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April 11, 2013

April 5, 2013

When we reached out to you a couple of weeks ago, we could never have expected the massive outpouring of love and support (and orders!) we received in return.

Whether in-store or online, we’ve tried so hard to be there for all of you and all we’ve ever really wanted in return is to be able to keep doing what we do. Since our move in 2011 - combined with the emergence of what we see as predatory online sex shops - things have been incredibly hard over here. We have had to make some extremely hard decisions as of late, and we have been collectively questioning our life’s work, co-operative structures, and the nature of sex-positivity itself.

April 5, 2013

April 1, 2013

Queen West’s “little sex shop that could,” Come As You Are, has avoided what looked to be imminent closure, thanks to the enthusiastic response they received to a public plea for customer support on Facebook, Twitter, and through media outlets across the city. The store raised approximately $55,000 (half from in-store sales, half through their website) since the beginning of its campaign, which included a one-day-only Use It or Lose It Sale and a surprise Tenga Easter Egg Hunt along Queen Street West with the participation of The Gladstone Hotel, Aslan Leather, Fuzz Wax Bar, The Drake Hotel, and Eyesore Video. | read more

March 28, 2013

We’ve been wanting to write you this e-mail for months, but we just didn’t have the heart to break the news. We know you all have been going through a lot lately - especially with Mercury just coming out of retrograde - and we know that times are tough all around. Essentially, we didn’t want to burden you with our problems. Our mission in life - and business - has been to be a support to others, and we’ve never been particularly good at asking for help for ourselves.

March 26, 2013

Times are tough for mom-and-pop sex shops. Or so says Jack Lamon, one of four worker-owners at Queen West’s Come As You Are co-op. Beset on one side by the rise of online retail and on the other by a rapidly gentrifying Queen West that retains little use for independently owned and anti-capitalist shops selling strap-ons, flesh-lights and sex positivity, Come As You Are's struggling toward the end of the fiscal year.

Come As You Are moved into its new digs at 493 Queen West last November, giving them an increase in floor space and a chance to capture walk-ins teeming around the busy Queen-Spadina corridor. But the move, Lamon says, has actually resulted in a decrease in sales.

March 26, 2013

“We’ve watched so many of our most favourite independent Toronto sex shops and booksellers close their doors for a final time over the past couple of years,” the newsletter stated. “Rest in Peace: This Ain’t The Rosedale Library, Red Tent Sisters, The Toronto Women’s Bookstore, Lucky You—even MissBehavin’. To be honest, we’ve grieved a little for ourselves with each and every closing, knowing in our hearts that we might be next. And we may very well be.”

We met with worker-owner Sarah Forbes-Roberts, a 15-year CAYA veteran, who gave us a tour of the store’s wide range of sexual aids and accessories for people of all ages, genders, sexualities and abilities—including a number of exclusive products and many that are locally made. She confirmed that numerous disparate factors have converged to bring CAYA to the brink. Now, only a concerted effort from customers, supporters, and friends over the next few weeks will be able to give the co-operative the breathing room it needs to avoid closure and explore other options.

March 5, 2013

We all like to be good at things - or at least we like to feel like we’re good at things - but what does it even mean to be good at sex, and does being good at sex have any real bearing on whether or not we’re having good sex?

We love orgasms more than most folks - heck, it’s right there in our name! - but it feels like more and more, ‘good sex’ is measured only by the quantity - and possibly duration of - orgasms and not in terms of actual enjoyment or the pleasure we experience in having sex.

Not only do folks have a tendency to make orgasm the goal of sex, but there’s also so much messaging out there about the kinds of orgasms we ought to have (g-spot vs clitoral), but also when we have orgasms (don’t come too soon or too late!), and we’re rated according to the quality and quantity of the orgasms we have and the quality and quantity of the orgasms we give to others.

The popularity of our sex workshops and educational materials is a testament to how much import we place on giving good orgasms. When folks ask us how to give ‘great head’ or how to ‘make’ someone have a g-spot orgasm, we’re always happy to give people tools to learn about technique, but invariably, the real answer is ‘enthusiasm’.

We know it is near impossible to tune out all of the misleading and negative messaging we receive about sexuality throughout our lives, but perhaps we can have sex that actively challenge those ideas about sex. Try something new or that you don’t usually do - you never know what you’ll discover and you’ll be doing your part to change the sexual landscape for all of us!

March 1, 2013

Check out what's new in sex toys, books, DVDs and workshops this month!

February 19, 2013

Don't you just love the satisfying snap of the spring-loaded paper-holding mechanism on a good clipboard? We know you do. And we also know that you adore learning about sex from amazing sex educators and authors. So why not combine your two passions and become a workshop volunteer at Come As You Are? You will not only get to wield a clipboard (and pen!) but you'll get to attend a sex workshop for free!

We're looking for a few responsible folks (willing to sign a confidentiality agreement) to come help out at our workshops, and in exchange you'll get to hang out in our special 'staff only' VIP section (with wheely chairs!) during the workshop. After the workshop, we'll need you to stick around to put away chairs and give the space a sweep. We'll even send you home with a limited-edition "Our Bodies, Our Clipboards" commemorative clipboard and a five-year-old 10th anniversary Come As You Are balloon as a token of our appreciation!

Apply today!

February 1, 2013

For each and every soul who simply adores Valentine’s day, there’s someone out there who resents the courting-Chaucer greeting card commercialism of the whole affair - and we couldn’t agree more. For a retail-type establishment, we resent ramptant commercialism more than is probably healthy, but as folks who have dedicated our lives to helping other people have great sex, we can’t help but have a bit of a love-on for the official holiday of love. As with all traditions, there are elements of Valentine’s that we could do without, but mostly we’d just love to take it further. If only we had an actual day off for Valentine’s Day - a whole day to spend with a lover or to engage in some serious self-love. Whether you want a heart-shaped box, a furry stuffed animal, or a dozen roses to accompany your lovefest is up to you. We get hit up for more sex advice in February than in any other month, and while we all have different wants, needs, and desires, it seems deep down, we all really just want to be seen, understood, accepted, and loved for who we really are. If we ran the world, no one would need Valentine’s Day because we would cherish and love and appreciate each other all-year-round, but as long as we’re relegated to one day per year (not including masturbation month, of course!) we’re committed to helping provide you with the toys, tools, erotica and porn to make your love and lust holiday something truly special. Get a Heart-On! We want nothing more than to bring pleasure to you and those your love for Valentine's, and we're always working harder to make sex easier for all Canadians, so this Valentine's season, we're offering all of you free shipping, free gift wrap, or 15% off your online order! Get more info on our Valentine's offers and inspired Valentine's deals here! Join us for The Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair The Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair is a one-of-a-kind sexy fair that brings together artists and crafters just in time for Valentine's Day! Knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types create inspired and inspiring erotic objects for this one day celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture! Join us at the Gladstone Hotel on February 9th, 2013 for the fair and cabaret! Check out the Erotic Arts and Crafts website! Great Sex Made Simple Workshop With Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson Many people think that studying sexual Tantra will reveal the arcane secrets of having great sex. In reality, there are no great secrets. Tantric sex has more to do with your attitude than with marathon lovemaking sessions, obscure techniques, or anything else. A simple shift in thinking is the most important element. Sex begins in the brain, and becoming familiar with a few important principles can make it easier for this shift to occur. Understanding these key concepts and incorporating a few techniques is a lot easier than you might think. In this workshop, you'll be exposed to some basic Tantric concepts and learn some simple and practical ways to deepen your connection, both emotionally and erotically. When: Monday, February 4th, 2013. 7:30 - 9:30PM Read more and get registered for Great Sex Made Simple Workshop
	Jane Eyre Laid Bare The classic novel with an erotic twist. Jane Eyre is known for it's sexual tension and subsequent repression, however in this the Eve Sinclair re-write, Jane not only openly fantasizes about the enigmatic Mr. Rochester but discovers illicit sexual adventures in every room of Thornfield Hall. For fans of the original, much of the text remains true to the Charlotte Bronte original, but be forewarned Jane goes places her character would never deem possible. While we never get too explicit to break the mood, delicious intrigue and sexual trysts expand the Jane Eyre character from simply desiring an unattainable man to enlightened sexual discovery on her terms. $16.99
	Fun Factory Stronic Eins The next big vibrator innovation is brought to us by Fun Factory and we are thrilled! Just in time for Valentine’s Day, they’ve launched the ground-breaking Fun Factory Stronic Eins - the first ever truly pulsating toy! This multi-speed and multi-mode waterproof rechargeable pulsating toy is another example of Fun Factory’s iconic level of quality and sure to change the sex toy landscape forever! $200
	Superman Vs. Spiderman DVD We ♥ Axel Braun porn parodies! There's nothing wrong (and something so so right) about some ridiculously raunchy sex between superheroes with fabulously accurate superhero costumes, stupendous special effects, and a script that doesn't fall short. Superman is fantastically well cast down to his blue-eyed gaze and chiseled features that even Spiderman's Mary Jane succumbs to his charms. The two superheroes work together to save a captured Lois Lane which inevitably leads to more stupendous superhero sex. Many blow jobs later, the villains defeated (played by a very authentic Lex Luthor and Doc Ock) by Spider Woman, Superman and Spiderman go their separate ways both with satisfied smiles on their faces. Fighting crime has never been sexier! $29
	Nuru Body Slide Looking to bring-home the Nuru body slide experience this Valentine's? Dip your toe (and the rest of your body) into amazingly slippery and smooth Nuru massage gel. This unique gel is ideal and designed for massage and is condom compatible to boot! Water-based and paraben free. Also available in 1000ml bottle for the full-on Nuru experience! $30 - $100

January 27, 2013

A Hands-On Workshop With Midori Improve your flogging skills! Whether you're a total novice or already confident with the whip, there's plenty for you in this unique and very active class. You'll learn how to select the best flogger for your style and body type. Enjoy drills on techniques to deliver powerful, effective sensations without top-fatigue. Sharpen your finesse. Bring your floggers. More the merrier! Don't worry if you don't have any. Midori will bring a variety from her private collection to try out. If you want to learn to flog in high heels, bring them. No need to bring a "target bottom." Sunday, January 27, 2013. 5:30-8:00PM (All genders welcome.) Where: Come As You Are Cost:$40/person (Sliding Scale Available) | Learn more about Improve Your Flogging Skills.

January 12, 2013

The Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair is a one-of-a-kind sexy fair that brings together artists and crafters just in time for Valentine's Day! Knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types create inspired and inspiring erotic objects for this one day celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture. This year's fair will be held on Saturday, February 9th, 2013 from noon until 8PM at the Gladstone Hotel.

Get more info at www.eroticartsandcrafts.com

January 10, 2013

Since we opened our doors Come As You Are has featured the work of over eighty artists working around themes of sex and gender. Here's where you can find out about what's on our walls now, and upcoming art shows and art openings at Come As You Are. If you're interested in showing work at our store email a cover letter, CV, and images to curator@comeasyouare.com.

This series is 70% new, 30% seen. Incorporating collage, crochet, painting and drawing media, Hook, Line and Sprinkle explores thread becoming line, line becoming shape and shape being celebrated in all its realness, curvaceousness, sexiness, kinkiness and mess. Incorporating handmade and collected textiles into painted works at once exposes and relieves the artiist's hoarding tendencies, while texturally tantalizing kindreds who see their inner neon and glitter guts reflected in the chaos. The show Celebrates the oft-unnoticed superpowers of survivors, magical creatures, sassy bitches and Crazy folks, as well as the asymmetry of voluptuous forms.

Opening reception Thursday, January 10th 2013 7pm-10pm and runs until the end of January.

January 7, 2013

We know that folks generally think of us as the co-operative on Queen West that helps folks get some good vibrations in their lives, but the thing we actually work hardest at is to help you actualize your authentic sexual self in safe, healthy, and consensual ways.

At best, most sex shops are based on a particular person’s sexual ideology and at worst, they’re based on a business plan - and being the intense critical thinkers we are, we think neither approach is particularly useful.

As a sex shop co-operative, we know first hand from fifteen years of collective discussions that we all have different ideas about what constitutes good sex, or hot sex, or safe sex, or even what constitutes sex itself. When we’re not completely overwhelmed by the practical aspects of running this (very) small business, we are constantly engaged in collective conversation about our always evolving perspective(s) on sex and sex culture.

We know enough to know that no one knows what sex toy or fantasy or ideology or sex position will work best for you - not even us. What we do know is that there is a whole world of sexual ideas out there for you to explore, and we’d love to show you around sometime if that’s something you’re into.

We also know how much we learn from all of you: some of our favourite sex toys are ones you’ve suggested, and all of your feedback on our sex toys, books, DVDs, and workshops helps us help other folks even better! Collectively, we have the power to change all of our sexual realities for the better.

Get in on the knowledge-sharing and help other's benefit from your experiences! Instantly receive 15% off any online order, or get a free bottle of Imagination Massage Oil just by adding your review of any sex toy, book, DVD, or workshop!