Come As You Are is an installation in the Queens Street West neighbourhood, and as such, a dingy cavern behind tinted windows would never do. No tiny sign is hiding under an awning and there's no schlocky name to reel in a certain seedy crowd. Think a bright storefront flooded with natural light, top-quality products from Japan and Germany displayed on sumptuous pedestals, and an open, spacious layout so you aren't crammed next to another customer while considering purchase of your own personal essentials.
CAYA stands by an ethos of informative and consumer-friendly awareness about sex. The approachable staff show great empathy for customers who walk through their doors and do incredible feats on their website, workshops, and community events that mean to diminish the taboos and risky behaviours around sex. The atmosphere promotes asking questions and receiving honest answers, exploring options, and getting comfortable. For many women, in particular, apprehensive in dealing with adult shops, CAYA is a refreshing breath of fresh air. I imagine Sue Johansson would give it her seal of approval, and if it's good for Canada's premiere sex educator, take notice.
For one, CAYA's appeal is the lack of pink, infantilized garbage targeted at women or the junk toys riddled with flawed design that can make them a health hazard in addition to a waste of money. They carry leading brands like BSwish, Germany's outstanding Fun Factory, and Aneiros, known for bulletproof quality and materials. Think of these toys as the Kitchen-Aid mixers of their industry. The website provides outstanding descriptions in an easy to read format, chockful of all the things you need to be an informed consumer, and I don't just mean measurements! Hands on demo models allows you to test everything from texture to vibration strength. It's well encouraged to explore the stock.
DVDs, magazines, literature, and a large assortment of accessories are also for sale. It's a one stop shop that sure beats trawling through the Internet or a dash into a shadier store off a highway exit. I guarantee you they've probably heard all your questions before and no one is likely to snicker disparagingly for asking if you can stick something in the dishwasher or need to handwash. And let's face it, some of those pricey pieces are almost pieces of art, especially anything made of glass or glass-like goodness.
You will pay a bit more for their products and certainly more than a sketchy corner shop. This is in part due to the brands they prefer, which command a premium given their warranties, high craftsmanship, and such. To quote Jen W: You get what you pay for. In this case, it's also a respectful staff who knows their business and commits themselves to every customer who walks through the door and improving the message of healthy, happy sex lives across the country. It's a message well worthy of support! read more
