Pleasures N’ Treasures Moves From Dartmouth To Cole Harbour
DARTMOUTH–One of Dartmouth’s long-time businesses has moved locations, after nearly 30 years at its Main Street home. But Dartmouth’s loss is Cole Harbour’s gain.
Pleasures N’ Treasures is now the newest store in Village Plaza, after opening its doors on November 2. Lindsay Allain, who manages the adult boutique’s 13 locations across the Maritimes and as far west as Ottawa, says she’s pumped about the new, larger, Cole Harbour location.
“We had a good amount of sales for the first day, especially since the radio ads are only coming on soon,” Allain told Huddle. “This place, just the traffic here is incredible. We’re really around people, we’re in the mix.”
It will be strange to drive down Main Street and not pass by the adult boutique. Its Main Street location was one of the earliest Pleasures N Treasures to ever open in the early 90’s. At the time, the chain was known as X-Citement Video.
But when the internet changed how consumers watched X-rated content, the company pivoted to focus more on lingerie and adult toys, although they still have an extensive DVD selection.
So, why the sudden move from Dartmouth to Cole Harbour? Allain said it was largely because of parking. For decades, the Main Street Pleasures N’ Treasures was allowed to use a parking lot behind the building, which was great for customers who preferred discretion.
But Pleasures N’ Treasures didn’t own the parking lot land, the landower just gave them permission to use it. Now, someone else has bought the land and the parking lot is no longer free.
“We no longer had a parking lot and it’s important for our customers to feel comfortable…and be anonymous and browse on their own,” says Allain. “So, when this mall became available, it was just perfect.”
The new Village Plaza location has allowed Allain to create a bigger, better space for her customers. One of the major changes comes in the form of a new change room, so people can try on clothing before a purchase.
Allain is also thrilled that the newer location will look more pleasing to the eye than the old Dartmouth one.
“The other store was a bit older, and it was kind of like putting lipstick on a pig,” she says.
Cole Harbour customers can expect a wide range of products that Allain says are affordable compared to other sex shops. As an example, she said they have more than 3000 pieces of lingerie, and most items are under $50.
“We have an insane selection, even compared to most stores in bigger cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal even. And we cater to all sizes. In recent years, we’ve also expanded our male lingerie.”
Allain realizes people may be nervous the first time they enter a sex shop. But she insists people should not feel awkward to ask questions, as the staff enjoy helping people find products that will make them happy.
“Do not be embarrassed to ask the staff questions because, honestly, that’s what they’re here for,” she advices. “When the customer is in here, we get to help them pick stuff out; getting them to make a good purchase and making them happy, that’s what we love.”
Allain says she has received no negative comments or pushback about opening up a new Pleasures N’ Treasures location. It’s not like past decades when some would take offense to such a store. People of varying belief systems have become more comfortable exploring their sexuality.
“I’ve seen religious people in here. If you’re a reverend and you and your wife are getting it on-that’s a thing that’s happening in here. So, I feel there’s more acceptance now.”
Allain is also excited about how easy it was to set up shop in Cole Harbour. Some jurisdictions have restrictions on where certain businesses, like sex shops, can open. But she found no such limitations when moving to Village Plaza.
“So, thank you Cole Harbour for being so open and friendly to commerce,” she said.
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].