Lonely in lockdown? Sex toy makers work ‘around the clock’ to meet pandemic demand

In the loneliness of lockdown, more people are finding the wherewithal to take care of their needs on their own terms -- and sex toy manufacturers aren’t passing judgment: They’re lining their pockets.

They are “running around the clock” to meet surging Western demand, Violet Du, sales manager for China-based Libo Technology, told the South China Morning Post. The company has had to bolster production line staff by 25% since February because of growing American, French and Italian appetites.

Another company, specializing in sex dolls, can’t produce enough of them to match orders coming in and has been forced to turn many would-be customers down, a general manager told the outlet.

“This is a niche market in China, because the Chinese culture is relatively conservative, so all our products are export-oriented, with the US and Europe being the largest market,” he said.

Though capable of making thousands of dolls each month with several factories at the company’s disposal, total production doesn’t even come close, he told the Morning Post.

The sex toy industry is thriving through the coronavirus pandemic, even while so many sectors of the economy are stagnant or crashing.

Germany’s WOW Tech Group announced in April that online sales of its “Womanizer” product line increased 152% in the US and 263% in Canada, the Ottawa Business Journal reported.

Online toy retailer Adam & Eve saw overall sales climb 30%, according to the Daily Press.

In New Zealand, sales tripled for the country’s largest adult retailer, Adult Toy Megastore, The Guardian reported. Many of those customers could be new to this kind of self-care, the company believes.

“We’re selling a lot of beginner toys ... all our beginner ranges are very popular,” said Emily Writes, a spokesperson for the business. “It definitely looks like people are saying: ‘I’ve got time, I might try something new.’”

While there are plenty of toys on the market, not everyone will be content with self-reliance.

Health experts in Canada say people should keep flying solo for health and safety reasons but recommend those who don’t at least follow a few general guidelines, like washing hands, wearing masks, or using “glory holes” to “prevent close face-to-face contact.”

This story was originally published July 23, 2020 at 7:15 PM.