Loved-up Leesiders copy 50 Shades of Grey antics

Bedrooms in Cork will never be the same again. It seems that a trilogy of books is liberating Corkonians in new and surprising ways.

Erotic novel 50 Shades of Grey has become a publishing phenomenon, racking up huge sales all over the world, including Ireland. It has also led to an upsurge of sales of goods in adult stores in Cork as couples try to recreate the adventures of graduate Anastasia Steele, and business magnate, Christian Grey.

At the moment it seems that no bookstore in Cork is stocking the book. Bookstation in Blackpool Shopping Centre has around 35 people on a waiting list for when the book returns to stock.

Manager Grace said: “We just can’t keep it on the shelves. We’ve had people come from Mallow and Fermoy because they heard that we had it. I don’t think any bookstore in Cork has it.”

Catherine, store manager for Ann Summers in Cork said that the book has had a huge effect on their sales.

Sales of bondage gear and accessories like handcuffs, ties and riding crops have increased hugely over the last few weeks.

“The sex toys have gone through the roof,” she said. “Sex toys have increased 15 per cent in sales in the last six weeks and accessories have increased 8 per cent in that time.

She says that the accessories and sex toys would not have been popular departments previously but now they are seeing much more people checking them out.

“The book has given people ideas and different ways of using them. The book has opened up the whole Ann Summers theme. People who had been shy would be coming in now." 

The store's windows will be dressed in a 50 Shades of Grey theme on Sunday and they are expecting a massive footfall as a result.

Cork company

Cork-based online lingerie company Brazen Huzzy has also seen a big increase in sales as a result of the racy book.

According to spokesperson Erica, “as the 50 Shades of Grey phenomenon has spread, we have noticed a huge upsurge in sales of our more adventurous lingerie.

“We also stock a lot of toys with couples in mind, like our Slap and Tickle, and the sales are up at least 50 per cent since the books have come out. We have also noticed sales of our handcuffs and our role play outfits sky rocket,” she said.

“Our lingerie parties have also seen an increase in guests wanting a 50 shades themed games, and sales increase in our toys and outfits,” she added.

They have also had requests for items that Christian Grey stocks in his infamous Red Room, like floggers and his grey tie. Brazen Huzzy currently have a summer sale at www.brazenhuzzy.com.