“We’re an education-oriented sex shop,” says owner Shelley Taylor, which nicely differentiates what they do from the average dildo emporium or fetish boutique. Though the store was started with idea of working with women and the queer community, half of Venus Envy customers are now men, and it offers for customers regular readings, workshops and art shows, as well a bursary program, raising university money for women and trans people. And, on top of all this, Venus Envy is a bookstore. “We are improving people’s lives by being sex positive,” says Taylor. “People really are using us as a resource.” 1598 Barrington, 422-0004
First runner up: Shoppers Drug Mart, 5524 Spring Garden, 429-2400
Second runner up: Night Magic, 5268 Sackville Street, 420-9309