Sales hike fails to whip Ann Summers into shape

A bump in the sale of blindfolds, whips and handcuffs believed to have been inspired by erotic romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey was not enough to prevent the Irish business of lingerie and sex toy retailer, Ann Summers plunging into the red last year.

This follows new accounts for the British retailer’s two Irish firms showing combined pre-tax losses of €421,669 in the 12 months to the end of June 29 last.

This follows the firms enjoying combined profits of €806,902 in 2012 — a negative swing of €1.228m.