Sex Shops Go Family Friendly

Brooklyn, NY

In case you've never been inside a sex shop, here's an idea of what you're likely to find: Dim lights, thick smoke, and loud loud music. . . Ok, so maybe not the smoke. But certainly shelves upon shelves of every sex product imaginable, from innocent massage oils to intimidating mechanical devices whose function are beyond the limits of this reporter's imagination. There are racks of erotic clothing and bins of condoms in a variety of flavors and colors. There is a sales associate, fashionably disinterested in your purchases, usually with nontraditional body art. Oh, and of course there are the other customers, furtively dodging your sight line in fear of recognition. It's an experience that can be anything from thrilling to humiliating, (depending on you and depending on the store), but it's rarely what one would think of as "Family Friendly." Until now.

Babeland's Brooklyn location will open its doors on Sunday, yet many nearby residents haven't noticed the sprouting of a sex shop in their midst. That's probably because Babeland's window display is bright and inviting, with sensual images that are a far cry from the raunchy pictures you might expect. Inside, you'll find upbeat music, plenty of daylight, and a sharply dressed staff. The environment is designed to entice young couples and newlyweds - complete with infant changing tables.

The store's owner Claire Cavanah and her business partner Rachel Venning opened the first Babeland in Seattle, Washington in 1993. The store is part of a growing trend of classy sex toy resources. With any luck, in a few short generations the typical American attitude towards sexuality will follow suit!

To read more about Babeland, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,367201,00.html