Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Thomas.
Alexis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Taboo Tabou is a woman-owned sex shop in Chicago specializing in lingerie, BDSM, toys and a sexy lifestyle. Taboo Tabou’s goal is to promote a body and sex positive environment that transforms the person beyond the bedroom. Located in Lakeview since 1988, Taboo Tabou is the ultimate girl power experience.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing is ever a smooth road. I grew up in the business since my parents owned both The Alley and Taboo Tabou. I left and was a high school teacher for four years before deciding to come back to the family business. In the first year I came back we realized we couldn’t sustain our business anymore and I had to help my family close the main store The Alley. At the same time I was taking all the lessons I had learned growing up in the business and research to transform Taboo Tabou and two years later we were able to keep it open. It’s hard work. I work 80 hours a week. My social life consists on the days at work and when I get home I usually crash and burn and wake up and do it again the next day. I love every single second of it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Taboo Tabou story. Tell us more about the business.
Taboo Tabou has transformed throughout the years and I think currently what we do best is our collection of vintage inspired clothing and lingerie. When you walk into our shop we have exactly what you might not expect typically in a shop that specializes in sex and toys. In both our clothing and lingerie departments we range from XSM to 3XL and try to bring in as many different items to help everyone feel sexy. We are the lingerie shop where you are coming in to buy something for yourself to feel hot in.
I think what separates us from everyone else is our openness. When you walk into Taboo Tabou you have just walked into your best friend’s slumber party. At any moment we may be listening to Britney Spears, sharing our stash of gummy candies, or having a conversation with someone about orgasms and how to love themselves more every day. We strive to create a body positive and sex positive environment where everyone, no matter how they identify, can feel comfortable and loved.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Retail is pretty scary right now. When I was growing up the consumer came to you and you provided them something they couldn’t get anywhere else. Now people don’t need to go shopping and many prefer to just shop online. We’re at a place where if you don’t change with the times you won’t make it. I think that in this industry we’ll see customer service and in store experience enhance but also we’ll need to educate our customers to shop local and help provide jobs in their areas.
Pricing:
- Lingerie will range from $29 to $89 and corsets from $40- 90
- Clothing will range from $30- $100
- Toys and adult products will range from $20 to $300
Contact Info:
- Address: 843 1/2 W. Belmont Avenue
- Website: www.tabootabou.com
- Phone: 7738831400
- Email: alexis@thealley.com
- Instagram: @tabootabou
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tabootabou
- Twitter: @tabootabou
- Yelp: Taboo Tabou
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