Recently, Spencer’s collaborated with The Phluid Project on a new line of exclusive intimacy and wellness items. These products are inclusive of all genders, body sizes, and experience levels. To learn more about this innovative partnership, we’ve interviewed Rob Smith, CEO of The Phluid Project.
How did the idea for the Phluid intimacy and wellness line with Spencer’s come about? Was this something your customers were requesting?
The conversation came up organically. I met with Steven Silverstein, the CEO of Spencer’s, at a conference. He invited me to meet with his team and ideate about potential collaborations. This was not on my radar at all, because I was unaware of Spencer’s commitment to intimacy and wellness. Once this was shared with me, I went to a Spencer’s store immediately and saw the opportunity to disrupt a very binary and heteronormative category with a leader in the space.
How does this product line fit in with Phluid’s mission?
Phluid’s mission is to challenge boundaries with humanity. We question whether just because things have been one way doesn’t mean there isn’t a better way. Phluid continually connects with our community and searches to find solutions for issues that they are facing. In this case, our community said that they are creating DIY solutions to intimacy and wellness categories.
We held several focus groups and listened to a Phluid phambassador to identify challenges and find solutions that are sexy, stylish, and accessible. In this case, we are united to have intimacy items, toys, and garments accessible both online and in stores across the country. Until now, almost everything has been available only online. This gives us a chance to allow customers to touch and feel the product before purchasing.
These items are aimed at people of all genders, including those who are transitioning or have recently transitioned. What are some of the specific needs of the trans community when it comes to adult toys?
As always, we start with a gender-expanding and sexually diverse audience and create universal products. When it comes to items for intimacy, we wanted to consider situations where either the customer was with a partner or alone. Our goal is to create a product that’s flexible and can be used by almost anybody regardless of their anatomy, joining them on the journey through life.
Some of my favorite pieces include a pump for all sizes and all body parts, as well as a binder that’s accessible in a range of sizes, that’s also affordable and good quality. Most often these items come in unmarked packages and are delivered to your home because they’re not accessible in person.
These products will be available online and in 200 Spencer’s stores, and Spencer’s staffers are receiving training on how to best serve those looking for more information about them. Can you explain why that component is so important?
I think it’s really important that the Phluid team worked with the Spencer’s team to ensure the customer experience is an affirming one. We created a training module that speaks not only to the product attributes, but also to the interaction between an employee and a guest.
Check out the entire Phluid line here or ask for it at your local Spencer’s store! Learn more about the full range of Phluid intimacy items on our blog.