The Ann Summers name had been built up for me as this classic British sex shop. I went in today, however, and discovered it’s not that racy — mostly stylish lingerie at reasonable prices. The post-holiday sale has several bras down as low as £8, although these are mostly in less-purchased sizes. Other discounted items are £10 — £15, but the new styles are also fairly inexpensive, at 2 for £25. Other clothing includes nightgowns, corsets and chemises, plus a few pairs of stockings. Near the fitting rooms at the back, there’s a shift in the stock items to costumes, books, oils, balms and various toys. It’s quite a discreet display, sort of an enclosed circle with two doorways, so as to not look creepy. So, there’s really no need to rush in for sale prices, as, if you bought two of the cheap items, you’d pay about the same as two newer(and prettier) styles.
Sarah-Jane B.
Tu valoración: 3 Brighton, United Kingdom
When Ann Summers first opened many moons ago there was a lot of heated debate about wether their eye catching window displays were too risqué. Now, there seems to be an Ann Summers on most high streets across the country and they’re widely accepted as the place for women to go for sexy underwear. Personally, I wouldn’t be seen dead in one of their babydolls but a lot of ladies can’t seem to get enough of them — hence the 3 stars. They also sell lace and silk corsets, thongs, matching bra and nickers and for those wanting to take things a step further, lubricants, lotions, vibrators, dildos and their best selling, rampant rabbits. Personally, if I wanted to buy something special for the boudoir I’d rather go to Agent Provocateur but for those on a budget, Ann Summers is probably a good starting point.
Emma J.
Tu valoración: 3 Brighton, United Kingdom
I am Natalie Imbruglia, I am torn. On one hand I applaud Ann Summers for breaking down taboos around sex and for encouraging women to be open about their sexuality– even encouraging women to have fun and talk about it by organising Ann Summers parties; on the other hand their lingerie seems bad quality– in really unpleasant and/or cheap fabrics and not very well made. The prices are very reasonable though compared to up market Coco de Mer and Agent Provocateur. It’s not cheaper than some high-street brands that can be just as provocative– like Elle Macpherson’s brand, which is pretty good. I may be missing the point though which is to revel in tackiness, to give way to glitter and glitz. I do laugh when I see some of the sex toys in bright colours and the silly versions of more hardcore sex toys. I just can’t help thinking that it would be nice to have a slightly less tacky celebration of sexuality. I guess, for the prices, I may be asking too much?!