BY NIKEE GAMAGE

Sex toys have become popular purchases during COVID-19 confinement as Australians search for ways to keep themselves busy.

Randy Fox’s chief of operations Chris Joseph said the company’s online sex toy sales escalated as soon as the social distancing measures of COVID-19 were enforced. 

“Once the actual measures started being taken from the government…people started jumping online,” Mr Joseph said. 

“At the beginning of April, sales have started surging and they have been surging since.” 

SexyDevil Adult Shop manager Jodie Parker said there has been an increase in demand for a variety of products. 

“If you’re by yourself, it’s a lot of masturbators…vibrators are always popular,” Ms Parker said. 

She said couples have generally gravitated towards BDSM products, such as bondage, gags, whips and restraints.

Since the pandemic began, Ms Parker said there has been more sex toy sales in urban areas compared to regional ones. 

“It’s always been an industry where you can never really pick what’s going to happen and trends are always up and down.”

Sexologist Jenni Mears said the heightened interest in sex toys stems from their wide availability through the internet and people having more time to engage in self-pleasure. 

“They’re easily accessible … you can buy them online and they can be delivered discreetly,” Ms Mears said. 

“People can actually have the time to explore their sexuality.” 

Monash University student Amelda Norsworthy said the social distancing regulations of COVID-19 were the driving force behind her recent sex toy purchase with her partner.

“We’ve been looking into it for a while,” Ms Norsworthy said.

“It gave us a good reason to get it…take advantage of this situation and try new things.”

Her partner and Deakin University student Jasmine Dietzel said sex toys have helped enliven their relationship and time in self-isolation.

“If you’re stuck inside all the time, you would get a bit bored,” Ms Dietzel said.

“You’ve got plenty of time on your own, so why not?”