A CENTRAL Albury business that deals in romance, seduction and love has attracted comments and complaints from passers-by in its first two weeks of operation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Suadela’s Boudoir, located in a lane off Olive Street, received a visit from Albury Council staff on Tuesday following a complaint about the shop front.
Named for the Roman goddess of persuasion, Suadela’s Boudoir opened on December 11 and sells bath and body products as well as a range of lingerie that can be seen from the street.
Adult books, games and novelties lie in a separate 18-plus section and are only visible to people who enter that room of the shop.
The business is set up with lounges and dressing tables to create a boudoir or salon atmosphere.
An Albury Council spokeswoman confirmed a complaint had been made by a member of the public.
“Council officers attended the premises and spoke to the operator and have requested city planners to investigate further,” she said.
Suadela’s Boudoir owner Julie McLeish said she was “somewhat surprised but at the same time, not” by the complaint.
“I understand everyone has different opinions,” she said.
“I've heard women talk while they walk past, 'Oh my gosh' and 'That shouldn't be here'.
“I think as people walk past, a lot of them are shy because of how it is set up, a lot of them are somewhat uncertain.
“Maybe some people aren't ready for it yet.”
Mrs McLeish said her business was similar to other retail stores.
“You can buy at Target or Coles or Bras N Things what's in our main section; I said to council I have children myself, I would not display anything that I would find offensive if my children walked past and went 'Mummy, what's that?',” she said.
The owner said she started Suadela’s Boudoir to help couples.
“I think relationships struggle, given this day and age and how fast paced life is and I just believe people need to look after their relationships a little more,” Mrs McLeish said.
