SOMETHING for the Easter weekend, sir? A Sheffield couple have opened a sex shop, bold as brass, on busy, trendy Ecclesall Road.
But Graham and Janine Barrass prefer to call their new business an erotic boutique not a sex shop.
And you just might miss Nua, wedged between a hairdressers and accountants, because it doesn't look like you think a sex shop does.
"We want to get away from the blacked-out, seedy image. Shopping for adult toys has come a long way," says Graham, rearranging the tasteful range of I Rub My Ducky (fully waterproof) on a shelf.
Indeed, the shop window could be a boutique, with nothing to frighten the horses in the window – just a blindfold, handcuffs and Bride to Be top hat. Although parents might have a little work to do explaining the spanking paddle to inquisitive children.
To add to the boutique image there's even a curtained-off room at the back. The Diary wonders whether it is for stuff too hot to put on display.
"No, it's a changing room," says Graham, aged 43. Your reporter looks blank. "For people who want to try on harnesses – over their clothes, of course," he explains.
Graham used to be a property lawyer in Rotherham but lost his job in the credit crunch. But conversely they reckon the recession could be the making of them.
"Staying in is the new going out. With more people entertaining themselves at home these days sales of lingerie are soaring," says 41-year-old Janine.
Nua doesn't sell lingerie yet but it sells a lot of things that could go with it if you've a mind. There are massage oils and creams, games with names such Fetish! and Seven Deadly Sins, and all manner of curiously-shaped objects which buzz. Batteries are included at Nua.
"We've even got one you can recharge by plugging into the USB port of your computer." says Graham as the sound system plays classic pop. The Diary half expects to hear Good Vibrations.
It's not as if the Barrasses – who, incidentally are not likely to be embarrassed and promise to outline the pluses and minuses of their products – are sex shop virgins.
The business, a franchise, was started by Janine's sister in Manchester and they've sold their stuff at last year's Erotica fair at Olympia and Gay Pride in Manchester.
In fact, they've got something for everyone, no matter which way you swing.
So far, no one's complained. Graham says: "The first week we had quite a bit of interest. Some people were intrigued and some were obviously coming in to see what we were all about."
Janine is also a property lawyer and her hours have been cut so she's got more time to work in the shop.
Janine says: "People are very interested in using toys and sexual accessories to add variety to their sex lives."
The shop is open all week. "People need us seven days a week," says Graham.
Well, it brings a new meaning to Easter Bunny.
Nua is at 472 Ecclesall Road.
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