Photos by Stacie Joy
A for-lease sign hangs now on the vacant storefront at 94 Rivington St. between Ludlow and Orchard ...
This is the former home of Babeland, a nearly 30-year tenant here. The sex toy shop closed on May 25. Per ownership: "We have not been able to update the terms of our lease and will be leaving this longtime store location."
You can visit the outpost in Park Slope... or Pike Street in Seattle. The founders sold the business to Good Vibrations, another sex toy franchise, in 2017.
As for the original LES outpost:
From Babeland's founding years, we have loved bringing our sex-positive and feisty vibe to the neighborhood and all its babes, customers, friends, and neighbors. Thank you — and all the staff members who have helped us serve you and answer your sex and product questions — for an unforgettable 27 years.
It earned a reputation as a safe, inclusive place with a knowledgeable sales team to browse for toys — free of the sleaze of a tacky XXX shop or the shame of a 1970s Catholic school.
Said one Babeland customer in an email to EVG: "So many people explored their sexuality and needs here, so many teaching events and parties, plus a supportive staff (at least in the early years). Where do people go now in the neighborhood?"
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