Erotic City

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

I’m sure it comes as little surprise that industry revenue—as a whole—was down across the second half of 2025. Industry businesses are not only seeing less traffic but also less spending by those who do visit, which is a key indicator of a reduction in average discretionary income. The result is quite obvious…cigarettes, a six-pack, and OnlyFans consumed at home, versus heading to the local strip club. It’s the natural adaptation. Follow me as we look at some economic indicators and statistics and explore the situation further, along with some possible solutions. (Note: I may incite some microeconomics horror flashbacks from your academic days, but stick with me!)

You may have heard adult businesses being classified as “recession-proof,” but that’s purely a myth. They are certainly recession-resistant, but by no means completely immune. And I’m not outright saying the US is in a recession, but I’m definitely arguing that certain states are effectively experiencing “recession-level economics,” and Oregon is one of them. Comparing the national unemployment rate to Oregon’s only further underlines my point: 4.4% nationally, to Oregon’s 5.2% (December 2025). One key indicator that economists use to track the onset of a recession is a 0.5% or more increase in the unemployment rate in a three-month moving average, above the 12-month low (Sahm Rule). Oregon’s unemployment rate in May 2025 was 4.5%, so we’re there, folks, with room to spare. We’re also currently experiencing Oregon's highest unemployment rate in the last decade (excluding the pandemic, of course).

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. As I referenced above, our beloved industry is very recession-resistant, and we’re the last to feel the effects of a bona fide recession—often much less severely than other market segments, such as the automotive and real estate industries. Why, you may ask? Well, quite simply put, we are amongst the likes of tobacco and alcohol, in that we’re considered what economists call a normal good or defensive industry—we’re always in demand! Sin stock is real, folks. Luxury vacations and expensive dinners get cut well before expenditures on local adult entertainment. We are therapy, in a sense. We provide what’s called “escapism” from real-world stress and depression.

That said, there are still plenty of ways to help boost business in a slower economy, and all adult business owners and entertainers should be actively taking part. Everyone knows where doing nothing and expecting better results leads to.

Social Media Marketing

Entertainers should be consistently working social media, including actively creating posts and stories, and directly communicating with followers. Yes, it’s time-consuming, but it definitely helps to maximize your club shifts. We recommend creating specific “dancer accounts” for this, so it’s not intermingled with your private life. Also, scheduling a professional photo shoot and gradually releasing new content across your socials is a great way to gain followers and expand your club's customer base. The official Exotic photographers (Jason DeSomer of Whatever.Photo and Saint Sasha of Saint Sasha Photography) are available to you as an industry entertainer. Check out their ads on page 33. Also, be careful what you post, so your social media accounts aren’t restricted or totally deleted. Instagram, specifically, has been very strict and somewhat inconsistent in flagging many posts as “adult sexual solicitation,” even when the photo contains no nudity or soliciting text. Our own magazine covers have been removed under this same scenario.

For adult business owners, you should also be actively participating on social media platforms—especially Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. We’ve seen a lot less engagement on X and Facebook, but it’s still recommended to post across all platforms, and it’s relatively easy to set up automatic cross-posting between many of them. If you aren’t savvy or feel you don’t have the time, recruit one of your trusted entertainers or employees to run your social media accounts. What’s important is that there are consistent posts, stories, and engagements with followers. It does nothing to create the pages and then let them die from lack of activity.

Open During Stated Business Hours

There’s no faster way to damage your returning customer base than to be closed during your posted business hours. I understand that many businesses in the industry have adjusted their hours and days open to reduce labor costs, but when these changes are made too often or followed inconsistently, they can negatively affect customer retention. It may seem like a good idea to close early on that cold, rainy Wednesday night, when there are only four or five customers present, but it’s definitely harmful in the long run when done repeatedly.

Advertising

Alright, you all knew we would get here eventually…but it’s a fact. Advertising becomes even more crucial when business is down. And this isn’t just to toot Exotic’s horn. While we are proven to be the most cost-effective and targeted advertising available, I’m advocating for any advertising that makes fiscal sense. Obviously, TV, radio, and billboards are quite expensive considering the conversion rate, especially since it’s the ol’ “shotgun effect” type of advertising, where not everyone reached is a potential customer of your adult business. But there are still local newspapers that are popular among nightlife connoisseurs, one of which still publishes weekly and the other more periodically. The main point is that if the only advertising for your business is on social media, you are limping along at best. Exotic has advertising rates and ad sizes to fit any budget, so get in contact with us and let’s see what we can work out for your business.

On-Site Events

Specifically for strip clubs, industry events are a great way to attract new customers and entertainers, while boosting sales on the night of the event. It also comes with a plethora of marketing materials that provide greater exposure for your club, including sizable ads in Exotic.

Exotic operates two industry events annually: Miss Exotic Oregon and Polerotica. These events can be somewhat difficult to schedule at your club, as the current hosting venues generally prefer to continue the relationship. However, venue changes do occur over time, so if you’re interested in hosting an event round, please let us know!

Aside from our events, DJ Dick Hennessy has quite a few annual events of his own, including Best Breasts of the West, Pirates of the Caribooty, Motorbooty, and the Vagina Beauty Pageant. Reach out to him directly if you’re interested in knowing more (@djdickhennessy or (503) 380-5800).

At the end of the day, deciding how to market yourself or your business can be challenging, and we’re here to help. Even if it doesn’t result in selling you an ad, we’d love to discuss specific, relevant marketing options with you, whether you’re a business owner or an entertainer. Feel free to reach out to us (@exotic_mag or (503) 241-4317).

THE P-TOWN HAPS

You made it, peeps! You got past the holidays with all the family gatherings, and most of your New Year’s resolutions have long since been abandoned—you’re back and unchained from inessential, self-imposed regulation. Did you know there’s actually a Quitters’ Day? It’s the second Friday in January, when most folks typically desert their token pledges. I think it should be renamed to Freedom Day…Quitters’ Day has negative connotations, and there should only be good vibes in the new year, right? You only have one obstacle to overcome this month…Vaseline’s Day! I have faith in you; you will prevail!

It’s now time to cover this month’s birthdays. The first is not for the breathing, but as I always remind you folks, we cover all birthdays…even clubs! Lucky Devil is finally legal! Stop in on Thursday, February 5, and wish them a Happy 18th Anniversary! Next, it’s Elayna’s Birthday Party on Saturday, February 7, at Guilty Pleasures. Fast forward to Saturday, February 21, it’s Ember’s Cowboy From Hell Birthday Party at Hawthorne Strip. Wrapping up February birthdays, we have Shane’s Birthday Party at Guilty Pleasures on Friday, February 27. Happy Birthday, ladies and “gentleman” (…and Lucky Devil), from all of us at Exotic!

On to other industry events, we have a handful of Super Bowl parties—in no particular order…AJ’s, Stars Cabaret (Bridgeport), and The Lounge all have such offerings on Sunday, February 8, but we thought it important to note that The Lounge’s shindig is titled “Stripper Bowl Party.” Cute name? Or do we get to see some stripper football? I guess you’ll have to drop by to find out!

The next events are at a brand-new club I wrote about last month. I hope you’ve already dropped by to check it out, but if not, the Sinners’ and Saints’ Party weekend is the perfect time. The Sunset Strip VIP will have the Sinners’ Party on Friday, February 13, followed by the Saints’ Party on Saturday, February 14. Wait, Sinners’ before Saints’? More proof that nice guys really do finish last! Anyhow, make sure to drop by and see this beautiful new club! You’ll even get a second chance if you’re too busy on V-Day weekend, as they’re throwing their Official Grand Opening Weekend Party on Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28. There are no excuses, now!

Finishing off events for February is everyone’s favorite holiday…you guessed it: Love-is-temporary-but-STDs-are-forever Day! Roses and chocolates make everything better, though, so let’s do this! On Saturday, February 14, Stars Cabaret (Bridgeport) has a Valentine’s Party, Flesh and Bones Lounge has a “Lovers and Friends” Valentine’s Day Party, and Stars Cabaret in Salem has a Vampire Valentine’s Party.

Last but not least, is Angels’ Amateur Night Daisy Duke Contest on Saturday, February 28! Yeehaw—see you there!

Happy Singles’ Awareness Day, everyone! ♡❤︎

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