The owner of the adult store Aristocrat Adult Boutique is hitting back at public criticism condemning him for relocating his store to Greerton.
John McCoy is about to open the doors to his relocated store on Chadwick Road, about 100m from the Greerton Village School.
Aristocrat Adult Boutique store owner John McCoy outside the new shop in Greerton.
'Everything in the shop is passed by the New Zealand censor, there is nothing in the store, like magazines and DVDs, that you can't get from a stationers, service stations or local video libraries – we sell the same stuff in a controlled situation.”
'They think it is a sex shop, but we don't sell sex.”
John, a former police youth aid worker, has been operating the family owned shop in Tauranga for 20 years and says he has never encountered any opposition.
'I have not had any complaints.”
He says cheaper rents and lack of parking near his previous store – Aristocrat Adult Shop – on Cameron Road have forced the move to the Greerton Shopping Centre.
'The rents were getting too high in the city and the parking was difficult – in Greerton there are no parking meters.”
From 2001 to 2003 John also ran the R18 store XTC in Greerton and never encountered any problems.
'There was never one complaint – it was the exactly the same type of store.”
John says the first shop they opened in Tauranga 15 years ago was opposite the Salvation Army Family Store on Cameron Road, almost next door to Tauranga Primary School and never once received a complaint.
The new shop front on Chadwick Road simply features the store's name and the inside of the shop is not visible from the outside.
John says people cannot be offended walking past the store as frosted glass blocks the view into the shop and the doorway is screened off.
'People don't have any reason to hang around outside because they cannot see inside the shop, all there is, is the name of the shop. If you're not 18 you don't get in.
'Unless people tell the children what is in there, they would never know.”
John says they enforce a strict R18 policy including asking anyone they are not sure of for identification.
'Normal, ordinary people are our customers. A lot of people appreciate that they can come in the shop and everyone is doing the same thing. No-one feels embarrassed.”
'All we have had is positive feedback. We have customers from 18 to 85 come in.”
18 comments
Thank you John
Posted on 22-02-2012 07:28 | By Murray.Guy
Thank you John for being presenting the facts in a manner that appears to be up front and honest. I wonder how many of those who have expressed public concern, condemnation, have actually taken the time to seek clarity from you directly?
Victorian attitudes are gone
Posted on 22-02-2012 08:15 | By bigted
We now live in an age of enlightment folks. I believe a store selling rubbish food to children would be more of a problem for the community.
Grow up Greerton
Posted on 22-02-2012 08:18 | By The Vale
Thats all I have to say about that
pot calling the kettle black
Posted on 22-02-2012 09:06 | By mccoyjb
there was further comment in an editorial of a overseas owned publication.on looking at its entertainment page the were 22ads advertising escorts and parlours etc.Is that not making money out of selling sex!!! Thanks for everyones support.John
Grow Up
Posted on 22-02-2012 09:11 | By Colleen Spiro
I walked past yesterday and as stated the windows are frosted and it could appear to be a doctors office or the like....Goodness me. The parents of the children might choose to shop there...all people who use sex toys or pretty lingerie are NOT perverted. There is obviously a need if he has been in business all these years, even directly opposite a primary school.
Interesting media
Posted on 22-02-2012 09:13 | By Gee Really
I read the editorial in a certain other paper basically saying that the owner should reconsider this shop because of the community family feel in Greerton. Then I turned over a few pages of the paper and saw the adult advertisements by the entertainment section. Hmmm? Wonder if concerns about children seeing these adult adverts outweigh the rights of someone to make a dollar (to use some of the editors words)?
Great Shop - looks good
Posted on 22-02-2012 09:23 | By andyl
Well done on presenting such a great up market looking shop to the run down Greerton Shopping center. There are no Villages in NZ, Greerton is a suberb/shopping centre. No one "hangs around" adult stores. Keep up the good work John looks great.
money yells
Posted on 22-02-2012 09:47 | By waitandwatch
the very fact that this old man john has opened his store and doing good business reflects the society he is supporting also predicts the future society. do not underestimate children, they do know alot but by setting up shop he is only a catalyst to creating a flesh serving, sex oriented society. so john you have the money, hope you do well and may your family follow in your footsteps but remember you do have the goodwill of certain people who work hard to keep a happy family going. i am sure there was a better business. think about it!
demand
Posted on 22-02-2012 14:34 | By tonyb1
The sex industry is the biggest industry in NZ there is an obvious demand for the store and even adult shops need to make buisness decision's based on our economical situation, high rents, downturn in cashflow Take me hat off too you John, and those concerned wives that are so worried, are you sure it is not your husband using this store or even the back pages of the paper as if the demand was not there ie customers these adverts and stores supplying services would not survive
a sign of old age
Posted on 22-02-2012 14:53 | By waitandwatch
when i say old age i mean both the mental and physical. the very fact that men and women have to resort to such stuff means that their bodies need to shut from such activities. they need to mature and accept that their hormones need a break. i wonder if old john needs to grow up. fancy being an ex police youth aid worker. if he was that i wonder what instructions and guidance he gave those youth. it is sad that i will look at all those community workers and think that one day they too will get into this john's business.
Here go the Do-Gooders Again.....
Posted on 22-02-2012 15:42 | By MikkiT
Some people have nothing better to do than complain and make issues for others. Sex is a healthy part of life and there is nothing at all wrong with John's shop. I think perhaps some people might need to utilise his shop in order to lighten up a bit! Moaners go elsewhere!
Posted on 22-02-2012 16:37 | By The Big Diggity Dogg
Invite Steve Crow and Boobs on Bikes to come and do their parade in Greerton to mark the opening of the store. It's all perfectly legal after all. Enough of the naysayers, let's get naked - in public.
Keeping it in the family.
Posted on 22-02-2012 18:36 | By Bindy
Can't wait to visit the boutique next time we come to the Bay. Thank you to the "adults" and your negative comments the shop's location is now well advertised. Neat to read the comments of support. Congratulations and all the best from your family in Cambridge.
Just another office...
Posted on 22-02-2012 19:05 | By dgk
I finally found the store today after looking for ages. Talk about just looking like any other corporate business office.
@Wait and see
Posted on 22-02-2012 19:06 | By Colleen Spiro
Your physical and mental state dictates the fact that you may grow old before your time....forget the hormones, go and buy some sex toys and EXTEND the enjoyment of your sex with blatent disregard to your age...LIVE A LITTLE and you may live longer...and be a little happier.
waitandwatch
Posted on 22-02-2012 19:15 | By Jack the Lad
your comments are so out there, there are a few religions around whose congregations are all so pious in the street, but practice some pretty low moral standards off it. At least John is being up front and not being a bloody hypocrite.
sign of old age
Posted on 22-02-2012 20:14 | By mccoyjb
re comments from waitandwatch to allay his fears about what guidance I gave to young people i will give him a short bio of what I was involved in. I was chairman of a primary school committee, served on a high school board of governors, started youth clubs in Taneatua, Edgecumbe and Matahina Forest village.Was involved with schools from the the East Cape through to Matata implementing the Police School talks programme.I also held weekly full length film shows for the young children of Taneatua .I was also a honorary member of the Maori Womens Welfare League so I am well aware of the needs and concerns of children. As for the "Old John" I might be old but I'm proud of my age and have a few more years yet!!!!!!!
go john
Posted on 23-02-2012 07:52 | By tonyb1
You go John, is it not amazing how people judge you because of what you are doing now and try to slander all your good work, half these moral queen,s husbands are more than likely your customers lol you got my support and custom
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.