The Orbis

Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: News/Features

On my way to the sex shop, I drove by the Lifeway Christian Store. Pulling into the Hustler Hollywood parking lot a few blocks later, ironically located on 1400 Church Street, I prepared myself for awkward greetings and trenchcoated men lurking in the aisles. I strutted past the security guards, feigning a mature and confident demeanor, nonchalant about my late-night visit to a sex shop. I passed the cutesy yet seductive costumes displayed in the windows and stepped inside, surprised to find a well-lit room with high ceilings, colorful displays, and "Bryan with a 'y.'"

Before my enlightening experience at Hustler Hollywood, my images of sex shops consisted of windowless, concrete boxes I would drive past on the highway, whose blinding neon "XXX" signs illuminated the darkly clothed men that went inside them. At Hustler Hollywood, however, I walked past couples and friends of all ages, casually perusing the wall of vibrators like they were at the mall.

Bryan, enthusiastic Hustler staff member, made it his mission to "educate, magnify, satisfy" me in all of my sexual needs. This motto is one he feels encompasses how he wishes to help every customer he encounters, ensuring that they are comfortable with and not embarrassed by their sexuality.

"We want to make it more like a retail store than a porn store," Bryan told me. The shop is well-lit and protected, and, as he repeatedly reassured me, there are "no sticky floors."

Bryan, like the rest of the staff I encountered that night, was incredibly knowledgeable about every product I inquired about, while still keeping the customers' best interests in mind. "I'm not going to sell a toy to you that I know will break easily," Bryan said.

In a shop themed such as this, one might feel slightly uncomfortable getting such attentive and thorough customer service. But when dildos and penis enlargers are sold in the same place as fun, stylish, and comparatively innocent t-shirts, you appreciate the welcoming and open atmosphere. And since about 40-60% of those who shop there throughout the year are of the college-age range, you know you are most likely in relatively similar company.

Hustler Hollywood was not my only sex shop stop, of course. I explored various shops throughout Nashville, evaluating the atmosphere, quality, and quantity of products available. What I discovered is that Hustler Hollywood is simply in a league of its own. While the staff was still friendly and accommodating in the more typical, neon-signed sex shops, the atmosphere was one in which I was left to wander and experience the shop on my own. Even the name of the shop is revealing -- Hustler Hollywood has a more inviting ring to it, compared to Jenna's Adult Toy Box or The Lion's Den.

Continued...

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