Adult-Oriented Businesses in Downtown Minneapolis

[5th Ave Guy]

That empty storefront across the ally from the Fine Line now has flyers up for what looks like a strip club. Can't remember the name, but there was some work going on inside as well. If there's one thing downtown needs more of, it's definitely strip clubs.

[acs]

Well, it's in the heart of the entertainment district so I guess it fits. What's really odd to me is how the North Loop/Warehouse District has supposedly become a place for young families. Yet, in many cases you're looking out your massive windows at strip clubs like Deja Vu.

[Tyler]

Well there's an exaggeration.

[Tyler]

That said, The Vu and Sexworld are obviously the most visible of our naked lady establishments. It'd be nice if they went away. Across from fine line is better.

[twincitizen]

In an age where fewer and fewer people are interested in buying pornography in non-internet forms (i.e. magazines & DVDs that take up a ton of floor space), yeah, you'd really think Sexworld could downsize some and maybe relocate to a slightly less conspicuous location. Not saying they should go away, but that'd be ok if they gave up the corner spot on Washington and moved elsewhere in the neighborhood.

[FISHMANPET]

I'd be happy with Sex World size of collection with Smitten Kitten level of quality.

Did I just out myself on the internet as a pervert?

[TommyT]

Well, not that I've been in there frequently, but I have been on and off over the years that I've lived here... and they have downsized quite a bit. They used to be three floors of the building they are in and now they are only the first floor. Part of the reason they survive I think is the fact that they are still quite large compared to others and that it's kind of a unique experience with the neon lights, the dollhouse, the giant gold (edited because I'm on my work machine), and the large footprint of the store. I fear if they were to move locations or remove anything that gives it that signature sexworld experience, they would not survive very long.

[Nathan]

I think it would be really sad if we lost sexworld. Adult entertainment is a part of every urban fabric. At least we have a storied and interesting couple of places. Unfortunately the giant golden penis is no longer there. It's always been kind of fun to take unsuspecting visitors there. And the Vu is where Diablo Cody worked which I think is interesting tidbits for people who think the building or industry is less than desirable. I don't know why the tendency is to be so prude.

[PhilmerPhil]

Sex World should stay in its current form. It contributes to the grittiness of the North Loop and is one of its pre-"gentrified" vestiges. The owner of Martin Patrick 3 shares this sentiment FWIW.

Also, Hello: https://www.google.com/maps/@44.981785, ... AC8j2g!2e0

EDIT: What Nathan said^

[mamundsen]

Strange... Sally's sign in Minneapolis. That has to be where it was just for storage.

[FISHMANPET]

Sally's has a new logo so I'm not even sure they'll be using that again.

I appreciate the grittiness of Sex World, but how long can that model last? People aren't getting their pornography from brick & mortar stores, especially not the generic stuff they sell at sex world. The sex toys are all low quality and generic (but still expensive). It seems like if I wanted something of Sex World quality I could get it on Amazon for half price, and if I want quality pieces with knowledgeable staff I'll go to Smitten Kitten. I'm not sure how long a business that caters mostly to "old dudes who can't figure out the internet" can really last.

But part of Smitten Kitten's appeal is that it's not gritty, so its not like you could put high quality products and knowledgeable staff into Sex World without changing the grittiness of the format in general.

[PhilmerPhil]

Sex sells.

[Wedgeguy]

The Sex World and thee Vu will eventually be taxed out of the area as property taxes continue to go up in the area. They will eventually sell or be developed when they can no longer make a decent profit and can sell for a handsome profit.

[PhilmerPhil]

Sex sells.

[MNdible]

I understand that Sex World owns their building, and I've heard rumblings that there may be some changes coming soon.

[twincitizen]

I'm not sure how long a business that caters mostly to "old dudes who can't figure out the internet" can really last.

That's precisely what I was getting at. Not that they should go away so the neighborhood can be "sanitized" or whatever, but there's a huge segment of their business model (or at least floor space) dedicated to magazines and DVDs. Those customers are literally dying off. Obviously they make money on a lot of other stuff too, but their space demands (and overall business model) probably should change, or else they will go out of business entirely.

[John]

I understand that Sex World owns their building, and I've heard rumblings that there may be some changes coming soon.

The building's value has undoubtedly has gone up a great deal in the last few years. It's smack dab in the middle of one of the hottest areas downtown. I can't imagine the owner has not been approached with some hefty offers. I'm sure it will gentrified.

[FISHMANPET]

I know "gentrification" is a hard word to nail an exact meaning to, but I feel like we can at least exclude "driven out of business by societal shifts." I wouldn't say that that tack stores going out of business because of the automobile was gentrification, nor would I say Netflix gentrified Blockbuster out of business, nor digital music driving out chain music stores like Sam Goody was gentrification.

[Wedgeguy]

I know "gentrification" is a hard word to nail an exact meaning to, but I feel like we can at least exclude "driven out of business by societal shifts." I wouldn't say that that tack stores going out of business because of the automobile was gentrification, nor would I say Netflix gentrified Blockbuster out of business, nor digital music driving out chain music stores like Sam Goody was gentrification.

Have to agree with all you posted. Between the rise in property values and assessed taxes and the change in their markets ability to compete with the internet, they can't remain where they are for ever. The value of the property and the future cash flow from another adaptive use will eventually cause them to sell or redevelop the buildings themselves. Changes in the market place and peoples lifestyles will always lead to companies burning bright only to be later replaced by the next big sensation or technology.

[Viktor Vaughn]

Fair point, FMP. On the other hand, replacing a seedy sex destination store with say.. a condo development / foodie restaurant is as much a result of the neighborhood changing to serve a different class as the other market forces you describe.

So, it's not exactly like a Blockbuster being replaced by a Yogart Lab.