LOS ANGELES—Marlene Bertino, a beloved retailer for decades who was the co-founder of the Fantasy Gifts chain of adult stores, has passed away at age 84.
A pioneering entrepreneur who challenged the societal norms of the time and faced challenges and controversies head on, Marlene and her husband Bob opened the doors to Fantasy Gifts in 1980.
Undeterred about her life's work to “sell porno"—as she referred to everything under the store’s roof in the early days—she was sued (unsuccessfully) and even arrested several times, citing her First Amendment rights to keep the store open. She remained a stalwart for these rights long before they were accepted as common practice in retail.
Her dedication and perservance made Fantasy Gifts a staple in their various communities over the years as they expanded to seven stores in the Minneapolis area and three locations in New Jersey.
Marlene continued to run the stores until a few years ago, when she turned over the reins to her many adult children. Colleen Bertino and Stevie DeGiulio now oversee the Minnesota stores and her other son, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Dee Bertino, manage the three Jersey locations.
Marlene’s careful touch—and the importance of family—permeated the stores, which have become known for their impeccable customer service. The well lit and thoughtfully merchandised spaces continue to reflect Marlene's passion for the industry.
"What a legacy for a truly well-loved woman,” an industry vet shared. “Rest in love and peace."
There will be a memorial gathering for Bertino's friends and family from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 19 at the Westin Hotel in Edina, Minnesota, where her loved ones will celebrate the life of a true pioneer in the adult industry.
