"Objects may appear bigger then actual size" (Ann Summers)

Member Name: spoilt_little_br

Product:	Ann Summers
Date:	03/09/06 (5790 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Range

Disadvantages: Price

"Tacky", "Degrading to women", "Only for young slappers" and "Degrading to marriage". All words I have heard people utter about the most successful British High street sex shop, Ann Summers.

I saw my first Ann Summers shop in Bristol during 1999. The windows were blacked out so I couldn't see what was inside and a large poster filled the doorway, reading in bold letters "Strictly for over 18's". I was under 18 at the time, but the thought that there was something so secret in that shop that I wasn't allowed admittance was too much for me, and curiosity got the better of me, as it usually did, and I dashed home to ask my mum what was in there. She laughed but informed me that it was full of sex toys and porn. So not to look like the sex mad teenager that I was in front of my mum, I pulled a face of disgust and left it at that, secretly imagining to myself how amazing and cool it would be to old enough to just walk in.

And so I fast forward to 2003; At the time I was studying at the Bath Spa University College and as the year was coming to an end word starting going around about the fresher's ball. Although we were in our second year, we decided to gate crash and thought it would be a great Idea to go in fancy dress (God knows why, but hey, it was college!). And so after a boozy lunch we walked into Bath town center to find that a new branch of Ann Summers and Knicker Box had been opened. My face lit up and I literally ran into the shop, making up for lost time all those years ago.

Whilst most of my friends were more reserved and looked embarrassed, I instantly fell in love with the bright pink decorated store and started looking for my first purchase. The store was open to anyone, unlike the branch in Bristol, as at the front of the shop it was all their underwear ranges, and although they were very sexy, there was nothing there that could of offended anyone of been unsuitable for young eyes.

Although the underwear was, ahem, pleasant, I soon saw that there was a darkened area at the rear of the store, once again with a sign pointing out that the nature of the stock would be unsuitable for under 18's. I walked straight to this section with my blushing friend and as I walked through the doors to the adult section all I could do was laugh. I am far from being unaware about sex toys and what is available, but even I was shocked at the amount of different toys they had, and have to admit to not knowing what half of them were for.

And so after spending far too much and laughing so much I started crying (Mainly because my best friend asked a timid looking sales assistant what was a 'Turbo tongue' and could she give us a demonstration- she was a good sport and showed us how it worked) my impression of the store was good. Everything looked clean, the displays were amazing and the staff were more than helpful.

Since this experience I have been into another back street sex shop, and it only had young men working there, all of which were asking me personal questions and it was obvious that they would be straight down the pub after work telling their mates about the whole experience; something which I am glad to say you don't feel at Ann Summers. The staff seem like they have good product knowledge and really try to be as open with you as possible and try and put you at ease. I observed a sales assistant serving a shy looking man who obviously had no idea what to buy for his wife, and they instantly tried to help him and make him feel more comfortable with the whole experience, and gave him a blank looking bag so to avoid embarrassment; something which I thought showed a real understanding of the customer and demonstrated excellent customer service.

# HISTORY OF ANN SUMMERS #

Ann Summers is a private company that is owned by David and Ralph Gold. David Gold started out in the publishing, printing and ditribution business starting his comapany, Gold Star Publication's. Davis had his finger in many different businesses, including owning the Sunday Sport, Birmingham Football Club and Gold Air. But looking for a new challenge, he saw potential in the High street sex market and the Ann Summers concept.

The company was named after a secretary David and Ralph had employed and ever since Ann Summers opened it has targeted female customers. Because of the strict British laws surrounding licensing of sex shops, Ann Summers in unlicensed and therefore only able to sell a very small amount of sex toys and pornography.

In 1987 Jacqueline Gold (David's daughter) was made a director of the company after successfully devising the Ann Summers Party idea, and in 1993 she was made Managing Director. Since then the company had gone from strength to strength, buying Knickerbox in 2000 and making a turnover of £110 million in 2003/4.

# KNICKERBOX #

Knickerbox was a 1980's success story. They were the market leaders for afordable underwear, but during 1999 they reported a £5 million loss, and so in 2000 Ann Summers bought them out, turning the 27 Knickerbox stores into Ann Summers.

The range that is on offer today is brilliant. Most of the lines they sell is very affordable and can be bought either as singles or as a set. The knickers that they have on sale are incredibly sexy and range from a size 8 to 18.

It is only with their bra's that I have a problem with. I think it is fair to say that the bigger busted you are, the less likely you are to find nice underwear; however, companies like Marks and Spencers and Bravisimo seem to changing this by offering bigger cup sizes, but Knickerbox don't seem to have caught up yet. In the stores and on the website they praise themselves for offering sizes 32 to 40 and cup sizes A-F, however in reality if you are looking for either of the later, you may be left disappointed or with a disgusting and unflattering style of bra.

# SEX TOYS #

Ok, so now to the best part of Ann Summers, and what 90% of people go into the stores for. The first bit of advice I would give you if you are thinking of buying one of Ann Summers sex toys is to know before you enter the store what you want your toy to do because the sales assistant may just try and flog you anything to bump up their commission.

The first thing that you will notice about their range of vibrators is the amount of different sizes, colours, functions they have. If you have never used one before then go for something simple like a durex wand. this is just a line of G-spot simulators which has three different speeds and is rechargeable.

But if you are not a vibrator virgin and want something more then just a G-spot simulator, then try the Rampant Rabbit. These are exclusive to Ann Summers and became famous after being featured in Sex and the City. The regular Rampant Rabbit is 7 1/2 inches long, including a 4 inch pearl-studded two-way rotating part and a two speed clitoral stimulator. Now there are many different Rampant Rabbits including the Deluxe (it's smaller but the pearls have been replaced with metal balls adding to the feeling of stimulation) and the Platinum Rampant Rabbit which has 7 pulse options, 6 shaft metal balls for more stimulation and is 6 1/2 inches long (I would highly recommend this!)

Ann Summers also sell sex toys for men, including cock rings, anal vibrators and underwear made out of sweet's. Obviously a lot of the toys on sale for men I can't comment on, but one thing I would highly recommend from the men's toy's range is the Dirty Dolphin. It is a cock ring with a removable vibrator so that both people can enjoy the experience.

All of the Sex toys range between £10 and £50, although there are gold vibrators that cost over £100.

# CLOTHES #

If sex with your partner is becoming a bit boring or you never seem to do anything different, why not find out what your partners fantasy is and go and buy a dressing up kit? Ann Summers literally have something for everyone; be it a fireman, police, doctor for the women or nurse, maid or playboy bunny for the men. However I recently saw that Ann Summers also stock outfits for you Trekkie fans. I personally like the Prairie and Wench outfits but find the male outfits laughable. For example, they sell animal heads as penis warmers and most of the outfits just consist of a rubber thong- not a good look on any male!

Most of the outfits range between £20- £35.

# FUN ITEMS #

Ann Summers is always brilliant for stocking fillers, birthday gifts and hen nights. They sell the most stupid but fun things, such as a penis shaped toothbrush (something my mother-in-law so kindly pointed out to me!) penis straws, chocolates and edible underwear.

My mates once bought me some willy earrings and whistle for my 18th which were good for a laugh, although the best thing I have seen in their gadget section is the blow up dolls. There is one called Rodger who is the ugliest thing ever, but hilarious for when you have all had one too many. The downside on Rodger, is like most men he needs a good blow to bring him to life.

Prices range between £5 to £20

# BONDAGE #

The bondage section of Ann Summers is the one that interests me the most. I personally don't understand how people like to be spanked with a wooden cane or leather whip, but some people obviously do and Ann Summers more then cater for them.

They stock a lot of bondage clothes, like vamp clothes and body suits. They also sell PVC tape, which you can use to wear yourself, or dress your lover in.

There range of bondage toy's is the most growing section of Ann Summers collection. If you have never really tried bondage, or unsure about the limits you will go to, then I suggest you try their bondage starter kit. It includes PVC tape, a leather whip (which has tassels to reduce the amount of pain) a blindfold and nipple clips.

However if you want to push the pleasure/ pain experience a little further then there is a bondage belt you can buy for £30, which includes hand cuffs, mask, ball gag, whip and spanker. I personally like the dominatrix set they sell. It is a very fun kit, which includes rhinestone embellished handcuffs, whip, eye mask and massage oil; even better, its all in pink!

# BOOKS AND DVD'S #

The books's that Ann Summers sell are very harmless and far from being classed as porn. Most of the books they sell are cartoons and include sex jokes, although they do also sell books on how to be a better lover, the Kama Sutra, sex games and a step by step guide on how to give sensual massages. I would recommend 'Sex in the Kitchen' a book about how to incorporate food and sex in a series of mini stories, and 'The Modern Kama Sutra'; this is a practical guide to better positions, and everyone can do them. It also has hints on how to give better oral sex.

I wouldn't recommend the DVD's they have on sale at all. They are pricey at around £15 and are very mild and soft porn.

# LOTIONS AND OILS #

Apart from the usual lubricants on sale and hygienic wipes, Ann Summers also stock a wide range of lotions and oils for giving massages. It is a fact that a good and intimate massages will lead to mind blowing sex and so choosing good oils is a must. You don't want an oil that is really strong smelling, you need something relaxing and one that you both like the smell of.

I have never bought massage oils as I am not trusted to give massages but from the products I have smelt in store, they all smell gorgeous.


My personal opinion is that it is healthy to try new things with your sexual partner and Ann Summers has always proved to be a brilliant place to get ideas and to buy safe and fun new toys.

I would highly recommend having a look around your local Ann Summers and trying something new.

Enjoy ; )

Brat

Summary: Number one British high street sex shop