Despite its controversial opening in December, Hustler's namesake store in Tempe hasn't been the public nuisance that some concerned residents had anticipated, according to a report in the Arizona Republic.
"We've had virtually no trouble here since we've opened, and we have security cameras inside and out, a security company, and we plan to keep our store safe and attractive to our customers," the store's manager Tricia Olson told the Arizona Republic. "This store is perfectly clean, very well lit inside and through the parking lot, and we are mostly a store that sells clothing, including lingerie, lotions, bath products and things like games. Only 30 percent of our store can be devoted to what are called 'adult products,' and we're at 29.9 percent just to be safe."
The Tempe outlet is the 12th in Hustler's profitable retail franchise. Olsen said the store is working hard to develop its customer base, focusing on women ages 20-40.
"Some women are too embarrassed to come in at first and send their husbands," Olson told the Republic. "Then their husbands call them on their cell phone and say this place is nothing to be afraid of. Then the women come in and see our great clothing and fun merchandise and we think they have an excellent shopping experience."
Tempe police have reported only two calls since the store opened, a shoplifting report and a misdemeanor assault for which no arrest was made.
"Everybody has to make a living," Tom Murphy, who lives three blocks from the store, told the Republic. "[The store is] certainly a lot less trouble than the college kids who rent houses in the neighborhood and throw parties and leave trash all over the place."
Hustler Hollywood Tempe is located at 1628 Broadway Road, and can be reached by phone at (480) 829-1269.
