I just watched my local 11 P.M. news and they did an investigative report on a popular novelty store in my area. You can view the video and see a brief on the story here.
I have to admit that I am stunned. I remember working in the mall as a teen and although I don’t remember items like these (lollipops in the shape of male body parts??), I am sure they probably existed but I never paid much attention.
Is this part of the problem with our kids and teens being overexposed to sex? As a mom, I don’t think I would let my kids in Spencer’s anymore. Growing up I was never kept out of the store by my parents. Is it because they weren’t aware of the adult games, cards, and novelties in the rear of the store or was it just not that bad?
What is most shocking is the fact that kids can buy these items without restriction from the store or its employees. Color me worried! A quick trip to the Spencers Internet page finds adult "massagers" and "luv stuff". I’m not a prude. To each his own I say but in the name of protecting my kids… No WAY. If they want to sell these items then that portion of the store should be restricted to the 18 and over crowd and manned by an employee at all times.
Our local news will be following this report up tomorrow night and I plan on tuning in then. In the meantime, when I get some downtime, I will most definitely take a trip to Spencer’s. Admittedly I haven’t been there in a few years and I think I should see if the store is as bad as it is being reported before my kids are ever allowed in there.
But what about you? Would you allow your kids to go in Spencer’s? What would you do if they brought something home that was purchased from the store and you found it?
I ABSOLUTELY agree with you! I used to “sneak” into Spencers, every Saturday before hitting the roller rink (yes, I am an 80′s child), and snicker, giggle, and occasionally embarrass myself by looking at the “adult” things that were all around that store. Today, all that stuff is docile and trite compared to what’s out there and available to young people now. Then other day while I was at the mall with my youngest, I saw Spencers again. And the thought that occurred to me? No way! No way will I even walk past that place with a nine year old in tow. There should be restrictions for minors. They still do that for adult magazines don’t they? Or, has that changed as well? At least they should put a paper bag over the items and call it a day!Ughhh! Don’t even get me started! CJ
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the store. I know that those types of products should not be allowed for those underage and I’m saddened to hear that whowever owns this store believes otherwise
Audrey
Since when is the “adult section” not considered porn? I thought it had to be segregated by age?
I was in Spencer the other day – I never go to the Mall – ever and just happened upon it. I went in trying to find something “fun” but not vulgar for my hubby’s V-day basket.
There were two boys (maybe late teens) in the back area contemplating when they should buy the Carmen Electra Pole Dancing Kit for one of their girlfriends. The dilemma stemmed from the fact the young man was heading over to his girlfriend’s house and her Dad might see the kit if he bought it now!
I certainly had a few wild days in my life – BUT – I was not in my late teens in Spencer buying a pole dancing kit!
I guess it is solely up to me to protect my kids. Obviously the retail industry has no intention of doing anything about it.
Julie
I think Spencer’s should be age restricted. To each his own – and freedom of speech – I’ve even shopped there for my husband & myself – but NEVER with my girls. It makes me sick to think little kids go in there and see way more than they should… That young children are thinking about pole dancing, or their girlfriends pole dancing – shudder – gag… The only reason they’re gonna “do it anyway” is because it’s so readily available to them…
When I was in middle school (I’m 31), we’d go into Spencer’s to see the lava lamps and Simpson’s stuff. They had a section in the back that you had to be 18 to enter. The employees really were watching, and I was in college before I made it back there. Of course, by that point, the “massage tools” and roll the dice games seemed tame compared to the stuff I saw that time I let my buddy take me to the lingerie store
It saddens me to think that the store’s policies have changed, especially since my 8-y-o dd is getting closer and closer to that mall age.
The bottom line here is (two lines I guess)#1 the business world could care less if they corrupt our children, it’s all about $$$ AND #2 Kids under 13 should not be wandering malls. Have you been in the “Hot Topic” store (much worse stuff)Have you observed the groups of kids that “hang out” in the malls. You do not want your kids to socialize with other kids just “hanging out”. Kids really need to be directed toward specific activities. Kids just “hanging out” are two steps away rom getting into trouble. My daughter and I argued often about “hanging at the mall” You must say “No” nowadays its not a safe hangout.
That stuff use to be in a seperate section. In our store it was almost completely obvious that kids could not go there, but there was nothing that was that shocking back then. Now they have everything in shapes of all body parts. I even get embarrassed. I wanted to look at lights for my kids room a few days ago and rushed past all 3 of those aisles trying to keep my daughter from looking at it. It needs to change. I remember having to take down a swimsuit picture in a store I worked at because it offended someone. Believe me, she was covered and not obscene.
I remember that Spencer’s was a “taboo” store when I was younger. I would never let my kids go in today! I also agree with the previous poster who said 13 year old kids don’t belong alone in a mall. At least not these days!
.-= Amy @ Thoughts of THAT Mom´s last blog ..Freezing Eggs? =-.