You make an excellent point about the manner in which CVS sells these vibrators - definitely nothing erotic about it! And I certainly agree that I wouldn't trade the experience of purchasing my first vibrator in the comfort of a woman-run sex education boutique for anything! Still - there is something to be said for the larger target market that CVS vibrators will enjoy. Women who might never before have considered purchasing a sex toy will now see them on the shelf - a part of normal cosmetic necessities! Even if this doesn't inspire them to make a "personal massage" purchase right away, it may at least inspire them to consider their options more seriously and prompt further self-investigation. This seems like the major benefit of the easy access factor to me.
While I am absolutely a supporter of local businesses and avoid large, corporate-run establishments whenever possible, the fact is - sometimes cheap and mass-produced is the only way to reach an entire community. I think of it in similar terms to food. While I would love to buy all my produce straight from a local farmer that I know well, this is not at reality for me and is certainly not a reality for my low-income peers. CVS vibrators are the equivalent of 7-11 canned foods and cookies. But at least they are available to those who need them!
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! I really appreciate your perspective.
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Thank you so much for your comment, Roslyn!
You make an excellent point about the manner in which CVS sells these vibrators - definitely nothing erotic about it! And I certainly agree that I wouldn't trade the experience of purchasing my first vibrator in the comfort of a woman-run sex education boutique for anything! Still - there is something to be said for the larger target market that CVS vibrators will enjoy. Women who might never before have considered purchasing a sex toy will now see them on the shelf - a part of normal cosmetic necessities! Even if this doesn't inspire them to make a "personal massage" purchase right away, it may at least inspire them to consider their options more seriously and prompt further self-investigation. This seems like the major benefit of the easy access factor to me.
While I am absolutely a supporter of local businesses and avoid large, corporate-run establishments whenever possible, the fact is - sometimes cheap and mass-produced is the only way to reach an entire community. I think of it in similar terms to food. While I would love to buy all my produce straight from a local farmer that I know well, this is not at reality for me and is certainly not a reality for my low-income peers. CVS vibrators are the equivalent of 7-11 canned foods and cookies. But at least they are available to those who need them!
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! I really appreciate your perspective.
Best,
June 21, 2011 - 6:58amHannah
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