So, you think you know something about sex? Think again. I learned a whole lot lately talking to the wonderful Pamela Doan, P.R. lady for the equally wonderful Babeland, the preeminent adult toy store in NYC. Running classes, selling books, toys and other ‘instruments’ of pleasure, Babes is where it’s at and Pamela-a babe herself, if I might be so bold-gave me the skinny on what’s doing at their Mercer Street location.

You were just telling me that this is a good time to be at Babeland, why?

Our season is really November thru February-Christmas and Valentines Day-we have a ton of new toys in right now.

Any new trends in this more recent stuff?

There’s definitely a move towards rechargeable toys, sophisticated, customizable, more luxury toys.

Give me an example (she led me across the store to quite a huge display)

This is the Jimmy Jang line, lots of accessories, massage tools and massage candles. Their vibrators are made of silicone and we love silicone cause it’s easy to clean, you can rinse it with just soap and water.

Another new toy is the “Squeal”

People have been trying to make tongue-shaped toys but they usually don’t work all that well. This is great for couple’s play, it’s soft and velvety and it has multiple speeds.

What’s the most popular toy?

Vibrators are the most popular of the top five products that we sell. ‘The Rabbit’ is still one of the best of them because of its dual action and the fact that it can stimulate a woman outside as well as in simultaneously. It really deserves its popularity.

Babes also teaches classes and holds seminars.

Yes, we believe in educating people on how to explore their sexuality, how to deepen it and deepen their relationships. We have a core curriculum that covers all sex, as well as classes on burlesque, Tantra.

And what’s the price for these classes?

It’s a $35 ticket. We also have kinky crafting and cheap date night, where the first 25 people get gift bags with things like discount movie tickets, and we’re always conducting mini workshops.

So let me ask the cliche’ question: what’s a nice girl like you…

I have a background in PR. I was a union organizer then I worked in the art world. I have been here for three years now and this is a wonderful company, really. This is basically retail and in retail people usually only stay until they can move on to something else. Not here. Our people have been here 3, 7, 9 years. Our staff stays. It’s wonderful being able to help people.

Check out all the goodies at babeland.com and their three locations in New York: 462 Bergen St. in Brooklyn, on the Lower East Side at 94 Rivington St. or 43 Mercer (btwn Grand and Broome Sts.). If you’re on the West Coast, check out their first-ever store at 707 E. Pike Street, Seattle.

Ralph Greco, Jr.