When and where was the first Pleasure Chest store opened?

The Pleasure Chest opened its first storefront in New York’s West Village in 1971.

What promotions are available for the 55th anniversary?

Promotions include 55 toys priced under $55, free shipping on online orders over $55, and $5,500 in prizes through an in-store photo contest.

What was the original aim of The Pleasure Chest founders?

Founders Duane Colglazier and Bill Rifkin aimed to create a comfortable shopping experience for pleasure products, similar to shopping in a department store.

The Pleasure Chest Celebrates 55 Years of Adult Retail

Q: What is The Pleasure Chest celebrating?

The Pleasure Chest is celebrating its 55th year in business with a series of promotions and events throughout September.

The Pleasure Chest marks 55 years with September promotions, events, and a continued mission to normalize intimate pleasure since 1971.

Adult retailer The Pleasure Chest is marking its 55th year in business with a series of promotions and events throughout September. This follows previous anniversary celebrations, including a significant donation campaign for its 50th anniversary in 2021.

Celebrating 55 Years of Adult Retail

The Pleasure Chest, which opened its first storefront in New York’s West Village in 1971, is celebrating 55 years. Founders Duane Colglazier and Bill Rifkin established the store with an open retail concept, choosing not to cover windows with XXX signage. Their aim was to create a shopping experience for pleasure products that was as comfortable as shopping in a department store.

The company expanded its physical presence with a Los Angeles location in 1975 and a Chicago store in 1977. The Pleasure Chest has been featured in various forms of pop culture, including television and film productions such as "Pulp Fiction" and "Sex and the City."

Brian Robinson, nephew of founder Duane Colglazier and owner of The Pleasure Chest for 30 years, stated that the company "rock[s] people’s boats" and has done so for decades. Robinson noted that many individuals he encounters have personal stories related to the store, ranging from attempts to enter before reaching 18 years of age, bringing out-of-town friends, celebrity sightings, and sharing details about purchases.

The Pleasure Chest continues its stated mission to influence societal perceptions of intimate pleasure. This is pursued through its product selection and monthly events, which include inclusive classes and happy hours.

Anniversary Promotions and Community Engagement

For its 55-year milestone, The Pleasure Chest is offering special deals and promotions throughout September. These include 55 toys priced under $55, free shipping on online orders over $55 at ThePleasureChest.com, and $5,500 in prizes through a month-long in-store photo contest. Additionally, city-specific in-store exclusives and stickers will be available, free with qualifying purchases of $55 and $197.10. A month-long Magic Wand sale is also part of the celebration.

In 2021, The Pleasure Chest commemorated its 50th anniversary with a donation campaign. From September 15 through September 30, 2021, the company donated 15% of total vibrator sales from its five storefront locations and e-commerce store to Gay For Good. Gay For Good is a national LGBTQ+ non-profit with sub-chapters in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, aligning with The Pleasure Chest's store locations. The non-profit promotes volunteerism and supports various charities addressing causes such as hunger, homelessness, seniors, first responders, schools, HIV, animals, and the environment.

Brian Robinson, owner of The Pleasure Chest, commented on the 50th-anniversary initiative, stating that the company aimed to celebrate in a meaningful and impactful way. Robinson noted that Gay For Good supports philanthropy and promotes diversity, which he stated aligns with The Pleasure Chest's mission of empowerment, education, and community commitment. He emphasized the importance of giving back to the communities where the stores are located.

Anne Friedman, Executive Director for Gay For Good, stated that the collaboration with The Pleasure Chest would create a powerful impact in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, through inclusive volunteer events that assist people and causes in need.

Evolution of an Adult Retailer

Since its inception in 1971, The Pleasure Chest has maintained a belief in the fundamental right to sexual fulfillment. The company supports sexual growth and exploration within its community by promoting a sex-positive culture, with an emphasis on education, enjoyment, and inclusivity. The Pleasure Chest offers a specialized shopping experience in a judgment-free environment across its New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles stores, as well as through its online retail store. The company also provides a "PleasurEd" program, which consists of free weekly workshops designed to expand sexual education.

The Pleasure Chest's product offerings include a variety of specialty toys and retail items. Its inventory encompasses vibrators, dildos, anal sex toys, products for men, toys for couples, kink, bondage & BDSM items, strap-ons, gender affirmation products, sex lube, and lingerie & apparel. The company also offers bachelorette items, books, massage oil, personal hygiene products, and sex stimulants & desensitizers.

Key Facts

The Pleasure Chest opened its first store in New York’s West Village in 1971.
The company expanded to Los Angeles in 1975 and Chicago in 1977.
For its 55th anniversary, The Pleasure Chest is offering promotions including 55 toys under $55 and free shipping on online orders over $55.
In 2021, for its 50th anniversary, The Pleasure Chest donated 15% of vibrator sales from September 15-30 to Gay For Good.
Brian Robinson is the owner of The Pleasure Chest and nephew of founder Duane Colglazier.
The Pleasure Chest offers educational workshops through its "PleasurEd" program.