Sales of sex toys expected to surge after bumper year, while locked-down couples become more sexually adventerous
To help retailers anticipate popular products ahead of busy Christmas and Valentine’s Day trading periods, and as many plunge back into further restrictions following a second wave of infections, Lovehoney share their knowledge of the sex toy trends taking a grip during Lockdown 2.0
Adventurous sexual escapades
As shown in a recent Lovehoney survey, 52% of couples admitted becoming more sexually adventurous during lockdown, which has been mirrored in the sales surge the company has seen in couples toys, such as vibrating strap-ons and Couples Vibrators. This suggests partners are introducing more advanced positions and kinkier practices into the bedroom.
Lovehoney’s sales trends also show bondage items uptake in sales since the crisis, illustrating BDSM and roleplay becoming increasingly popular. Bondage products from the Fifty Shades of Grey collection have been particularly sought-after, such as the You Are Mine Mental Handcuffs and Sweet Sting Riding Crop
Remote control operated toys have also been taking the couples market by a storm, while they look for ways to spice things up around the house, such as the Relentless Vibrations Remote Control Love Ring.
The need for quiet sex
Although adventurous sex proves to be a popular way to make lockdown more enjoyable for couples in isolation, 38% reported challenges of their own kind: the need to have sex quietly whilst other house members resided in the next room.
The impact of this has been the rise of ‘quiet vibrators’. Products we have been recommending during this time include wearable toys, such as knicker vibrators and love eggs, thanks to their discreet qualities, as well as products from the whisper-quiet Happy Rabbit range.
Long-distance lovers
Another challenge has been for couples who are isolating separately, with 89% of couples revealing they had shared sex texts and 48% having enjoyed video sex sessions together to keep the intimacy alive during lockdown.
The technology useage was embraced further shown by the upsurge in app sex toys, such as the Desire Luxury App Controlled Rechargeable Prostate Vibrator. The interactive quality makes it a great way for couples to experience intimacy and have fun, even in different timezones.
Lovehoney sales manager Sabrina Earnshaw said “It’s great to see so many couples using sex as a way too boost happiness amid further lockdown restrictions. Many partners who are still living together are turning to more advanced sex toys to ignite more adventerous sex, even if they are having to have sex more quietly so as not to disturb other household members!”