boi: How long has the store been open?
Jeff Sieracki (JS): We've been here close to 20 years.

boi: Who really shops here at the store?
JS: It's a pretty even split: about 50% gays and lesbians with straights making up the other 50%.

boi: Is there any difference in who shops during the day vs. the night?
JS: Our day crowd is more sedate and typically includes a lot more women shopping for erotic novelty items. At night we get a lot of couples, both gay and straight.

boi: What's the confidence level of a Cupid's customer?
JS: We get all types, including the folks who know exactly what they want and ask for it. However, the most fun customers are the shy first-timers who need hand holding by the sales staff in order to pull them out of their shells. We try to encourage lots of questions and typically these first-timers become long-term customers.

boi: What are your biggest selling items?
JS: We always sell a lot of lube, condoms, sex toys, and DVDs throughout the year. Right now during the summer months we are also selling a lot of swimsuits, underwear, and T-shirts

boi: What's the most interesting item currently in the store?
JS: Aneros. It's the first of its kind prostate-stimulating device. We have different versions that cost anywhere from $40 - $90.

boi: Most people don't know that Cupid's actually has the largest selection of swimsuits and underwear in Boystown.
JS: Yes, we carry a wide variety of Ginch Gonch, Go Softwear, Male Power, and Catherine Coatney underwear. As far as swimsuits go we have 15 styles of Go Softwear and for those who want to be a bit more provocative we have 35 styles from Pistol Pete.

boi: What are your best selling underwear and swimsuit items?
JS: Any underwear with a pattern, like the Ginch Gonch Western design, flies off the shelf. Our biggest selling swimsuit is the Go Softwear style that has a built-in cockring on the interior panel. Guys no longer have to fear shrinkage from the cold swimming pool water.

boi: Has the more playfully designed swimsuits and underwear been big sellers?
JS: Our gay clientele definitely likes these very colorful and fashion forward items while our straight male customers tend to go for the more traditional gear.

Cupid's Treasures doesn't have a web site yet, but you can call (773.348.3884) or stop by the store (3519 N. Halsted) daily from 10am-12 midnight.