Grownup novelty store Twisted Tulip gives romance enhancement, training
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Julia Westgate and her fiancee Craig McClain are stocking the stores’ shelves.
The couple own and operate Twisted Tulip, an adult novelty shop on Rambow Dr stocking a wide range of lingerie in sizes from extra small to 2XL. Larger sizes require a special order.
Customers must be at least 18 years of age to enter the store and proper identification is required.
“We get new items weekly and if there is a special request for an item I will try to order it for you,” Westgate said of a place where you can touch and feel an item to see before you buy it whether you like the material it’s made of… whether it’s well made and whether it’s within your budget.”
Ineffective communication and adding spice to a difficult or dormant relationship are often reasons customers shop at adult novelty stores. However, Westgate disagrees.
“I think people of all ages have started to change their attitude towards (adult) toys and to celebrate their sexuality and explore different kinds of pleasure. I think couples have great communication when they shop together and are open about their needs, wants, and desires,” she said.
As a store owner, Westgate wants her customers to feel comfortable when they visit the store.
“If a customer is uncomfortable walking into the store for the first time, I would recommend a few things. First I would recommend shopping with a friend. Shopping alone in a store like ours can be overwhelming at first. Bring a friend to ease your worries,” Westgate said. “My second suggestion would be to shop online or call the store. If you have any questions or concerns, I’m happy to help. My third suggestion would be to move closer to the opening time or our closing time. A visit to our store can then provide a more personal and tranquil experience. I want customers to leave our store confident, excited and free from doubts.”
For privacy reasons, purchases are placed in black bags and online items are shipped discreetly with only one return address on the package.
Westgate said one goal as a business owner is to offer romance enhancements and education to her customers. The 47-year-old Tecumseh resident is currently taking courses for sexual health certification. Their goal is to educate their customers, become a trusted business with returning customers, and remove the stigma that surrounds adult novelty shops.
Westgate is aware that the nature of their business might draw some critics.
“Your opinion is allowed. It’s your right not to shop in my store, just as it’s someone else’s right to shop from us,” she added. “However, our doors are open and ready if you change your mind.”
Twisted Tulip
Location: 543 Rambow Dr.
Owner: Tecumseh residents Julia Westgate and Craig McClain
Business started: November 2021
Services: The adult novelty store sells products for sexual health, well-being and pleasure along with bachelorette party items, gag gifts, games and a wide range of lingerie.
hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Sunday closed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistedtulipmonroe
website: http://www.twistedtulipmonroe.com/
