Sugar

Came in on a quiet night, and was immediately greeted by Rachel. Not only did she do an amazing job at making sure I was comfortable, but she was extremely knowledgeable about the products in the store, and seemed genuinely excited about the products I was interested in. The selection seemed a little small, but everything seemed to be very high quality. Overall I would definitely recommend checking this place out.

My new favorite sex toy shop! Honestly it was great, large space and helpful staff. Has expensive good stuff and cheap bachelorette stuff. Super friendly vibe.

I’ve been to a few adult stores and I’d have to say that Sugar has to be one of the most professional, clean, educational, and relaxed/​non-​creeper environments.
In taking a casual stroll around Hampden, I happened upon «that store with the covered windows» that I kept hearing about. I noticed that in Sugar, there is something for everyone. While the store isn’t big, they seem to have a large variety of items. Aside from the things that are self explanatory, there are a bunch of «what the heck is that?!/how does THAT work?» things that the staff are happy to explain/​demonstrate functionality.
Why I rate Sugar 5 stars:
–wide variety of intimate items (everything from scented candles, to things that can be used for more intimately adventurous individuals)
–staff that is super friendly and helpful
–the safe and comfortable environment where adult topics don’t feel taboo
–the «please touch/​turn on» environment with relation to the toys/​gadgets
–the fact that I learn so much when I’m here
–They even have classes in which intimate topics are discussed… I stumbled upon a polyamory discussion panel… and let me tell you, I know so much about this lifestyle… more than I have ever thought I wanted/​needed to know. Welp, there goes my random tid bit of «what the heck?!» information that I have stored at the back of my brain just in case I’m ever on Jeopardy!
Great store, great staff, reasonable prices.

Inspired and educational – the boyfriend and I had a blast. Excellent for beginners. I would feel equally comfortable visiting the shop on my own. Great show and tell environment.

It was difficult for me to choose between 2 and 3 stars, but ultimately I settled on 2 since I walked out of the store without making a purchase. They do provide a lot of quality products here, and I like that the employees don’t hound you on the sales floor (something very typical of my past experiences at a variety of adult stores). They also appear to cater to a variety of sexual orientations (I can only base this on my own and my bestie that accompanied me, we both have different sexual orientations and both felt that there was a good accommodation).
But I don’t know. Nothing really enticed me or stood out to me as new and interesting. This would be a great place for beginners to shop.

Linda’s husband here, posting this review of wifey’s and my impressions of Sugar.
Sugar is a great little shop! The people there have been friendly and very helpful, and in our experience very cool and non-​judgemental as well. The store caters to people of all tastes, genders, and preferences, as well as those of all shapes, sizes, and ages.
I noticed Eric A.‘s recent review of his experience at the store. While I’m certainly not discounting any of what he had to say, I will report that, in several visits to Sugar since we found it last summer, we have never experienced anything like the kind of treatment he and his partner encountered at the store. If we had, we’d be warning people off as well! But we have had nothing but positive, supportive, and affirming conversations with the employees of Sugar. Hopefully, his was an isolated incident, and will never be repeated.
The main thing about Sugar that made me want to write a review is the classes. What a very cool idea to have classes in the store! Linda and I have taken the «G-​Spot, Squirting, and You» class, as well as the analagous class for penis-​equipped people and their partners. Head honcho Jacq ran the G-​spot class, and was really good about keeping the discussion interesting, fun, non-​judgemental, and even gender and preference-​neutral. These classes have been informative and fun, and we look forward to finding out about new classes. Our only unfulfilled wish is that we’d love it if the store would present a talk about the swinging lifestyle!
As far as the store proper is concerned, we like their selection, and have made several purchases there. The inventory is a trifle limited, and I expect that this is due to the small size of the shop. But that is my only beef– the store is definitely work checking out!

Think sex shops are awkward and taboo? Trashy and dirty? Well be prepared for a sharp and sudden paradigm shift upon visiting Sugar.
You (like me) will likely never want to give any other sex shop your business. The store is super clean and organized with a purposefully open floor plan in their new space. They carry a huge selection of toys that cover the entire spectrum of price (even ultra high-​end brands like Lelo and JimmyJane) and experience level. The staff here are are also wonderful (I’m looking at you Coco!).
A very unique aspect of this place is that they have a «classroom» where they conduct all sorts of workshops, trainings, and seminars. Very community oriented and safe feeling.
An all around wonderful place that I will make sure to bring my business to for years to cum.
Erhum. come.

Up until recently the girlfriend and I thought this place was great. After a really bad experience for the both of us I doubt we will ever go back. It’s a shame because it was the only sex shop that we actually felt comfortable visiting.
Without going into excruciating detail, we decided to visit Sugar to pick out some new toys for the weekend. We have been together for years and have mostly done it all. I suggested we buy a particular toy that we’ve never used before to spice things up and she was a bit hesitant and scared to try, understandably so. Upon checking out, she asks an employee about the toy… expressing the fact that I suggest she buy it and that she was nervous and uncomfortable about asking about «taboo» things. She asked because she was interested, but she was obviously nervous and wanted guidance/​advice from someone who is supposed to know these things. What happens next totally catches both of us off guard.
The employee raises her voice loud enough for the entire store to hear, and begins to verbally berate me. She became visibly agitated over the question for whatever reason. Her first response was to suggest I go and «try sticking something up my a** and stop bothering her about it», and that «forcing someone to do something against their will is rape.» For the next few minutes, in front of other employees and all other customers in the store, she begins to breakdown the textbook definition of rape and basically says in more ways than one that I am a rapist. I was extremely offended, but also in disbelief that this was happening. She also tells my girlfriend very bluntly that her unwillingness to try new sexual things is a result of past physical abuse or trauma (which is not true in the slightest). She also offers several pieces of advice to overcome the problem, the first of which was me to shove things in my a**. The other was for me to find another partner and have sex with her and «send her on her way afterwards.» While this whole thing is happening, a second employee is off to the side laughing at us. We both felt humiliated and shamed. My girlfriend was anxious and nervous about asking in the first place, and the reaction we got was totally uncalled for. To suggest that I am somehow forcing my girlfriend to do things against her will without any prior context or knowledge of us or our relationship is offensive to say the least. We thought Sugar was a safe place to ask sexual questions, not a place to be called a rapist or to be told you have been sexually abused. If you like asking personal questions and be publicly humiliated, called a rapist, and laughed at by employees at a sex shop, this is the place to go! Despite the situation, we were calm and polite. We paid for the items we had and left the store without making a scene. As soon as we stepped out of the store, my girlfriend was in tears. She wanted someone to make her feel at ease and offer suggestions for new sexual experiences, not be lectured about rape and sexual abuse. My girlfriend is actually in the mental health profession and has extensive experience dealing with people who have trauma or abuse. The employee didn’t know this because she didn’t care to ask any questions before jumping to such an exaggerated conclusion.
I’m sure everyone’s experience at Sugar has been much different than ours. We used to really enjoy this place. Unfortunately they just lost two customers.

This shop is fantastic and has an amazing crew working there! I went in feeling a little unsure of how to ask for what I was looking for, but (I wish I remembered her name!) the woman that helped me instantly made me feel comfortable! They are super knowledgeable and a willing to provide recommendations for your personal needs. Will for sure be back :)

Perfection. This shop has won best adult shop in Baltimore for a reason! The staff are friendly and welcoming, and won’t make you feel awkward about walking in alone or with a partner.
I refuse to go anywhere else for buying toys in person!

So I got a nice gift certificate from a friend a year ago and decided to stop on in before it expired. Boy am I glad I did! This is definitely worth a stop if you are in Hampden.
They have all sorts of cool stuff in here! Everything for the freaky-​deaky to the shy people. Let’s face it people, everyone is happier when they have a good sex life. Whether it be solo, with a partner or multiple partners. The people here are more than happy to provide advice, workshops and «equipment» for whatever you need. They even have organic and natural bath and skin care products.
Obviously you have to be 18 and over to be here… they are very strict about this. They are also strict about parking… do not park in the lot directly behind the store… they will tow you.
Sorry to dissapoint, but for you perverts out there I will NOT be reviewing any product from this store, so you can just stop in and there get your questions answered by the reps in the store or give Slumber Parties by Nakia a call, she will be more than happy to have discreet conversations and opinions on some of these products. This review is strictly for the store.

I will never go to another sex shop as long as I live! I went in looking for something to use alone or with my husband and the young lady that was working was helpful. knowledgeable but not overbearing. I loved being able to see toys outside of their packages and hear the pros and cons of each. I found the selection to be big enough to offer a variety but not enough to overwhelm me. I left with a purchase I was sure about (and turned out to be wonderful!) and felt good supporting a local, female owned business!

Friendly and informative service, and a surprisingly wide selection, though obviously they don’t have everything.

A sex store review. You betcha. This store is so great. Shy? Struck by the giggles at the site of a dildo? Unsure what you are even doing there? This is the place for you. She will explain everything she has, what it’s for and what you can do with it. The owners are just so, so wonderful and embody the healthy sexual attitude that I love.
Now, if you’re a little more experienced (ahem) they aren’t going to have everything you’re going to want (awww, LeSad), but I bet you can still find stuff there you will like.
So take your shy, giggly butt down there and learn a whole new level of «Yes, please!»

The level of support is wonderful with the staff. It is well worth the money for high
quality toys and support. Thanks to the young guy that helped us:) I also will be attending some of the classes they offer, who knew I could learn so much!!!

I am a very modest ((giggles)) and shy person. ((gets struck by lightning))
OK OK — I KID!
When it comes to the subject of sex I’m a little bashful, and I absolutely loved the professionalism of Maria (gosh I hope that was her name)! She was the sweetest most knowledgeable woman ever! I have to admit, I was terrified of going into some creepy/​sleezy sex shop, and this is far from that. It’s extremely clean, professional, and the subject of sex is very open, honest, and matter of fact. Nothing raunchy about it at all!
Oh — and I was glad there was parking in the back and its a very discrete entrance/​location. Last thing I wanted was everyone and their mother knowing I was going into a sex shop!

This place is AWESOME! I’m going to keep things short and sweet for once, because it is a personal subject. This is the only sex shop in the area where I have felt comfortable inside. It is small, but it’s clean, they sell quality products, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I didn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed (only giggled twice) and I didn’t want to immediately bathe myself in bleach after being there either. This store has a great atmosphere, and if need be I will definitely return!

Great shop! And yeah, dudes can go to toy shops too (try it fellas, your lady might appreciate a surprise and they won’t steer you wrong here). Mind you I am a sucker for a nice puppy too, so I may be be a bit biased and have an ulterior motive (seriously, cute dog and super sweet). I love how the shop is set up. They do a good job of using the space they have and the utilize their displays well. The shop is definitely quality over quantity, so don’t expect the usual floor to ceiling metal racks with oodles of china made anatomy hanging all over the place. I do wish their erotica section was a little bigger but I can deal. I will say that the erotica they do have is a good mix of atypical stuff so if you’re looking for something other than the typical dribble they might be able to help you. This is a great place for couples or anyone who is sex positive and looking to price some gadgets or talk about the pros and cons of various insertables with some very knowledgeable and helpful staff. The great atmosphere in this place makes me want to support it. I like that it is owned by a chick. It is so far from the typical toy shop that makes you want to nail yourself in the thigh with a penicillin autoinjector upon entering. I hear they have classes and I would love to go to a few sometime and if I do I will update if I go to any couples ones.
None of you have any idea how many puns I had to edit out of this to get a half decent review. It ain’t easy being sleazy, I can tell you that much.

This is the only sex shop I will spend my money in. The people who work here are fantastic, and the products they sell are also fantastic. Prices are reasonable, and again, the items are quality so they will last you for years. They also offer classes on different topics, which from what I’ve heard are really awesome.

Sugar is a fantastic little sexuality boutique in a fun and artsy area of Baltimore that boasts lesbian ownership and a staff of women and transpeople. This is a wonderful place for women, couples and transpeople to shop for sexy goodies in a clean, fun, non-​intimidating atmosphere. Even the bathroom is sparkling and safe!
Located in a small retail space in a row of basement shops, the door to Sugar opens into the parking lot instead of onto the street. Once you find it, walk on down the short hallway (where the unisex potty is found) and into the retail space to discover a wide range of sex toys and other tasteful sexy items ranging from sensually romantic to deliciously kinky. The woman working there was welcoming with a great sense of humor and the ability to balance helpfulness with respect for my shopping privacy. Toys and other items are displayed on tables and shelves so that you can pick them up, turn them on, and giggle or ooh, as the case may be. Prices are appropriate. While the selection is not huge, they have the good stuff so it really is the only place you need to go unless you’re seeking cheap and crappy novelties.
Dildos, vibes, strap on harnesses, scented candles, books, sexy games, butt toys, lubes, men’s masturbation toys, cute toy storage boxes, some leather items and gifty items are all sold here. The staff is clearly well trained on the products and willing to help. Local sex-​related papers and other free publications are also available just inside the door. Well known and respected sex educators regularly appear for affordable workshops, to top it all off.
I had previously docked a star for a shortage of wanking (penis) toys for men, but it turns out that I just missed them while I was there. They do have a nice selection of high quality toys for boys, front and back, as well as C rings. They also feature wonderful offerings for bois (transmen) from packing to penetrative toys and harnesses!
It is also worth noting that on the day we visited one of our group had to leave quickly because the scented candles were giving her a headache. If you’re very scent-​sensetive you may wish to call in advance to see if they still carry them. I mentioned it to the owner and she was immediately responsive and pledged to find an alternative way to create their sweet smelling ambiance. I will say that I am prone to migraines and had no trouble with the candles, myself.
I am thrilled to highly recommend a visit to Sugar, whether you’re a sex store vet or shy shopper looking for a little something-​something. Those in our group who had never been to a sexuality boutique (vs. a truck stop smut shop) were impressed, and so was I. Not only would I shop here with friends and partners, but I will be sending my clients and attending workshops. Great job, Sugar!