Break out those batteries – Babeland is finally open!
The high-end sex toys shop successfully launched its first Brooklyn location and celebrated in style with battery-operated giveaways and a family-friendly party.
The 462 Bergen Street store was packed as both women and men browsed the vast selection of bondage gear, colorful vibrators, strap-on harnesses and, of course, an array of condoms.
In true Park Slope style, local moms and dads brought their little tykes to the store.
“It has a feeling of not being dirty,” said neighborhood resident Paul English, whose six-month-old son smiled away in his stroller. “It’s fine. To him it’s all toys.”
“It’d probably be more odd if he was a teenager,” English said with a laugh. “Then there’d be a lot of explaining.”
“It’s harmless,” said Gila Barnett, who trekked from Long Island to check out Babeland.
The bright and airy store was a hit with the dozens of shoppers who stopped in for either a quick peek or to pick up a little something special.
“I work two stores down. It’s convenient because I don’t have to go to West 4th Street” where Babeland has one of its two Manhattan locations, said Kerry O’Donnell.
Park Slope shop owners visited the store to welcome the staff to the neighborhood and celebrate the nabe’s new risqué kick.
“It’s a fresher edge to what a sex shop usually looks like,” said Ouigi Theodore, owner of the Brooklyn Circus.
“I think it’s great,” said Woody Pierre, owner of Private Stock.
“There’s a clientele for everyone,” he said. “If you don’t like it, don’t shop here.”
Claire Cavanah, Babeland’s co-founder and a former Park Slope mom, clutched a bouquet of flowers as she surveyed the packed store on opening day.
“This turnout is what I hoped for,” she said.
Summing up the shop’s appeal, Barnett simply said, “A girl’s gotta have fun.”
Babeland is open Monday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. A full list of upcoming sex education workshops is located at www.babeland.com/events. Contact the store at 718-638-3820.
