LUST! Brighton & Hove’s sex shop

Situated at 43 Gardner Street, LUST! is a prominent sex shop in Brighton that has cultivated a reputation for being more than just a place to buy adult products. It presents itself as a multi-faceted emporium, blending erotica with quirky gifts and homeware, a concept humorously captured by one description mentioning everything from nipple tassels to bacon toothpaste. This queer-run, independent business aims to provide an open, inclusive, and welcoming environment, a mission that resonates strongly with many of its patrons but also stands in stark contrast to the experiences of a few. The store operates seven days a week, with extended hours on Saturdays, and also offers delivery services through its website for those who prefer to shop from home.

An Expansive and Eclectic Product Selection

One of the most consistently praised aspects of LUST! is its vast and varied inventory, which is spread across three floors. Customer feedback frequently highlights the "huge variety" of items available, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes, curiosities, and experience levels. The selection goes far beyond the basics, encouraging a sense of discovery for newcomers and satisfying the specific needs of seasoned enthusiasts. The offerings are extensive and well-organised, covering numerous categories of sexual wellness and lifestyle products.

The core of the business is, of course, its comprehensive range of sex toys. This includes a wide array of vibrators, from simple bullet styles to more complex rabbit and clitoral suction models, as well as a large selection of dildos in various materials like silicone and glass. For those interested in partner play, there is a dedicated section for couples sex toys and remote-controlled devices that add a new dimension to intimacy. The store also caters to more specific interests with a healthy stock of anal toys and educational resources on how to use them safely and pleasurably.

Beyond traditional toys, LUST! has a significant collection of clothing and accessories. This includes:

• Lingerie and other sexy outfits designed for all genders and body types.
• A substantial amount of BDSM and fetish wear. For those curious about kink or experienced practitioners, the shop offers bondage accessories, restraints, impact toys, and collars suitable for various levels of play.
• Fun, novelty gifts and cheeky homeware, which helps create a lighter, more playful atmosphere within the store.

This diverse product mix positions LUST! not just as an adult shop, but as a broader lifestyle brand that embraces fun, creativity, and sexual expression in all its forms. The business prides itself on helping to destigmatise the purchase of such items, making it feel as normal as any other form of self-care.

The In-Store Experience: Reports of Excellence and Disappointment

The customer service at LUST! is frequently a point of discussion, and it is here that the most significant divergence in opinion occurs. The majority of feedback paints a picture of an exceptionally positive and supportive environment, while a smaller but serious number of reports detail deeply uncomfortable encounters.

A Welcoming Atmosphere for the Curious and Nervous

For many, especially first-time visitors to a sex shop, the experience at LUST! is overwhelmingly positive. Numerous reviews commend the staff for being lovely, welcoming, and excellent. One customer, who was initially nervous about entering, praised a sales assistant named Viv for making the experience comfortable and fun, creating a space where they felt able to ask questions without fear of judgement. Another visitor, new to adult stores entirely, lauded a staff member for providing amazing, tailored, and detailed recommendations based on their specific interests. The staff's expertise is a recurring theme, with the shop's own website stating there's no question "too big, too small or too weird" for them. This approach is crucial in fostering a safe and educational environment. A tangible benefit that sets the shop apart is the offering of an NHS discount, a thoughtful gesture that is appreciated by customers.

A Serious Note on Unprofessional Conduct

However, the welcoming atmosphere is not universally experienced. A particularly troubling review from a self-described closeted lesbian couple details a visit that left them feeling uncomfortable and oversexualised. They reported that a young cashier was unprofessional, loudly commenting on every item they purchased, including shouting “PINK DILDO” across the shop. The staff member allegedly proceeded to make inappropriate jokes and sexual comments, asking what the couple were “getting up to” and calling one of them a “bad girl.” This behaviour was described as childish and made the customers feel that the topic of sex was not being handled with the maturity required. For an establishment that identifies as a queer-run space intended to be inclusive, this account is particularly concerning as it suggests a failure to provide the safe environment that LGBTQ+ customers, who often face oversexualisation elsewhere, should be able to expect.

Pricing, Value, and Final Considerations

In terms of affordability, LUST! receives positive marks. Multiple visitors have commented on the "great prices" and wide variety, suggesting the shop offers good value across its extensive range. This, combined with the aforementioned NHS discount, makes it an accessible option for many. The physical store's location on Gardner Street is convenient, and its seven-day-a-week opening schedule provides ample opportunity for in-person visits. For those unable or unwilling to visit in person, the online store provides a comprehensive alternative with delivery options.

Is LUST! the Right Shop for You?

Ultimately, LUST! presents a complex picture. On one hand, it is a well-stocked, fairly priced, and often highly welcoming independent UK sex shop that champions a destigmatised and open approach to sexuality. The numerous positive testimonials about helpful, non-judgmental staff like Viv and Rae speak to its success in creating a positive space for exploration. On the other hand, the serious and detailed report of unprofessional and uncomfortable behaviour cannot be ignored. It points to a potential inconsistency in service quality and a failure, in at least one instance, to uphold its own inclusive values. Potential customers may find an incredible resource with a fantastic product range and supportive staff, but they should also be aware of the risk of a less-than-professional encounter.