Sex Tech is no longer a niche or futuristic idea. It’s shaping the way people experience intimacy, communication and pleasure. From app-controlled vibrators to VR platforms that sync with toys, sexual technology is evolving fast…and the retail world is catching up. The global sex-tech and sexual wellness market is projected to reach US$48.1 billion by 2033, growing at an annual rate of 7.6%. That growth isn’t just about pleasure, it reflects a cultural shift toward digital intimacy.
By understanding the trends and technologies driving Sex Tech, retailers can meet this demand headon and build lasting relationships with a new generation of consumers.
REMOTE INTIMACY DEVICES: CLOSING THE DISTANCE
The first major audience for “smarter-than-average” devices is people in long-distance relationships. Over the past decade, these relationships have surged thanks to better connectivity, remote work and lifestyle changes following the pandemic.
Keeping intimacy alive across distance has always been a challenge, but technology is changing that. Teledildonics, or remote intimacy devices, allow partners to share sensations and touch in real time through internet-connected toys. These smart devices use haptic feedback and sensors to simulate realistic interactions. Paired with mobile apps, they allow users to control speed, rhythm, or vibration remotely, creating a sense of closeness even when miles apart.
As long-distance relationships and online dating become more common, this category is rapidly expanding. Some devices now allow not only one-way control but also two-way synchronization, creating an “intimacy bridge” between partners separated by distance.
Beyond romantic couples, interactive devices are also popular among cam performers, allowing them to connect with fans and boost earnings. Meanwhile, the growing acceptance of nontraditional relationships — including polyamorous users, swingers, and BDSM communities — drives demand for connection, control and creative exploration. For retailers, these products represent a major but often overlooked opportunity. Educating customers about how they work and how easy they are to use can turn curiosity into confidence, and confidence into sales.
VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) EXPERIENCES: IMMERSIVE INTIMACY
The second key audience for interactive Sex Tech includes shoppers seeking realistic, content-driven products, from advanced masturbators to toys inspired by adult media.
Virtual reality is transforming sexual exploration faster than anyone expected. Even customers who still buy DVDs may simply not have experienced adult content in VR yet. With faster internet speeds and more affordable devices, modern VR platforms now offer realistic, emotionally engaging experiences that blend visual immersion with interactivity.
VR is no longer just a gaming frontier, it’s becoming central to how people explore desire and fantasy. Recent data shows:
– 46.7% of U.S. men over 18 have tried VR.
– 15% have experienced VR porn, meaning roughly one in three VR users have engaged with adult content through it.
– Among VR headset owners, 68% have watched porn and 60% say they do so weekly.
These numbers reveal how immersive technology is transforming intimacy and fantasy. With award-winning studios now producing 14K-quality content with cinematic storytelling, this new wave of adult media (paired with synchronized devices) is redefining not just entertainment, but how we think about connection, desire, and pleasure in the digital age.
For retailers catering to adult content consumers, a small VR demo station can elevate the shopping experience. Having an Oculus headset with compatible trailers doesn’t just drive sales, it transforms your store into an interactive destination customers won’t forget.
WHY RETAILERS SHOULD CARE ABOUT SEX TECH
Modern consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, expect innovation, connectivity and authenticity from the brands they support. Smart, connected devices don’t just grab attention, they build repeat customers who come back for upgrades, accessories and digital subscriptions. Ignoring this shift means missing one of the fastest-growing sectors in sexual wellness. For retailers, the key is demystification. Customers hesitate to buy what they don’t understand, which makes education, demonstration and staff training essential.
Knowledgeable sales teams remain one of the strongest assets an adult retailer can have, even in a digital age. Invite brand representatives to host in-store or virtual workshops when launching a new Sex-Tech line and consider incentives (like quizzes or bonuses) to keep staff engagement high. Even if a shopper isn’t seeking an interactive toy, staff can position it as a premium, multi-use device, one that functions perfectly on its own, yet can later be enhanced through connectivity features.
MAKING IT VISIBLE
Whether online or in-store, visibility drives sales:
– Online: Create dedicated web pages or blog posts highlighting benefits and features. Use visuals and plain language to make new tech approachable.
– In-store: Set up a Sex-Tech Section. Grouping these products helps customers explore without feeling overwhelmed. Use QR codes to link to tutorials or brand sites, and always provide demo units for hands-on interaction.
Building a community around your store or brand is equally powerful. Hosting events, workshops or interactive demos helps normalize Sex-Tech conversations while giving customers hands-on learning. Partner with educators, therapists or influencers who can speak about the emotional side of sexual technology. This not only drives sales, it positions your brand as a trusted guide in modern pleasure.
Technology has already transformed how we communicate, connect, and care for ourselves and it’s now redefining how we experience pleasure. The future of intimacy isn’t just digital. It’s interactive, connected, and shaped by innovation and curiosity.
Kate Kozlova is the U.S. Brand Ambassador for Kiiroo and a seasoned sex educator, known as InBedWithKate on YouTube. With over a decade of experience in adult retail and manufacturing, she is a certified device specialist and a public information sexologist (certified by the American Board of Sexology).
