Nice ‘n’ Naughty

For over fifteen years, the Nice ‘n’ Naughty storefront at 27 High Street was a recognisable fixture in Bangor. Its closure in 2019 marked the end of an era for a business that had successfully integrated itself into the local retail community. Unlike the stereotypical image of a sex shop, this establishment was often remembered with a degree of fondness by residents, representing a shift in how adult retail is perceived and operated. The company made a concerted effort to create a bright, clean, and welcoming environment, a stark contrast to the clandestine, male-oriented establishments of the past. This approach aimed to make everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, feel comfortable browsing their extensive product range.

A Modern Approach to Adult Retail

The success and longevity of the Bangor branch can be attributed to the parent company's progressive ethos. Founded in 1999, Nice ‘n’ Naughty set out to modernise the adult industry. Their business model was built on outstanding customer service and creating a superior shopping environment that felt more like a boutique than a back-alley store. This was reflected in the Bangor location, where staff were known for being helpful and well-trained. The former manager, Philip Charter Price, who oversaw the shop for more than five years, often spoke of the wonderful customer base and the strong sense of community that existed among the retailers on the High Street. This positive atmosphere was a significant factor in its local popularity, making it a go-to place for everything from novelty items to high-quality adult toys.

The product selection was comprehensive, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences. The shelves were stocked with a diverse array of items, ensuring that both curious beginners and experienced enthusiasts could find what they needed. This included a wide selection of sex lubricants, essential for comfort and pleasure, alongside a variety of condoms and other sexual wellness products. For those with more specific interests, the store offered an impressive collection of BDSM gear, catering to the growing curiosity in submission and dominance play. Furthermore, the shop was well-regarded for its extensive range of lingerie, offering pieces that were both provocative and stylish, appealing to a broad customer base.

The Challenges and Eventual Closure

Despite its local popularity, the Bangor store was not immune to wider economic pressures. The decision to close the doors in 2019 was not an isolated event but part of a larger, strategic shift by the parent company. The rise of online shopping and a general decline in high street footfall across the UK had a significant impact on their business model, which at its peak included 15 physical stores. The company itself had faced financial turbulence, entering administration in 2018 before being saved through a sale to a new entity led by the previous director. This underlying financial instability, coupled with the changing retail landscape, made maintaining a large portfolio of physical shops unsustainable.

The decline of Bangor's High Street was another critical factor. Over the years, the area has seen a significant number of closures, with many storefronts becoming vacant. This created a challenging environment for all remaining businesses, as reduced footfall meant fewer potential customers. The closure of the Nice ‘n’ Naughty shop was, in many ways, a symptom of this broader urban decay, a story familiar to many town centres across the country. For customers, the primary drawback was the loss of a physical space where they could see products firsthand and receive face-to-face advice from knowledgeable staff. The ability to ask questions discreetly and confidently is a key advantage of a brick-and-mortar sex shop, and its removal was a tangible loss for the community it served.

Legacy and Continued Service Online

While the physical storefront at 27 High Street is permanently closed, the company has made it clear that its service to the Bangor community continues. In a move that demonstrates a commitment to its loyal customer base, the brand has heavily invested in its online presence. Notably, key staff members from the Bangor store, including its long-term manager, transitioned to roles within the company's online operations. This was a deliberate choice to ensure that the high standard of customer service and product knowledge that defined the in-store experience was not lost. Former customers can still receive expert advice from the same trusted faces, albeit through a digital platform.

This transition reflects the evolution of the adult retail industry. While the loss of the physical shop is a downside for those who valued the in-person experience, the robust online store offers its own advantages. Customers have access to an even larger inventory of adult toys and other products, delivered in discreet packaging directly to their door. The company continues to uphold its inclusive values, being explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and catering to a diverse clientele online. For the residents of Bangor and the surrounding Welsh countryside, Nice ‘n’ Naughty remains a key provider, though the interaction has now shifted from the High Street to the website, a reflection of the inevitable march of retail into the digital age.