Nice n Naughty

The UK’s fastest growing adult chain Nice ‘n’ Naughty is preparing to celebrate another milestone.

Next month the millionth customer will pass through one of the group’s 11 stores.

Richard Allmark, Nice ‘n’ Naughty’s national retail manager, said the lucky person was in for a fantastic surprise.

“Whoever is the millionth customer will walk away with £1,000 worth of store goodies.

“All of our stores measure footfall on a daily basis so we know we are on track to achieve the milestone of a million customers in June. It may take us 24 hours to identify who that millionth customer was but once we know who they are they’re in line for a real treat with £1,000 to spend at a store of their choice,” he said.

Simon Prescott, 35, established Nice ‘n’ Naughty in Chester nine years ago. He was joined three months later by co-director and partner Trish Murray.

Today Nice ‘n’ Naughty has 11 stores across the North West, including two stores in Liverpool and others in Manchester, Lancashire, Mid Wales and the Midlands.

“Adult shops are a booming business and obviously something which there will always be a call for. Sex is something which is in everyone’s lives. It is on the television, it is all around us, it is what makes the world go around so I am convinced that business can only go from strength to strength.”

Nice ‘n’ Naughty is the only licensed chain within the UK to earn an Investor In People Award for the way it operates its business. This year the award, which recognises staff development, business planning and customer relations, was re-accredited.

The business has also won the ETO Adult Industry Award Retailer of the Year Award for three consecutive years.

Simon added: “The business was built on customer care which in turn generated customer loyalty. We’re delighted we can reward our millionth customer with a fantastic prize. This is a company committed to developing public awareness of changes within the adult industry and eliminating the stigma and perceptions associated with adult shops.”

Nice ‘n’ Naughty’s Claudine Thelwell and colleague Louise Jones with a selection of goodies on offer to the lucky millionth customer

ADULT store Nice ‘n’ Naughty is adding some fun to this summer’s Olympic Games by supplying the Great Britain team with condoms.

More than 300 athletes and 200 officials will be sent their own personal supply of contraceptives to help them through the Olympic warm up and 16 days of intense competition.

The condoms will be specially branded and come in red, white and blue to ensure the team continues to wave the flag while in Beijing.

Nice ‘n’ Naughty director Simon Prescott says he also wants to make sure Great Britain’s athletes come home without any unwanted trophies from the trip.

“The Games are designed to bring nations together.  We want those cultural exchanges to be as enjoyable as possible, so what better way to support the team than with a gift everyone, both winners and losers, can use.

“We’ve all heard the stories about athletes abstaining from sex before a big sporting event but what happens when they are not under starter’s orders and want to relax. We also want Team GB to demonstrate the importance of safe sex to a worldwide audience,” said Simon, who also intends supplying other national teams.

“We manufacture Nice ‘n’ Naughty condoms in China so we can easily supply other teams if they want to follow the British example. Regardless of their performances on the track, field or pool we’re determined to help the athletes raise the bar in any bedroom games,” he added.

A letter has been sent to Ed Warner, head of UK Athletics, offering the Nice ‘n’ Naughty condoms.

“We’re awaiting a delivery address and details of the team’s exact requirements,” added Simon.

Around 10,500 elite athletes from around the world compete for the 302 gold medals on offer across 28 sports. The opening ceremony is on August 8 with the curtain coming down on the Games on August 24.

NICE ‘n’ Naughty’s domination of the British adult retail market will be put to the test again at the 2008 ETO Awards in July. Details can be found on www.erotictradeonly.com

The company, one of the UK’s fastest growing adult chains has landed the Best Retailer Oscar three years on the bounce.

This year, Nice N Naughty have been shortlisted in the top 5 retailers in the whole of the country, alongside the likes of Ann Summers and Private Shops.

Nice ‘n’ Naughty director (Simon Prescott) is confident his team can retain their crown.

“It’s been a tough challenging year for Nice ‘n’ Naughty but we’ve lost none of our appetite for success. That’s why we want the Retailer of the Year award for an unprecedented four years running,” he said.

Trish Murray, Retail Director had this to say: “The hardworking retail team at Nice N Naughty deserve recognition of their efforts and it would keep team morale up knowing their peers have voted for them”.

In addition, Bruce Hamilton from consultancy Hexed has recently signed a 3year contract to grow and develop the Nice N Naughty website (www.nicennaughty.co.uk) and was delighted to hear the chains online shop has also been short listed for Best Retail Website. He can clearly see the potential of the successful Retail chain’s online presence. Bruce had this to say: “Nice N Naughty are a great team and I believe we can work together to create the best online shopping experience available for all their customers”.

Nice ‘n’ Naughty have also been nominated as ETO’s Best R18 DVD Wholesaler of the Year and in partnership with Wicked Pictures Best Overseas Film Brand.

“We expanded into the UK & Eire soft and hardcore DVD wholesale market 3 years ago, and we’re delighted to be chosen as a finalist as we are a relative newcomer to wholesale distribution,”

“As we move into our 2nd year of distributing the Vouyer Media brand we anticipate an extremely busy remainder of 2008 leading into 2009 with the release of many new titles under this well established and highly acclaimed multiple award winning brand”, Simon added.

ETO said: “Wicked can thank its UK distributor Nice ‘n’ Naughty Wholesale for making great efforts to promote the brand on these shores. Standout Wicked titles include Supernatural, Manhunters, which have both been nominated this year, and Fuck.”

With Supernatural already winning ETO’s film of month hopes are high it can land the overall Best Overseas film at the awards on July 27. The awards are part of the European Trade Only expo in the United Kingdom.

ETO already described the film as “head and shoulders above your average porno.”

“It adds a degree of emotional charge to what are already cracking sex scenes,” the magazine went on to say.

Of Manhunters, ETO said: “Wicked Pictures’ three disc epic is one of the most elaborately packaged porn DVDs on the market and Nice ‘n’ Naughty Wholesale should be applauded for maintaining the US version’s look and feel. This is a movie that demands attention.”

The ETO Show is a trade event that brings together about 80 of the biggest names in the adult industry to conduct business at the National Exhibition Centre.

For more information on Nice ‘n’ Naughty Wholesale visit www.nicennaughtywholesale.co.uk

ADULT store Nice ‘n’ Naughty is celebrating a breakthrough in reducing sex shop licence fees at some of its stores and is now offering other retailers a helping hand to do the same.

Richard Allmark, Nice ‘n’ Naughty’s national retail manager, said the 11-strong chain, one of the fastest growing in the UK, has already achieved 25 per cent reductions in licence renewal fees and is pressing for further cuts of up to 80 per cent.

“It really comes down to being brave enough to mount a challenge and presenting your case in the right way. We’ve written to council’s asking them to justify the increases. So far authorities in half of the areas in which we operate have agreed to reconsider and reduce the fees,” he said.

Nice ‘n’ Naughty campaigned and successfully reduced the renewal fee from £5,400 to £4,500 at its store in Wednesbury in the West Midlands.

And in Bangor, Gwynedd, after a three-year battle with the local authority to get the store licensed Nice ‘n’ Naughty have also negotiated the renewal fee downwards from £2,820 to £1,450.

“I think it’s important that all members of the Adult Industry Trade Association continue to lobby hard for licensing committees to reconsider the fees levied on sex shops.

“If we at Nice ‘n’ Naughty can help other retailers achieve reductions we are happy to do so. I can make available templates of the letters we’ve used to negotiate with local authorities. All people need to do is e-mail me. I’m also happy to offer any advice we’ve picked up from challenging these charges,” added Richard.

He also advised other retailers to raise their profile in the local community.

“We focus heavily on marketing our stores through the local press. We get involved with charitable causes and local events. It helps to raise our profile and breaks down the myths associated with adult shops. We’ve also just been re-awarded Investor in People accreditation which demonstrates our commitment as an employer to the business community,” he said.

Nic ‘n’ Naughty also praised AITA Chairman Mike McCann and Stuart Inglis and the AITA committee for laying the foundations to achieve the breakthrough in reducing license fees.

“We work hand in hand with AITA to reduce fees. Together we are stronger and we must continue to encourage more members to join,” added Richard.

To contact Richard e-mail: richard@nicennaughty.co.uk

Gay DVD’S
Nice N Naughty Manchester Store has undergone some unique developments in recent months, we now stock a full and exciting range of Gay DVD’S - including well known names from Triga/ Raging Stallion/Body Prod & Cazzo films

Loyalty Card Offer on Gay DVD’S
Nice N Naughty is pleased to offer a loyalty card reward scheme on all Gay DVD’S.
Simply buy any Gay DVD and receive 2 loyalty stamps instead of the usual 1 per DVD.
Once you have filled your loyalty card you automatically receive any DVD absolutely free of charge
No gimmicks - no terms and conditions -no hassle -simply FREE!
(Please ask staff for details)

Gay Magazines
In addition to our range Gay DVD’s, we have also recently expanded our already broad spectrum of magazines to include a wider variety of Gay magazines and literature onto our shelves.

Store Opening Times
The Manchester Branch opening times are: Monday – Saturday 10am - 7pm. Our fully trained and knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer advice, guidance and to ensure your shopping experience is a pleasurable one. With our range of quality products and customer service focussed staff, its no surprise Nice N Naughty have been voted Adult Retailer of the Year for 3 years running!

Directions to branch
The store is easy to find, we have various forms of signage from A boards, to illuminated signs, so you can’t miss us. However if you do have any difficulties in locating us then please do not hesitate to call the store on 0161 228 0020 for directions. We are situated on Bloom Street, which runs directly behind Canal Street in Manchester’s Gay Village and we are situated between the Funky Crop Shop and Manchester Cars.

Save Save Save
For a limited period we are pleased to offer a number of special discount vouchers for use within our Manchester branch. Simply call into the store, make your purchases and receive one of the following fantastic unbeatable offers for your next visit.

£5 off your next purchase
£10 off your next purchase
£20 off your next purchase
Buy any DVD and get your 2nd one half price

There is no minimum spend and these wonderful attractive offers can be used on any of our extensive ranges of toys, lingerie, DVD’S, magazines, literature, essential items and much more.

DVD Selection
At Nice N Naughty we stock 1000’s of R18 DVD’s including Straight, Gay, Transvestite, Transsexual , Bisexual, Lesbian, & Fetish and are able to cater for an entire range of consumer tastes and preferences. We stock popular ranges of everything from English Amateur, a wide range of European titles, and are also a distributor for several of America’s Top Brands, including the following…

Wicked Pictures
Now stocking a full range of the vibrant and exciting new multi award winning Wicked Picture R18 DVD’s. These DVD’s feature the biggest and best stars in the business and combined with acclaimed Director Brad Armstrong, the result is high quality hardcore with a wealth of plot & storylines and wide array of extra features.

Vouyer Media
We also stock the full range of the ever popular Vouyer Media R18 DVD’s. Directed by world renowned Vince Vouyer, and starring some of the adult industry’s freshest faces, these R18 Hardcore DVD’s are sure to please. Shot in HD and with impressive running times you really do get a lot for your money.

Smash Pictures
The full range of Smash Pictures R18 DVD’S are available in store. Smash Pictures DVD’s feature a variety of stars, both new and veterans, in these hugely popular award winning features.

Offer Of The Month
Manchester currently has fantastic offers on R18 DVD’S which really should not be missed!
Any 3 DVD’S for £60
Any 6 DVD’S for only £100
(This offer excludes Gay titles and titles over £29.99)

From the Staff at Nice N Naughty
The team at Nice N Naughty we would like to take the chance to thank you all for your custom, loyalty and continued support and we really look forward to seeing you all in again soon.

Nice N Naughty are proud to announce that they have successfully retained their ‘Investors In People’ Status at their recent re-assessment earlier this week. As market leaders, Nice N Naughty were the first ‘Adult Retailers’ to receive recognition for their healthy business culture of continued staff development & training, achieving ‘Investors In People’ status back in February 2005.

The ‘Investors in People’ Standard provides a practical framework for improving business performance and competitiveness through good practice in human resource development.

An organisation that has achieved the Standard has been successful in adopting and maintaining its three fundamental principles: Plan - developing strategies to improve the performance of the organisation, from business goals to leadership strategies; Do - implementing those strategies, taking action to improve the performance of the organisation; Review - evaluating and adjusting those strategies, measuring their impact on the performance of the organisation.

An ‘Investors in People’ Assessor spent the day visiting several of the Nice N Naughty retail stores and interviewed a cross section of staff from Sales Assistants to Directors, and left impressed with the organisation and the loyal, dedicated and extremely motivated team in place there.

Trish Murray (Retail Director) had this to say, “Investors In People is an ongoing programme that we need to constantly work at to ensure we are meeting the requirements of the standard and providing a healthy working environment with plenty of opportunities for growth and personal development for all our hardworking Nice N Naughty staff”

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Gonzo studio Smash Pictures has expanded its European licensing deal with British retailer Nice ‘n’ Naughty to include eight of the studio’s newest titles.

The agreement covers licensing in the U.K. and Ireland. The movies included in the deal are “Thai That Black Cock,” “Strap On My Man,” “Mother Lode,” “White Wife Black Cock 8,” “Clothes Freaks” and the upcoming “Soccer MILFS,” “Cheating Housewives 5” and “Secretary’s Day 2.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better distributor in the U.K.,” Smash Pictures Vice President Stuart Wall told XBIZ. “I have 100 percent trust [in them]. Some European distributors will go and resell your masters without your knowing, so you have to have a lot of trust in whom you deal with. Nice ‘n’ Naughty has helped brand our studio name in Europe. Due to their help I’ve received calls from people worldwide now.”

Nice ‘n’ Naughty owns 11 licensed adult retail stores throughout the U.K. and has repped 19 of Smash’s titles prior to the recent additions. In August, the company was honored as Retailer of the Year for the third time at England’s Erotic Trade Only (ETO) awards. The company, which operates distribution and retail arms, also serves as the U.K. distributor of Vouyer Media and Wicked Pictures.

“Smash makes really good niche product that sells well in our market,” Nice ‘n’ Naughty Director of Sales Simon Prescott told XBIZ about Smash’s success overseas. “Their series ‘Cheating Housewives’ is noteworthy because the MILF craze is popular here too. Our ongoing relationship with Smash is something I’m proud of.”

Prescott said that Nice ‘n’ Naughty recently has achieved the prestigious Investors In People Standard from the British government, which states that the company is committed to business improvement through investing in its employees development by additional training and management.

Additionally, Prescott said that he is looking to represent U.S.-based toy, novelty and lingerie manufacturers in the U.K. for distribution. Interested parties should email Prescott at simon@nicennaughty.co.uk.

Richard Allmark enjoyed the ultimate high octane experience behind the wheel of a 170mph Ferrari as reward for being the driving force behind adult retailer Nice N Naughty – and following his exhilarating exploits his boss has pledged to one day buy him a dream machine for real!

Richard has risen through the ranks to become National Retail Manager of Britain’s fastest-growing licensed retail chain which has 11 stores across North Wales, northern England and the Midlands, as well as a flourishing wholesale division.

In recognition of his hard work and dedication Richard was treated to a day-long race experience at a private track in Warwickshire where he was able to put the red Ferrari through its paces, along with other super cars such as a Lamborghini and a Porsche.

“It was absolutely fantastic, something I had never done before. I reached speeds of over 160mph,” explained Richard from Denbigh, North Wales. “I have a really nice company car but nothing on the scale of the super-charged motoring icons.”

He added: “I have worked for Nice N Naughty for over five years and for me it’s the best company in the world. We are such a close-knit and very friendly team. Everyone feels really valued, much more than just a number on the pay roll.”

The motoring session was organised by his boss, company Director Simon Prescott who said Richard was one of the most influential members of his multiple award-winning business.

“I’d be lost without Richard and I wanted to reward him for his loyalty and exceptional dedication. I would love to buy him a supercar but at the moment that’s just not possible so the track day was the next best thing. One day I genuinely hope to get him the real thing.”

Nice N Naughty is the only adult shop chain to be accredited with Investor in People status which demonstrates the high value it places in staff welfare. Simon continued: “Richard is in charge of all the stores as well as the wholesale side of the business which relates to the production and distribution of adult DVD’s. He has 42 staff under him and has pledged his working life to the company. Alongside Retail Director Trish Murray he is the most important part of our expanding operation. Staff welfare is a very big part of the company’s philosophy as I recognise the priceless role people like Richard continue to play in our thriving business.”

CHAMPAGNE corks have been popping for the UK’s fastest growing adult store after it firm claimed the Retailer of the Year title for the third year running.

There were cries of delight from the team and the loudest cheer of the evening from the audience as the Nice N Naughty team rushed to collect the sought after prize at the Erotic Trade Only (ETO) awards, held at Birmingham NEC.

The rapidly expanding company, which has grown from humble beginnings in Chester to an 11-store business empire, beat off competition from five other short listed companies to seize the title and company directors Simon Prescott and Trish Murray are thrilled at winning.

“It’s absolutely incredible,” said Simon.

“I was so nervous, it’s the most sought after award, like the best film category at the Oscars. The tension was unbelievable and when they read out our name I just couldn’t believe it.

“To have won it twice was fantastic but to get the treble is unheard of.”

The award is voted for by the industry itself and it’s the second time Nice ‘n’ Naughty, which is the only adult store accredited with the prestigious Investor in People Award, has beaten, amongst others, high street retailer Anne Summers to the coveted title.

Trish added: “It’s such an achievement to think where we are today from where we started eight years ago to the day next week.

“When we opened the Chester branch on July 31st 1999 we really, really struggled but the public’s attitude has changed.

“This award is voted for by the industry itself its great to know we are so well respected and acknowledged by our peers. But it demonstrates the high quality of our modern and appealing stores and also our friendly and knowledgeable staff.”