An Eye on I-Drive: Let’s talk about sex

PUBLISHED: December 11, 2014 at 11:54 AM CST | UPDATED: August 23, 2019 at 4:35 PM CDT

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From behind the counter at Fairvilla’s Sexy Things boutique, Briana Sturgis spots a customer checking out a nearby display of vibrators.

“It has two speeds: strong and stronger,” Strugis says loud enough so the young woman can hear. “Make sure you pick it up.”

The woman looks up, smiles and grabs the adult toy. With a flick of the switch, the buzzing sound echoes throughout the I-Drive shop that sells lingerie, lubricants, books, pills, massagers, fruit-flavored lotions and just about anything else you’d need to enhance an intimate experience.

On a recent Friday night around 9 p.m., Sturgis, a twentysomething with black-rimmed glasses and purple hair, and general manager Nikki Mier, wander around the store, answering questions and offering advice on the more than 3,000 products.

Shopping at Fairvilla’s Sexy Things Boutique – one of five shops operated by Fairvilla in Florida – is no different than any other shopping experience, Mier explains. Customers want to feel welcomed as they touch and feel products before buying them.

“It’s just like buying a TV,” Mier says, who speaks openly to strangers about their most private desires and turn-ons.

Just then, a group of women wearing head scarves enter the shop. “Hi, how are you ladies doing tonight?” Mier says. A few of the ladies wave as they walk over to a wall of products inspired by the “50 Shades of Grey” book series.

Across the store, Sturgis is explaining the features on a pink vibrator to the woman in her 20s, who later decides it’s the one for her. “I can hold your toys for you if you want to keep shopping,” Sturgis tells the woman.

By 10:30 p.m., the shop is empty until a heavy-set man opens the door and walks toward a display of natural male-enhancement pills. He reads the description on a few, and settles on a brand called Erekt, which sell for $12.99 for two pills.

Mier instructs the man to “take just one.” The idea of taking both pills didn’t even cross his mind.

“I’m not looking for that much fun,” he says.

View Part 1 of An Eye on I-Drive: People and Personalities

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