Undercover Agent

I hear your mom works in your shop.

She comes in every Thursday. She’s in charge of my Thong of the Month Club, and she’s extremely organized. She makes sure no one ever gets the same thong twice.

Whose idea was the club?

This used to be a Winston Flowers, and there was a man who came in after I opened – he lived across the street – and he said, “I always used to get my wife the flower of the month club from Winston’s. If you could do something fun like that, I’ll sign her up for it.” The woman had come in, and I knew she was a big thong wearer. He’s since passed away – he was very ill at the end – but his wife continues to be a part of the club. It’s been important to her.

I see an array of colorful thongs here. Do club members get these?

Yes, Hanky Panky thongs are phenomenal. They’re one size fits all, so they make the best presents. You’re never afraid of offending anyone by saying, “Oh, I thought you were a large.”

How do guys act when they come in here?

Two ways: Either they have the sizes down, know the brands, and are very businesslike, or they’re like a deer in headlights. You can tell pretty quick which one it’s going to be. Sometimes when I ask, “Can I help you?” the first thing they say is “Well, it’s not for me, but – ”

What’s the fear, that they’ll be suspected of cross-dressing?

If there’s anything they’re afraid of, that would be it. I just address everyone as if they’re coming in to buy a gift. They’ll tell me if they’re not.

Almost half of female bra buyers make a purchase to treat themselves. Is that what you’re seeing in your customers?

It’s getting to be more like that. One thing I get a lot is businesswomen coming in the day before a big presentation. They’re going to be wearing a black suit, and they come in to buy a fun set to wear underneath. It’s sort of like an inside joke you have with yourself. I say, go crazy. No one has to know.

Except you.

Except me.
– Ann Silvio