Condomania Launches the First Hip "Safer Sex Kit" Percentage of the Proceeds to Leading HIV/AIDS Programs

Los Angeles - February 1, 1993 - Condomania, the first boutique in the nation solely dedicated to selling condoms and safer sex specialty products, has been largely responsible for helping to raise the nation's comfort level in dealing with condoms and issues surrounding safer sex. While Condomania's high energy stores have dramatically benefitted the cities where they are located, there is still a lack of this innovative, successful approach to safer sex in the rest of the nation. Condomania is proud to introduce the world's first hip, educational Safer Sex Kit, available nationwide via a toll free number.

The Condomania Safer Sex Kit includes nine assorted premium condoms, four packets of lubricant, four finger towelettes, one condom lollipop and a Dick n' Jane Condom. The kit also provides ten finger cots, two pair of latex gloves and four dental dams. Most importantly, the kit includes a comprehensive manual which uses hip, honest language to educate and help people negotiate the many issues of safer sex, such as what to do if your partner refuses to practice safer sex. Retailing at $19.95, the kit offers a fun introduction to the world of safer sex, perfect for everyone from teenagers to experienced condom users alike. The kit highlights the diversity of products available on the market emphasizing that there now exists "the right condom for everyone."

The information is not new, but the presentation is revolutionary. "We have the power to reach and influence a major segment of the population at risk, for Condomania is seen as 'hip' and 'cool' in an area which is full of frightening statistics and sterile warnings," says 26 year-old Condomania founder, Adam Glickman. "Condomania's hip approach to safer sex has fast become an important and successful trend. We embody the marketing influence of MTV, the recognition of the Hard Rock Cafe, the information of your family doctor, and the frankness of Dr. Ruth all rolled into one."

Glickman adds: "There are no lectures or scare tactics involved here. Instead, the kit manual offers an open, honest attitude that accepts sex completely and naturally, and offers options and information
about how to deal wth the concerns we must face. Most importantly, we respect the user. That respect is based on enjoying sex, while at the same time being responsible for one's own safety and imparting the attitude toward one's partner."

When purchasers order the kit by calling 1-800-9-CONDOM, their order is sent to their home in a standard generic brown package. Condomania recognizes that anonymity is an important issue for many people and the easier it is for people to have comfortable non-threatening access to safer sex products, the easier it will be for people to protect themselves.

Glickman was inspired to offer the kit by the number of mothers that visit Condomania to seek help in introducing the importance of safer sex to their teenage sons and daughters. The issues are confusing, and the facts can be intimidating to parents, teens and sexually active people of all ages. Glickman realized the need for a kit which was not only informational, but accessible and "user-friendly" as well.

"There is so much information out there now, yet there are still just as many misconceptions," says Glickman. Established in New York in 1991, Condomania focuses on assisting customers of every age, sex, culture and sexual orientation in the purchase of condoms and safer sex products. Condomania's innovative boutiques feature over 300 condoms from around the world merchandised by style to help the customer choose from the variety of products currently available, including extra-large and snugger fit condoms, Japanese ultra-thin condoms, and flavored condoms.

In the just the past few months Condomania's Mail Order Division has been established in response to the thousands of people requesting a way to order the best of Condomania's products from the comfort of their home. Today, people from all 50 states and five countries regularly call Condomania to order their favorite condoms and related products, or to find condoms that are not available in their area. All of Condomania's employees, including phone operators, are trained to take the complicated medical terminology, vague sexual innuendos and misinformation that often surround the discussion of sexually transmitted diseases, and translate these into clear and practical information that can be utilized.

Condomania's commitment to the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, the virus thought to cause AIDS, is explified by numerous contributions to research, advocacy and support organizations. In recognition of the educational focus of the kit, a percentage of the proceeds of the Safer Sex Kit will go to two leading AIDS education research awareness programs.

Glickman comments: "People are less inhibited today about buying condoms and safer sex products, but for those who are, or simply don't live near a Condomania store, this Safer Sex Kit will fit the bill. The Safer Sex Kit addresses one of today's major concerns in an educational way, yet with a style that which will appeal to those who realize they need to address these issues responsibly.