HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—Fifty Shades of Grey got another 8 minutes of nationally syndicated fame, thanks to Lovehoney's impending release of the one and only pleasure collection endorsed by the author of the erotic trilogy, E.L. James.
In a lengthy TV segment seen by viewers across the nation, the hosts of Access Hollywood gave an on-air preview of Lovehoney’s Fifty Shades of Grey—The Official Pleasure Collection, which is scheduled for launch April 8 from major distributors Eldorado, Nalpac and Entrenue.
"The appearance of Fifty Shades of Grey - The Official Pleasure Collection on a mainstream TV show like Access Hollywood proves that this brand is unique in its ability to deliver incredible sales and promotion opportunities," said Lovehoney Sales Director Michelle Marcus, who was interviewed in the segment. "The publicity machine is just getting into gear—we want to generate massive demand for the range so all our distributors and retailers can benefit."
Fifty Shades of Grey - The Official Pleasure Collection features 20 sex toys and soft bondage items, including, of course, the Inner Goddess Silver Pleasure Balls (Kegel exerciser balls have seen some of the largest spikes in sales since the books became popular). The range has been available in the United Kingdom, and now North American consumers can buy and enjoy these products—all approved by James herself.
A widely seen TV entertainment newsmagazine, Access Hollywood provides viewers with showbiz news, celebrity interviews, and behind-the-scenes accounts of entertainment events. Currently in its 16th season in national syndication, the show has seen substantial growth in popularity and now reaches nearly 3 million viewers per program.
In the exclusive preview of the Fifty Shades Of Grey Official Pleasure Collection, Lovehoney Sales Director Michelle Marcus—introduced on the show as a professional “sex educator”—presented samples of the collection to the live show’s hosts, Billy Bush and Kit Hoover. TV personality Brooke Burke made a brief cameo as well.
When asked “Who’s read the Fifty Shades of Grey?,” all three guests on the couch raised their hands, and even Hoover admitted to reading the complete three-book series. Michelle Marcus presented a number of bondage items from the collection, starting with the Please Sir Flogger, demonstrating with some “light testing” on Hoover.
Bush asked, “Is this better than the bare hand?”
“It is!” Marcus replied.
Billy tested the You. Are. Mine. Metal Handcuffs on Hoover and Hugo, who joined from behind the scenes. The Yours and Mine Vibrating Love Ring stayed in the box, with Michelle offering a safe-for-TV explanation of how it works.
“Oh, this was in the book!” Hoover said when she saw the Inner Goddess Silver Pleasure Balls.
Lovehoney's Marcus made the most of the opportunity to showcase the products for both Fifty Shades of Grey fans and BDSM first-timers alike. The daytime TV viewing demographic offered an ideal platform to spread the word on the pleasure toy collection, which is designed to appeal to both die-hard fans and those curious about the Fifty Shades phenomenon.
In addition to the handcuffs, love ring and Kegel exercises, the segment also introduced the viewers to the Fifty Shades of Grey Twitchy Palm Spanking Paddle, the Sweet Sting Riding Crop, the Soft Limits Deluxe Wrist Ties, and the No Peeking Soft Twin Blindfold Set (which everyone tried on).
Fifty Shades of Grey—The Official Pleasure Collection is available after April 8 from major distributors Eldorado, Nalpac and Entrenue. In Canada, customers can contact Pink Cherry.
Find out more at PlayLikeGrey.com or Lovehoney.com. Or follow Lovehoney on Twitter and Facebook.