Softys Adult Shop
BackA Retrospective Look at Softys Adult Shop in Preston
For eighteen years, Softys Adult Shop was a fixture on Preston's high street, providing a physical retail space for residents interested in adult entertainment. Located at 128 Friargate, a street with a history stretching back to medieval times, the shop served a specific niche within the community. However, like many specialist high street retailers, Softys has now permanently closed its doors, marking the end of an era for what was reportedly the last dedicated sex shop in Preston. This retrospective examines the business as it was, looking at its location, customer perception, and its ultimate departure from the local retail landscape.
Situated on Friargate, a key thoroughfare, the shop was easily accessible. The provided information indicates that it had a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a positive feature that demonstrated an inclusive approach to its customer base. From photographic evidence, the storefront presented a relatively discreet facade, typical for establishments of its kind, aiming to offer privacy for its patrons. This understated appearance is often a crucial aspect for a brick-and-mortar adult store, which must balance visibility with the comfort of its clientele.
Product Range and In-Store Experience
While detailed inventories are unavailable, directory listings and customer comments suggest Softys offered a comprehensive range of adult products. One would expect to have found an extensive selection of adult DVDs, which was a primary focus for the store. Alongside this, the shelves were likely stocked with a wide variety of adult toys, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. This would have included popular items such as vibrators, dildos, and other sex aids designed for individuals and couples. Furthermore, the shop was known to carry a selection of fetish wear and BDSM gear, catering to those with more specific interests in kink and alternative sexuality. A range of sexy lingerie would have also been a staple, offering customers the chance to see and feel the quality of garments before purchasing—a distinct advantage over online shopping.
The in-store experience is a critical factor for any physical retailer, especially in a sensitive market like adult products. Reviews, although limited, repeatedly mention the staff at Softys as being helpful and knowledgeable. This suggests that customers felt comfortable seeking advice and guidance, which is invaluable when purchasing intimate items. A welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere, guided by well-informed staff, can transform a potentially intimidating visit into a positive and empowering one. The ability to ask questions and receive tailored recommendations is a service that online retailers often struggle to replicate, and it was likely a cornerstone of Softys' appeal to its loyal customers.
Customer Perceptions: The Good and The Bad
Publicly available reviews for Softys Adult Shop paint a generally positive, albeit incomplete, picture. The business held an overall rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 from a small sample of six reviews. The majority of these ratings were high, with customers awarding 4 or 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among most of the patrons who chose to leave feedback. These positive ratings likely reflect satisfaction with the product range, the helpfulness of the staff, and the overall shopping experience.
However, it is important to note that the feedback was not universally perfect. Among the positive reviews, there is a single 2-star rating. As none of the available reviews contain specific text comments, the reason for this lower score is open to speculation. It could have stemmed from any number of issues common in retail: a specific product being out of stock, a negative interaction with a staff member on a particular day, or dissatisfaction with pricing. Without detailed comments, this lower rating serves as a reminder that not every customer's experience was ideal, which is a reality for almost any business. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of feedback was favourable, suggesting that Softys was, for the most part, successfully meeting the needs of its clientele.
The Closure and Legacy
The official Softys website confirms the closure, stating, "Softy has left the Building! After 18 years serving the Very Best Porn in the North West its time to say goodbye to the last Sex Shop in Preston." The message expresses gratitude to past customers and redirects them to a partner business, The Adult Shop in Bury, promising a discount to former Softys patrons. This suggests a planned closure and an effort to provide continuity of service for their customer base, albeit at a different location. An interesting detail is the Manchester-area phone number (0161) associated with the Preston store, which may indicate a centralised management or ownership structure linked to other North West locations.
The closure of Softys reflects a broader trend affecting high street retail across the UK. The rise of large-scale online retailers offering vast selections, competitive pricing, and the ultimate discretion of home delivery has placed immense pressure on physical stores. For a sex shop, this challenge is particularly acute. While the in-person advice and ability to see products first-hand are significant advantages, they are often not enough to overcome the convenience and privacy offered by online shopping. Softys' departure leaves a void in Preston's physical retail market for those seeking bondage gear, sex toys for couples, and other adult novelties. Former customers in the area must now either travel to neighbouring towns like Bury or turn exclusively to the internet for their needs, losing the benefit of a local, specialist store.
