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Venus Envy
Categories: Shopping Adult Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Adult, Bookstores [Edit]
1598 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Z6
(902) 422-0004
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Thu-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
15 reviews for Venus Envy
Review Highlights
15 reviews in English
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Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
10/20/2011
An adult shop in every sense of the word, which I mean in a very positive way. In that, what I love about this shop, as others have mentioned, is that when you walk in the door, there seems to be no feeling of seediness or stigma rushing to greet you. The shop is bright, with a calm, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and the staff are wonderful. They'll answer any question you have kindly and professionally, with zero judgement.
They have a little bit of everything here, from books to toys to oils, candles, and a lot more.
What I also like is that the customers don't seem to judge each other either. No one's going to shoot you furtive glances, smirking or giggling when they see you looking at a toy or other object. The whole shop and everyone in it just seem to define healthy attitudes about sex, encouraging learning and exploring new things and finding what's right for you.
This store truly is a gem in every sense of the word, and Halifax is extremely lucky to have it. -
Review from Kirk F.
10/11/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Let's talk about sex. No, really, let's talk about sex. But like grown-ups.
That's one of the greatest gifts that Venus Envy has bestowed upon Halifax: adult dialogue on sex. And if you didn't know the language, they're happy to help educate you!
So, let's take a little tour, shall we?
As soon as you walk in the door, you see what Venus Envy sells: education. There are books ahead of you, books to your left. But to your right, is another key ingredient in the Venus Envy mix: community. Posters and event listings for a variety of groups, free brochures and magazines.
Once you're in the door, you're free to explore. The books along the wall range from pop-culture and humour to self-help to sex advice to erotica.
By now you've noticed what's on the back walls. Toys. For girls. And boys! You may have a little moment of terror but don't worry - no one cares. Any one who is in the store with you is either experiencing the same odd feeling or doesn't care. And believe you me, it's mostly the latter.
Don't be afraid to ask questions - there won't be any judgement. Staff are professional but keep it fun and relaxed. Because they're experts in talking about sex. -
Review from Cadence M.
Halifax, NS
8/23/2011
This store is amazing. This actually one of the best stores of an adult nature I have ever been in - way better than ones I've been to in Toronto or Montreal. The staff is wonderfully helpful and knowledgable, and their selection of books and toys cannot be beat. The other bonus is you don't feel skeezy or greasy being in there or as you're leaving. They truely are a sex positive store and so so important for Halifax! More stores of this nature should be as tasteful as this one!!!
The other thing I love about this shop besides the staff, the selection, the decore, and the cleanliness, is that this shop is inclusive of all genders/identities/orientations which is really refreshing and informative. So thank you for that Venus Envy!
Heck even my 70 year old Acadian mother in law loves this place ;) -
Review from Jessica G.
Dartmouth, NS
7/11/2011
Venus Envy is the sort of store that ruins all other stores of its type for you. Which is a good thing. Once you've been here you'll compare all others to it. Venus Envy is a safe place for anyone to explore their sexuality and sexual health. Gay, straight, shy, open, doms, and subs can all find something here.
There is a distinct lack of sleaze here. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and know when to let you just browse if you're embarrassed. When you leave there's no need to check if anyone of note sees you leaving.
Half of the store is filled with books. They carry erotic fiction, sexual health books, LGBT fiction, fantastically eye opening sexy photographic collections, magazines, books on maternity, feminism, and even some comics. I'd visit for the book selection alone. I've always enjoyed how they change the books in the window and colour coordinate them. The other half of the store covers the walls in dildos, vibrators, and toys. Although the internet provides anonymity, I've never felt I needed it here. -
Review from Eleanor M.
Point Edward, NS
3/19/2011 ROTD 7/11/2011
Every city should have one of these. I always make sure to come to Venus Envy every time I'm in Halifax. I've been to a couple of other 'sex' stores, usually with a lingering feeling of disgust and awkwardness as I pass my purchase to a slightly scary looking older man... This is not the case at Venus Envy, the feeling I get there is comparable to being in a candy store, it is clean and fun and has a great vibe. The staff are friendly and super knowledgeable. I must say that it is really nice to see a store like this oriented toward women. YES! A store that supports real sex for real people in actual relationships!
Oh... and they offer a student discount! -
Review from Ben B.
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
They said Sex and the City got women talking about sexual health again but I bet if they looked really closely at the situation, they'd realize it actually all started right here. Venus Envy is a staple of Halifax, showing that a niche shop that really knows who they want to be can really thrive in our city and I think we should all be proud of that!
This inappropriately categorized sex shop has everything you need to get to know sex, to get to know GOOD sex, and to get to know other kinds of sex. But the best part about Venus Envy is that the only thing that could possibly make you uncomfortable here is you. No one is passing judgment, no one is looking at you with shifty eyes, and no one really cares what you buy any more than they would at The Gap. There's absolutely nothing you could ask the staff here that would shock or stump them and you'd actually be quite surprised at what you might learn.
Don't know the difference between your lubes? Don't know what size toy to start with? Don't know where you can learn more about the art of the tease? All you've gotta do is ask and there's no better place for your questions.
Leave your hangups at the door and enjoy one of the coolest shops in town. Just be cool when you run into someone you know, okay? You can save yourself the scrambled search for explanations here - believe me, I watched someone try to tell another that he thought this was the Venus Pizza store half a block away. It didn't go well and it was entirely unnecessary!Listed in: They're bringing sexy back.
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Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
11/7/2010
From the outside, this shop seems like a standard bookstore, yet venture inside and you'll find that Venus Envy has the makings of a sexual oasis .
One could call this place a type of "sophisticated sex shop", as it's not sleazy and raunchy like the stereotypical adult store. The focus is not on shamelessly promoting sex and sex toys (though there is a decent collection of them near the back of the store for those so inclined); rather there is an emphasis on educating women about their bodies and their sexuality. There is all kinds of educational literature availiable that deals with a range of topics from feminism to lesbianism. And if you find that you still have questions, the staff at Venus are friendly, knowledgable and approachable- no question is considered "too dumb" or "too risqué", these ladies have heard it all and are eager to assist you.
Venus Envy is not so much a "sex shop" as it is a more like a sexual education experience- ladies, take a "field trip" here and be enlightened -
Review from Lacey H.
3/3/2010
Dildos, strap-ons, lube and literature are plentiful in this womyn-centered store.
The women working are fantastic: talk about educated, informed and open to just about anything - they will help you with all of your needs.
There are great books from how to be an expert deliverer of fellatio and/or cunnalingus, how to cope with abuse, the history of feminism, autobiographies from notable trannies, dykes and queer folk, as well as a plethora of other topics.
This is the store to go for sex related products and sexuality information. It is a comfortable, clean and friendly environment - more akin to an educational center than a typical sex-shop. You can buy bumper stickers, witty fridge magnets and flavored condoms, while learning about everything under the sexual rainbow. Sign up for a seminar or join the Facebook group to stay in the loop about the comings and goings at Venus Envy.
This is the shame-free sex shop we've all dreamed of! Stop in and take a gander - it's worth a visit.Listed in: Mention Sex
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
11/24/2009
Walking down Barrington Street these days is enough to depress even the most optimistic of economists. The rows and rows of papered up store fronts, and 'for lease' signs made wandering towards the bright exterior of Venus Envy a sheer delight!
After having spent 10 minutes in this shop, I thought to myself what a misnomer it is that this wonderful little store is reduced by some to the label of 'sex shop.' Don't get me wrong, Venus Envy does have toys and sex accessory's for just about any proclivity, but they also have a large selection of books on topics including: Body image issues, parenting, queer parenting, fertility, pregnancy, psychology, breast cancer, women's studies, relationships, ethnicity, current events and a wide range of other social issues. Venus Envy also has a wealth of info on transgendered studies, gay marriage activism as well as sections on gay and lesbian fiction.
Expect to also find all sorts of candles, kama sutra info, eco-friendly menstrual products, cards, and a wealth of other neat stuff! A very honest and open approach to sex and overall health, at Venus Envy! -
Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
3/12/2010
Venus Envy is a sexual mecca. I entered for the first time a bit shy and wondering, but all nerves escaped me as I acquainted myself with the lovely staff and started peeking around. Within minutes I was admiring a sky high selection of dildos and swimming in sexy literature.
This place is a true education! Anything and everything you would ever want to know, Venus has it. Generally speaking, society paints sex in somewhat of a negative light. And so with all the stigma, its reassuring to have a local spot to reflect on the healthy, organic ideals of sexy times. Because hey, we all do it! (Well, most of us.)
Read up and learn how to make the most of intimacy. Self help books stem far beyond Karma Sutra... there are oodles of topics that both men and women can benefit from. Get to know your own body as well as your partner's. Guys, this is a foolproof way to familiarize yourself with the female anatomy. Because you think you know... but maybe you don't know? Either way, its all about education and there is always room for improvement. Ladies and gentlemen!
Besides the self-help variety, there are also fiction and erotica photography books for all sorts of niches. And if you have a kinky side, its ok because Venus won't tell anyone. Toys, lube, strap ons, etc-- its all there for your titillating pleasure!
This shop is enough to make you curious and want to explore new ground with your partner. Those who have been experiencing a plateau could certainly find a solution at Venus. With all the bells and whistles (literally) this is a smart and positive place for the sex related.Listed in: Sexxy Times
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Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/30/2009 1 photo
Sure, Venus Envy is a sex shop - but I've probably felt dirtier walking into a Canadian Tire shop than this store. Perhaps that's too much information about me. My point is, Venus Envy has the sex without the sleaze - it's a woman-friendly, education-oriented store that sells books, novelties, and, yes, sex toys, in the most open and helpful atmosphere imaginable.
No question is too naive, no proclivity too perverted for the professional but discreet salespeople at Venus Envy. Bring your curiosity and your sense of fun - this shop regularly hosts workshops on subjects too graphic (but hey, perfectly healthy) to detail here. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/21/2009 1 photo
Even Heterosexual men should go here! Staff may not say hi. But still go.
Of course I'm not a Lesbian, nor am I gay. But there are still plenty of items at Venus Envy that will help me out in my personal and intimate life. From "how-to" books about subjects that deal with the bedroom to other...items that can help in the bedroom, they have it all! The store generally does cater to women or the homosexual culture, but I didn't feel any "do not come in" vibe walking into the store.
The store is basically a sex shop but it also has great books, mostly for around $20 that deal with sexuality, understanding where you fit in the world of sex and understanding where society is at. So I would say it is a sex conscious shop, if that makes sense. The staff are very friendly to everyone although I felt like I had an invisible cloak on because I wasn't being helped or even acknowledged. I later on found out I wasn't, in fact wearing an invisible cloak when I tried to get on the bus and not pay for it. Just kidding.
This shop has everything you need to learn about sexuality. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. They weren't saying hi to me but I'll go back and give them another chance. So if you have questions about sex or would like some products to help you out, definitely check out Venus Envy. They are right downtown, prices are reasonable, and they have a great selection. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
3/15/2010 1 photo
Venus Envy is like walking into a sexual playground.!Walking in here can be a little intimidating, but you will get over that quickly. The staff here put you at ease.
It is a great experience to go in here on your own. Venus is a fabulous store for not only satisfying your inner inhibitions but the educational selection of books is endless. We can all use an little extra something! No matter if you think you are the best, you just never know what you might be missing!
Exploring can be very fun and a great learning experience, not to mention bringing people closer.
Venus has all the extras that you might be looking for, strap-ons, toys, lubes.
What a great place to make a wish list at! -
Review from Ayla H.
Halifax, NS
1/13/2010
This has to be the most approachable sex shop I've ever been into. Judging by the front window display, you could mistake it for any old bookstore, but you'd be a little off. The risqué-factor gently increases as you get closer to the back wall, with the continuum looking something like this: dating books - transgender literature - fellatio instruction manuals - wall of lubes - feather ticklers - leather bondage straps - wall of dildos. No matter how far back you go, though, none of it feels sleazy, which is such a common downside of stores of this kind.
What's great about this is that it makes going into a sex-related store comfortable for more people (I'm sure there are some who would still never set foot in here, but that's cool). Venus Envy is for everyone. You can browse as tamely or as explicitly as you like, and no matter what you're into the employees will be happy to help you find what you are looking for or learn more. Every city should be so lucky to have a place like Venus Envy. -
Review from Behr S.
7/20/2010
Why, what an awesome little store. I may be biased in that I generally support women owned stores geared to a woman based clientele, I must say, this store rose above many others I had been to in that the staff was friendly, knowledgable and still discreet enough for even the most shy of customers. Definately worth a check out.
