Saints and Sinners Adult Store & Licensed Sex Shop
BackOperating in Blackpool since 2003, Saints and Sinners has established itself not merely as an adult store, but as a substantial, multi-award-winning retail presence. Claiming to be the largest sex shop in the UK, it occupies a significant three-storey building in Foxhall Square. This isn't a back-alley establishment; it's a fully licensed business that aims for a department store feel, a factor that profoundly shapes the customer experience, for better and for worse.
The In-Store Experience and Staff
Perhaps the most consistently praised aspect of Saints and Sinners is its staff. Customer feedback frequently highlights the team, with members like Talli and Claire being mentioned by name, as being exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable. This is a critical asset in a market where customers, particularly first-time visitors or those seeking specific advice, can feel intimidated or embarrassed. Testimonials from a wide range of customers, including older couples and individuals from the cross-dressing community, suggest a genuinely welcoming and non-judgemental atmosphere. The staff are noted for their ability to provide well-informed advice on everything from correctly fitting lingerie to the specific properties of lubricants and other sex aids, transforming a potentially awkward interaction into a helpful consultation.
Atmosphere and Layout
The shop's physical presence is a core part of its identity. Spread across three floors, the layout is deliberately designed to feel open and professional rather than seedy. The ground floor acts as a central hub, featuring a large boutique area with an extensive selection of lingerie and clothing, reported to cater for sizes up to UK 26. This floor also houses beginner-friendly bondage gear, popular sex toys like vibrators and dildos, and essentials. A unique feature is the inclusion of a coffee and relaxation area, where customers can also purchase alcoholic beverages like beer or prosecco, fostering a relaxed browsing environment. The first floor is dedicated to one of the UK's largest collections of adult DVDs and male-focused products, while the basement is a comprehensive fetish haven, stocking more specialised BDSM and kink equipment. The premises are also wheelchair accessible, a significant point for inclusivity.
Product Range and Specialisation
The sheer scale of the inventory at Saints and Sinners is a primary draw. The business positions itself as a one-stop shop, and the evidence supports this claim. The selection is vast, catering to virtually all tastes and levels of experience.
- Lingerie and Apparel: A dedicated room on the ground floor offers a huge range of lingerie, PVC wear, and costumes. The size inclusivity, from 6 to 26, is a notable positive that sets it apart from many competitors.
- Sex Toys: The store stocks a comprehensive range of adult novelties, including couples toys, anal toys, masturbators, and strap-ons. Products cater to both beginners and more experienced users.
- BDSM and Fetish Gear: The basement is specifically curated for the kink community, with an extensive collection of bondage gear, restraints, impact toys, chastity devices, and more extreme items. The quality is reportedly high, avoiding cheap or unreliable products.
- Specialist Products: Customers have successfully sought out specific items like muscle relaxant lubes, poppers, and inflatable dildos, with staff providing informed advice on their use.
Pricing is described by visitors as 'very reasonable', which, combined with the extensive range and expert service, has cultivated remarkable customer loyalty—some patrons reportedly travel hundreds of miles for a round trip to the store. This speaks volumes about the value proposition it offers.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, potential customers should consider a few points. The most apparent is the trade-off between accessibility and discretion. Being located in Foxhall Square, just off the Promenade, makes the store easy to find but offers little privacy for those who may be hesitant about being seen entering a sex shop. While free on-street parking is available, the central location is not inherently discreet.
Secondly, the sheer size of the inventory, while a major strength, could be overwhelming for newcomers. The three floors packed with thousands of products can be a daunting sight. This potential negative is largely mitigated by the helpful staff, but it's a factor for anyone wishing to browse anonymously and without interaction. Finally, while the physical store provides an immersive experience, it operates on standard retail hours. Those unable to visit during these times must rely on the 24/7 online shop, which, although discreetly packaged, lacks the immediate, personalised advice that is the store's greatest asset.
Online and Alternative Services
Recognising the need for different shopping methods, Saints and Sinners maintains a robust online presence. Their website offers their full product range with worldwide shipping and guarantees discreet packaging and billing ('S & S Leisure Ltd' appears on bank statements) to protect customer privacy. They also offer a Click & Collect service for local customers and the option to place orders by phone, providing a blend of modern convenience and traditional customer service that accommodates a wide array of preferences.