After the Sparks, Erotic Adult Shop's Open for Business
By DEB ALFARONE and KATIE HELLER
Updated 3:16 PM EDT, Mon, Feb 1, 2010
People were blushing and burning up with anger in Southington over the opening of an adult boutique, but as of Monday, the shop is open for business.
Despite protests from residents, V.I.P. -- Very Intimate Pleasures -- opened its doors on Queen Street in Southington on Monday morning.
The sexy superstore is part of a chain of adult-orientated stores that sells just about everything for the bedroom and beyond -- from sex toys to gels to gags. One customer said he found exactly what he was looking for.
"I have a 12 p.m. meeting with somebody and I wanted to get some things to make it more interesting," Ed Fascendini, said.
In October, people in town complained. They didn't want the adult boutique to open, but town officials said there was little they could do to deny the business a permit.
John Perrone, general manager of V.I.P, said not everyone is against them.
"We've had a lot of support, believe it or not, not as a vocal as the people who are against us but we've had quite a bit of support, " Perrone said.
Customers in the store on Monday don't understand why people are so worked up.
"What's the problem? What's it gonna bring? I mean, people use these things, and you're gonna get them somewhere. What's the difference? It's not any bad element," said Fascendini.
The chain is trying to open another store in Berlin but they are gearing up for a fight. Last week, a federal appeals court upheld a key part of Berlin's sexually orientated business ordinance, according to the Hartford Courant. Another lawsuit V.I.P has filed against the town of Berlin is set to go to trial in July.
One of the shopkeepers who spoke out against V.I.P is Christine Knott, owner of the hair salon next to the new V.I.P store.
"I'm not really happy about it, but it is what it is," Knott told the Courant. "As long as they follow the town's guidelines and don't affect my business, we'll suck it up."
First Published: Feb 1, 2010 12:15 PM EDT
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