PARIS (Reuters)-
Industry experts say sales in the French sex industry have fallen as the global economic crisis has forced consumers to spend less on sex toys, massage oil and other quirky products.
At the grand Eropolis, which opened near Paris on Friday, a erotic fair declared itself the world's largest, with a healthy attendance, but the stall owner said that the customer's consumption is not as much as in previous years.
"We were hit by the financial crisis.
We are not in the automotive industry either, so we are not seeing a decline (in sales)
Speaking about the industry, Eric Heuninck, the organizer of the show, said: "We were hit by the financial crisis, reaching 50% . ".
However, this year's fair will have at least as many visitors as last year, paying 30 euro tickets per person, adding that adults of all ages are selling a variety of vibrators, underwear and highHigh heels.
"Our turnover has dropped by about 30% compared to last year," said Bernard montaggood, who runs a sex toy booth at a trade fair for French tourism.
"Of course, this has an impact on business.
In the past, when customers came to us to show the products, we always managed to sell them two or three products.
Alas, now they have only one thing left.
"We feel the impact," he added . ".
For months, France's unemployment rate has been steadily rising as global economic activity has fallen, prompting many companies to cut jobs, and those who keep their jobs are worried about the future.
But for some visitors who visit the show, at the show, also includes a stage where people play strip loudly, in the current economic environment, the sales of sex toys decline is No.
"When you can't go out, you have a good time at home. So maybe it (the fair)
One pensioner only revealed her name, Joelle, adding that her spending has not changed.