1. Smitten
2. The Love Nest
3. Fantasy Boutique

Our readers' favourite adult boutique is Winnipeg's newest—they opened in April last year.

Manager Chelsea Harvich is enthusiastic. “I can't tell you how very pleased I was when I heard.” Smitten, located in Osborne Village, has a special focus on trans and queer communities in the city and employees are respectful retail representatives, adding to the feeling of comfort, along with bright displays and an open atmosphere.

Harvich describes the store thoughtfully.  “I would say equalist ... we like everyone.”  In Manitoba, she explains, finding products for people in certain markets can be difficult, so Smitten goes the extra kilometre to ensure people in the trans and queer communities have a store ready to serve them.

She is alarmed by the lack of opportunity province-wide to acquire much-needed personal items.  “We don't have a place to purchase nice, washable binders (to help flatten your chest). It's a daily-use item to make life comfortable for people.”  She says Smitten is also about to receive their first big order of really pretty gaffs (also known as cache-sexes).  

With its speciality products, Smitten provides for all interested parties. “Sex is a legitimate portion of someone's well-being.  You're investing in mental health; you're adding a few years to your life.”

Harvich emphasizes the store does not tolerate any kind of shaming.  If a customer is overheard saying, “That's gross!” or “People actually put that in their bodies?” staff are trained to explain that sex can be messy and fun, and is also a natural, healthy part of our lives.

Top sellers include Sliquid brand lubricant (also in organic form), We Vibe III (in purple), Lelo vibrators (particularly the Ina model), Fuze strapless strap on, and Rodeo harness-like underwear.

Smitten also offers the opportunity to attend passion parties run by highly-trained professionals in the store with food and drinks.

Part of the series: The Uniter 30

Published in Volume 68, Number 14 of The Uniter (December 4, 2013)