Amy's Bedroom Refurbished New Look Turns The Heat Up
Shanghai has developed fast, and not just the urban landscape. The culture has undergone an equally drastic shift towards sexual openness that, whatever you think about it, seems here to stay. A good example of this: Amy’s Bedroom, a quirky sex toy shop on Xiangyang lu.
Fox tail anal plug, RMB 98
Lelo multi-pulse vibrator, RMB 800
Amy’s opened in 2008 and yes, the owner’s name is Amy. She’s a 30-something Shanghainese woman who loves all things sex-related (especially BDSM), and she’s not at all shy about it. A lot of Shanghainese are shy about it though, or at least they used to be eight years ago when the store first opened. The name ‘Amy’s bedroom’ was meant to give girls the feeling that they’re going into a bedroom- a safe, intimate space that is private, friendly and accepting. In other words, they wanted to give customers the feeling that this is a place you can come discover a little bit more about yourself.
Not everywhere is so accepting though, Amy’s second store opened briefly on Beijing Xi lu before closing down as a result of slow business. A problem the staff says that stemmed from the more conservative nature of the neighborhood. There weren’t any problems, just a sort of taboo-tinged disinterest in the business.
This is certainly not a problem in the expatty/liberal area around IAPM mall, where the original Amy’s is located. In fact, store employee Anika says the locals have embraced the shop, some have even become loyal customers. One neighbor in particular, a Shanghainese man in his 50’s, stops by on occasion for advice on how to spice things up with his wife, they can’t/won’t go into detail on how they helped him but they did, and he’s a very satisfied customer. Chances are they recommended one of their many toys, lotions, games or props, the store is littered with all kinds, for all tastes. For obvious reasons we can’t show all of them here.
Macaroon Vibrator, RMB 300
Lelo C Rings, RMB 800 each
On an average day, 20 people might visit the shop (this number is much higher on weekends). There are a handful of curious passerby, but most people come to purchase vibrators or condoms. Lately there’s been a trend towards couples toys, for example there are couples vibrators that sync with an APP to control and coordinate the time and tempo.
Nomi Tang, RMB 200
Lelo Luna beads for Keegle exercises, RMB 380
They say their visitors are about 70% foreigners, 30% Chinese, and the difference in their visits are pretty noticeable. A lot of the Chinese people who come in are quite shy at first and not exactly sure what they like. The staff are quick to help with suggestions, ideas and information, but this is of course not always the case. There are plenty of Chinese who aren’t shy about their preferences and know exactly what they want.
Svakom Vibrator, RMB 300
Apart from a little shyness, one of the major differences between foreigners and Chinese, according to Anika, is when it comes to dildos “Chinese people don’t seem interested at all, some don’t even seem to know they exist” she says. Anika used to work as a consultant helping Chinese students attend college abroad, she switched careers because, as she puts it “life is too short to not really, really enjoy it”.
Anika, marketing manager for Amy’s Bedroom
Amy’s Bedroom is located at 160 Xiangyang Nan Lu, (near Nanchang Lu). You can walk in and fun something fun, or order from them online if you’re feeling too shy to go.
Furry Handcuffs, RMB 98
Address: Amy’s Bedroom, 160 Xiangyang Nan Lu, near Nanchang Lu
Tel: 6467 7498
Hours: Daily, 11am-11pm