Taboo
BackAn Assessment of Taboo on Old Christchurch Road
Taboo, located at 176 Old Christchurch Road, presents a physical storefront for those looking to purchase adult products in Bournemouth. As a brick-and-mortar sex shop, it offers the immediate advantage of allowing customers to see and assess products firsthand, a tangible experience that online shopping cannot replicate. The location has a history, with records indicating events under the 'Taboo' name at the same address dating back over a decade, suggesting a long-standing presence in the area in some form. For individuals seeking to purchase sex toys, vibrators, or other adult novelties without the wait for delivery, Taboo provides a direct option.
Product and In-Store Experience
As is typical for an adult shop, potential customers can expect to find a range of items catering to various interests. This would likely include a selection of sex toys for women, sex toys for men, and couples sex toys. The ability to browse for items like lingerie or more specific products such as BDSM gear in person is a key reason shoppers visit such establishments. However, unlike other local adult stores which have garnered online feedback praising staff knowledge and a welcoming atmosphere, there is a notable absence of publicly available customer reviews regarding the in-store experience at the Bournemouth Taboo location. This lack of information makes it difficult to gauge the level of customer service, the quality of advice available, or the general ambiance of the shop floor.
Significant Business Concerns
While the prospect of a local shop is appealing, there are considerable issues that potential customers should be aware of, drawn from official public records. The registered company, TABOO (BOURNEMOUTH) LIMITED, which is listed at the shop's address, currently has an 'Active proposal to strike off' notice filed with the UK's Companies House. This is a formal step towards dissolving the company, which raises serious questions about its long-term viability and operational stability. Furthermore, the company's accounts are officially listed as being overdue, another indicator of potential business distress. These are not minor points; they suggest a level of risk for consumers, particularly concerning after-sales support, warranties, or the reliability of the business itself.
Online Reputation and Returns Policies
Adding to these concerns is the online reputation of a similarly named entity, 'tabooboutique.co.uk'. While it is not definitively confirmed that this online store is the same operation as the Bournemouth physical shop, the shared name is likely to be encountered by anyone researching the brand. This online boutique has received overwhelmingly negative reviews on platforms like Trustpilot. Common complaints from customers include items not being sent, receiving damaged goods, and a highly restrictive returns policy. Multiple reviewers have highlighted that when they attempted to return items, even for valid reasons like incorrect sizing, they were only offered a credit note rather than a refund. This practice, combined with poor communication, has led to accusations of it being a 'scam site' by some frustrated customers. For any potential shopper at the physical store, this information raises a valid concern about what the returns and customer service policies might be if a product is found to be faulty after purchase.
On the surface, Taboo provides a physical retail space in Bournemouth for purchasing a variety of adult products, from general sex toys to more niche items. However, the lack of any positive public feedback about the in-store experience is telling. More importantly, the official business records indicating a proposal to be struck off and overdue accounts are significant red flags. When combined with the severe customer service and returns policy issues reported for the similarly-named online brand, it paints a concerning picture. Shoppers may find that while the convenience of a local store is a draw, the potential risks associated with the business's stability and customer policies might outweigh the benefits, especially when other reviewed and established alternatives are available.
