Colins Adult Shop

Formerly a long-standing fixture on Cardiff's Caroline Street, Colins Adult Shop, also known as Colin's Books, is now permanently closed. For four decades, this establishment served as a go-to spot for those seeking various forms of adult entertainment, evolving from a seller of soft-focus magazines to a licensed retailer of hardcore pornography, sex toys, and other novelties. Its location on a street affectionately nicknamed 'Chippy Lane', a bustling pedestrianised area famous for its late-night takeaways, ensured high visibility and made it a curious landmark, particularly on rugby international days when fans would often pose for pictures outside.

A Look at the Positives

For many years, Colins Adult Shop provided a physical, brick-and-mortar space for customers to purchase adult products. In an era before the internet dominated the market, this was essential. The shop offered a tangible browsing experience for a range of items, from adult DVDs, which were sold for as little as £5 during its closing-down sale, to a variety of magazines and adult toys. The business was a resilient presence, operating for 40 years in total, with 27 of those years spent on Caroline Street, having previously been located in Wyndham Arcade. This longevity suggests it successfully catered to a consistent customer base for a significant period. Its fully licensed status also provided a veneer of legitimacy and assurance for patrons in a market that can sometimes feel unregulated. The distinctive blue and yellow storefront with its neon sign was a well-known, if sometimes controversial, part of the street's unique character.

The Downsides and Reasons for Closure

Despite its long history, the business faced insurmountable challenges that ultimately led to its closure in February 2017. The primary factor cited by the owners was the overwhelming competition from the internet, which drastically changed the landscape for the adult novelty market. The ease and discretion of buying such products online meant that fewer people were willing to walk into a physical sex shop. One of the owners noted the frustration of paying for a licence to sell materials that were readily available for free online.

Furthermore, the changing nature of Caroline Street itself, with rising rents and rates, contributed to the decision to close. What was once a 'little backstreet' had become a prime location, making it financially difficult to continue. The shop's online presence was virtually non-existent, and the only available customer rating is a single, decade-old three-star review with no accompanying text, suggesting a lack of engagement with a modern customer base. This points to a failure to adapt to the digital age. The owners, aged 68 and 73 at the time of closing, also expressed a simple desire to retire after decades in the business, feeling they had "had enough".

Legacy and What Came Next

The closure of Colins Adult Shop marked the end of an era for Caroline Street. It was a recognisable landmark, and its departure was noted by local media. The physical space did not remain empty for long; by 2018, plans were approved to convert the building into another takeaway outlet, aligning it with the street's dominant culinary identity, and to develop the upper floors into apartments. For potential customers today, the reality is simple: Colins Adult Shop is no longer an option. Those in Cardiff seeking BDSM gear, lingerie, or other adult products must now turn to the remaining physical shops in the city, such as Lovecraft or Passion, or join the majority who purchase these items from online retailers. The story of Colin's is a common one for many brick-and-mortar specialist stores, a reminder of how the internet has fundamentally reshaped retail and customer habits.