September 1, 2022

Introducing New Zealand’s newest sexual wellness retailer, Hello Lover

Early February saw the launch of Hello Lover, a new e-commerce and educational platform selling a curated range of high quality, body-safe sexual pleasure and wellness essentials. 

Founder Ella McLean saw an opportunity to modernise the sexual wellness category through the creation of a multi-brand marketplace and platform that educates and inspires others by bringing people together to explore the very basic need of sexual pleasure. 

HelloLover at first glance is a beautiful curated platform, akin more to a jewellery high street retailer than sexual devices. Yet for McLean their aim isn’t the luxury market, but the every growing sexual wellness space. 

“Pleasure isn’t a one-size-fits-all vernacular – that’s why it’s important our brand experience is tailored to support and reflect this. We’re working to create a new standard for sexual pleasure – one that celebrates all the wide-ranging possibilities in which sexuality holds for us and puts the positivity back into pleasure,” she says. 

HelloLover has a unique selling point in the New Zealand market, beyond the items it sells, it’s also a sexual wellness destination that helps path the way for sexual self-discovery.

“We’re a sex positive platform on a mission to change the outdated sex shop industry and make intimacy more enjoyable, for everyone. Our aim is to provide credible information, spark healthy conversations, and unpack the stigma and taboo around sex from an explorative viewpoint,” comments McLean. 

The website aims to be a place for sexual exploration, while McLean says is important as the foundation for on-going sexual wellness. 

“Sex is an important pathway to self-awareness, self-care and we should feel uplifted, empowered and encouraged to explore this innate human want and need. Learning to become better attuned with our own sexual pleasure, and others, leads to more enjoyable sexual experiences. 

“This requires education, exploration and practice. Yes, sexual lifestyle products can make us feel really (really) good, but they can only take us so far. That’s why we’ve taken an all-encompassing sex education and self-care approach that helps you navigate sex and pleasure. We are providing the kind of sex education and knowledge we wished had been available to us, but never received.

There are no shortage of wholesalers in New Zealand that sell products into the space, yet for McLean what the market does lack is a retailer that focuses on the overall customer buying experience.

Hello Lover as she puts it, is aiming to be, “like the Mecca for Sex Toys.” 

“New Zealand’s sexual wellness industry still feels outdated, which adds to the stigma and shame around sexual pleasure. Historically we have been made to feel that this side of ourselves is suggestive, saucy and shameful – to be kept hidden under lock and key. 

So, I started brainstorming ways that not only would reimagine the purchasing experience of pleasure products, but also help guide people to grow their confidence and own their sexuality - however that looks or feels like for them,” she comments. 

HelloLover has seen some successes since its launch in February of this year, with McLean quickly tapping into the growing demand across the country for adult toys and education surrounding what they’re buying.

“Our next task is to be in the front seat of helping change the stigma surrounding sexual pleasure,” says McLean.

“My hope is for Hello Lover to become a safe space where all people can feel included in, learn from and engage with an experience that brings pleasure in many ways.”