Pictured: 1987 AVN Awawrd for Best Softcore Release and 2017 AVN Award for Best Boutique
LAS VEGAS—While much of the celebration during the annual AVN Awards centers on the performers and studios, the ceremony also honors the pleasure products and retailing segments of the industry.
The thrill of winning an AVN Award is no less thrilling for inventors and store owners than it is for performers and directors.
Stephanie Berman, CEO of Berman Innovations and inventor of the Semenette and the POPDildo, was gobsmacked when she saw her company’s name scroll across the screens of The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas during the Jan. 21 awards ceremony.
"What a true honor it is to be awarded the AVN Award for Best Small Manufacturer!” said Berman, who attended the event with her wife. “This night is all about celebrating the best of the best in the adult industry and to be chosen as the winner in this category is the highest recognition I could ask for. Thanks to the entire AVN staff for putting on another incredible show!"
For some, winning an AVN Award was not only a a dream come true, but also a family tradition.
Daniel Greenberg, owner of Cupid’s Closet in Westchester, Calif., took home the trophy for Best Boutique, 30 years after his father won his own AVN Award.
“I can't even begin to explain to you how much this award meant to me, especially the timing, and how thankful I am every time I think about it,” Greenberg said.
Greenberg’s award came in a category that is still relatively new to the AVN Awards; retail categories were not added to the ceremony until the 28th annual AVN Awards that took place in January 2010. His father’s award from 1987 was for Best Softcore Release. That category, which in some years was known as Best Alternative Release, was discontinued after the 29th annual AVN Awards, which were presented in January 2012.
Winners of the Pleasure Products and Retail & Distribution categories for the 2017 AVN Awards are as follows:
PLEASURE PRODUCTS
Best Condom Manufacturer
Trojan
Best Enhancement Manufacturer
MD Science Labs
Best Fetish Manufacturer
Stockroom
Best Lingerie or Apparel Manufacturer
Fantasy Lingerie
Best Lubricant Manufacturer
System JO
Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer – Small
Berman Innovations/POPDildo
Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer – Medium
Jopen
Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer – Large
NS Novelties
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
Best Boutique
Cupid's Closet (Westchester, CA)
Best Retail Chain – Small
Babeland
Best Retail Chain – Medium
Ambiance, The Store for Lovers
Best Retail Chain – Large
Lion’s Den
Best Web Retail Store
AdultEmpire.com
