Contact Sports is spicing up your usual definition of sport by helping you score not on the field, but rather, in the bedroom. Located on 43 Mercer Street, let’s just say you’re not coming in to shop for equipment…at least not the equipment you’d originally have in mind.
That’s because this ‘sporting goods store’ is actually a sex shop! Contact Sports is stripping away the intimidation factor when shopping for sex gear by positioning sex as a sport (I mean working up a sweat has to count for something, right?).
According to a study taken prior to the launch of the retail shop, the majority of people expressed discomfort stepping into a sex store. With unfriendly exteriors and loads of gadgets and unfamiliar products lining the shelves, it’s easy to get discouraged or unnerved. That is, until now!
Upon entering Contact Sports you’ll be welcomed by a 15-foot wall of fresh roses that’s actually part of their full-service rose shop, a locker-room-inspired shelving and an apparel/accessory line on display.
To enhance the sporting theme, visitors can relax on their iconic Jonathan de Pas, Donato d’Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi baseball glove chair while flipping through an extensive collection of vintage Playboy and Sports Illustrated.
Contact Sports has a curated inventory of only 70 products, including candles from Flamingo Estate, games from Serena Kerrigan, delights from Rose LA, and pre-rolls from Gossamer.
Founders Justin and Chelsea Kerzner are intentionally doing away with tradition to encourage a happier, healthier experience when it comes to sexual wellness. Viewing sex through the lens of a sport reframes the potentially self-reproachful retail interaction.
“Sex should be fun, explorative, exciting and well, sexy, all while respecting boundaries,” says Co-founder Cheslea Kerzner. “We’re changing the mindset around a traditionally guilt-ridden retail experience. Whether you’re looking for solo play or a couple that’s curious to test out some new gear, we’ve created a space for the athlete in all of us.”