Kamloops high romantic rating no surprise for adult and book stores

Feb 2, 2017 | 4:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — With less than two weeks to go until Valentine’s Day, people are looking for the perfect place to take their valentine.

It turns out you don’t have to look any further than our own backyard.

In a survey recently conducted by Amazon, Kamloops ranked 9 on a list of the 20 most romantic cities in the country.

It’s a significant jump from the cities 20th place standing last year.

WATCH: Full report by Vanessa Ybarra

Victoria took the top spot in romantic cities, followed by Abbotsford, North Vancouver, and Grand Prairie Alberta.

According to Amazon, the survey was based on each cities sales of romance novels, romantic comedies, relationship books, jewelry and sexual wellness products.

At Kamloops’ Doctor Love and Hemp City, staff say the cities rise in ranking doesn’t come as a surprise.

“I guess I wasn’t that surprised, ” said Erin Riffel, General Manager of Doctor Love and Hemp Store. “We have a really good solid, customer base and we see a new increase in customers base all the time.”

According to Riffel, 30 to 50-year-olds are the stores most popular demographic, adding seniors are no stranger to the shop.

With at least four adult stores in the city, Riffel says personal purchasing is losing its taboo.

“It’s not a back alley porn shop anymore,” added Riffel, “There’s no blacked out windows and secret back entrances. It’s kind of something that’s almost dinner talk these days.”

At Andrena’s Book Co Used Books, they sell a wide-variety of romance and relationship books, which is why General Manager Michael Reid also isn’t fazed by the cities ranking.

“I do sell a lot of books on relationships and a lot of romance novels actually,” said Reid. “It used to be predominantly women who would purchase novels, recently it’s been a lot more men.”

Reid says the steamy 50 Shades of Grey trilogy remains one of their top sellers.

Whether residents believe the survey or not, extra love in any city is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to business revenue.