. For PinkCherry.com, which sells adult novelties to both consumers and retailers in the Canada and the United States, June was a record month and July followed with a 30 percent increase in sales. There has been significant increase in sales on both the Canadian and American retail sites as well as in the wholesale market. Heightened interest in certain products featured in the books points clearly to Fifty Shades of Grey as the reason for the growth. The products that have specifically seen an increase, both in terms of searches on the website as well as actual purchases, include nipple clamps, Ben Wa balls, and bondage items such as handcuffs, blindfolds and floggers. PinkCherry has ramped up its purchasing from certain manufacturers that sell these products, with some of the increases being as large as 400 percent. PinkCherry is not only selling the book on its site with great success but also has a whole section devoted to toys featured in the book. “Fifty Shades of Grey has brought the world of sex toys to those who previously were unsure or unaware,” said PinkCherry CEO Daniel Freedman. “It has awakened a whole new world for some people.” Freedman reports that interest is widespread among all types of clients. “Our sales team is assisting retailers with setting up Fifty Shades of Grey displays, and home party customers are hosting Fifty Shades of Grey theme parties. The impact is huge,” he said.