Clonezone – Manchester

Situated on Sackville Street, Clonezone in Manchester serves as a prominent and long-standing fixture in the adult retail landscape. With a history dating back to 1982, the brand has positioned itself as a key resource, particularly for the LGBTQ+ and fetish communities. This branch, like its counterparts, offers a wide array of products aimed at personal expression and pleasure, but the customer experience can be markedly inconsistent, presenting a mix of highly positive interactions and significant frustrations.

Staff and Service: A Tale of Two Extremes

One of the most critical aspects of any sex shop is its staff. Customers often seek advice, feel vulnerable, or require a non-judgmental ear. At Clonezone Manchester, the quality of this interaction appears to depend entirely on who is behind the counter. There is effusive praise for several staff members by name, including Cris, Thistle, and Dale. Customers describe them as "fantastic," "amazing," and incredibly helpful. For instance, Thistle has been commended for providing useful advice and tips on specific products like chastity cages, while Dale is remembered for helping a customer find a new appreciation for rubber wear. Cris, in particular, is repeatedly mentioned in reviews for providing excellent customer service over many years, turning potentially awkward shopping trips into confident and informed purchases. This level of knowledgeable and approachable service is a cornerstone of the store's positive reputation.

However, this high praise is sharply contrasted by multiple negative reports concerning at least one other male cashier. Reviews describe this individual as rude, unhelpful, and giving off an attitude of wanting customers to leave. One incident involved a dispute over the pricing of poppers, where the cashier allegedly dismissed clear price differences, leading to accusations of attempting to overcharge and take advantage of customers. This behaviour stands in stark opposition to the store's welcoming image and creates a jarring inconsistency that can sour the entire experience. The presence of a second till downstairs is noted as a useful alternative for shoppers wishing to avoid a potentially negative encounter.

Product Range and Availability

Clonezone Manchester is recognised for its extensive and specialised product selection. One reviewer noted it is the "only adult shop in Manchester that takes itself seriously," suggesting a focus on quality and a comprehensive inventory that goes beyond novelty items. The store stocks a wide variety of goods catering to diverse tastes, with a clear emphasis on fetish and kink communities. Available products include a broad selection of sex toys, designer underwear, BDSM clothing, and lifestyle items.

Customers can find everything from bondage gear, leather, and rubber fetish wear to harnesses and specialist items from well-regarded brands. This commitment to stocking hard-to-find items makes it a destination store. However, some feedback suggests that stock levels for popular categories like leather and rubber can be inconsistent, with major replenishments seemingly timed around local events or weekends rather than maintained consistently. This may lead to disappointment for customers visiting at other times hoping to find a specific item.

Operational Strengths and Weaknesses

On a practical level, the store is well-located and offers convenient opening hours, staying open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays to cater to weekend nightlife. The entrance is also wheelchair accessible, which is an important and commendable feature for ensuring the store is open to all customers.

A significant operational failing, however, has been highlighted regarding customer loyalty schemes. One detailed complaint centres on the repeated failure to apply the correct discount for Black Bluf member cards. The customer, who is entitled to a 17.5% discount, reported only receiving 10% on multiple occasions. This issue appears to be specific to the Manchester branch, as the correct discount is honoured in the London and Birmingham stores. BLUF (Breeches & Leather Uniform Fanclub) is a significant organisation within the fetish community, and failing to correctly administer its member benefits is a serious misstep that alienates a core and loyal customer base, driving them to shop at other branches or competitors.

Final Assessment

Clonezone Manchester holds a complex position. It is undeniably a vital resource, offering a vast and specialised range of adult novelties and fetish wear that is difficult to find elsewhere. The expertise and welcoming nature of staff members like Cris, Thistle, and Dale create the exact kind of supportive environment that customers in a gay sex shop appreciate and rely on. These positive aspects are what build its strong reputation.

Unfortunately, this is undermined by severe inconsistencies. The presence of rude and unhelpful staff can undo all the goodwill generated by their colleagues. Furthermore, systemic issues like the failure to honour agreed-upon discounts for affiliate groups are not just minor errors; they are breaches of trust that damage the brand's relationship with its community. For potential customers, a visit to Clonezone Manchester could be an excellent, informative experience or a deeply frustrating one. The outcome may well depend on the luck of the draw at the checkout counter.