'Get Tested' Update, And Thanks!

So yesterday I had the privilege of representing Gear at the first Get Tested Coachella Valley Campaign’s annual community update. The news was thrilling! In our Valley in which HIV prevalence is over twice the national average and less than half of residents have ever gotten tested, the number of tests administered and positive results uncovered have vastly increased. But more importantly, 88% of those newly-diagnosed were linked to care. In the state of California overall, the linked-to-care average is only 52%. And in our nation, it’s only 66%. Our Valley’s achievement is outstanding. 

We haven’t talked a lot about it, but John and I have been part of the coalition to launch Get Tested Coachella Valley since before it even had a name.  And we opened our community testing site before the campaign even started. It’s because we’re deeply committed to the testing-as-prevention model of HIV reduction. And because we’re also committed to giving voice to the people who are rarely included in mainstream discussion: the kinskters, the joyfully sexy, the ployamorous, the addicted, the sex workers, the sex tourists and more. 

To its credit, Get Tested Coachella Valley has involved us at every step along the way.  It has been truly remarkable to be included in a coalition with the likes of Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein, Representative Raul Ruiz and Assemblyman Manuel Perez, and to be at the table with our local mayors, public health agencies, hospitals, media, businesses and amazing non-profits, large and small. And I must admit, it’s always a kick to introduce myself and our company amidst all those other folks. 

I am ever mindful, however, that we are not at that table because of us, but because of you. By gearing up and showing up everywhere throughout the year, you tell our community that kinky people are among them and that we are important. And by supporting our store in the good and bad times, you tell people that Gear is an institution that matters to you. We don’t take that lightly. It was great to celebrate a little at the update yesterday. But it’s even greater to be able to serve you. 

Ken Blochowski

Marketing Director

Gear Leather & Fetish

Gear Acquires JIMsupport and LeatherStock, Launches Fetish Locker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gear Leather and Fetish Acquires JIMsupport and LeatherStock™; Forms Fetish Locker, Inc. 

Palm Springs, CA – May 15, 2014

Gear Leather and Fetish announced today that it has acquired the JIMsupport brand of portable steel BDSM furniture and eScents Of, LLC, the maker of LeatherStock™ premium leather scented products. It has consolidated all three businesses under a new corporate entity, Fetish Locker, Inc. 

“It’s a huge honor to have been chosen to carry on the legacies of two such well-known and popular gay men’s fetish brands,” said Fetish Locker President and CEO John McBain. “We look forward to serving their existing fans as well as bringing both lines to the broader kink/fetish/BDSM marketplace.” 

Founded in 2005, Gear Leather & Fetish has delighted kinky shoppers with its sexy, contemporary environment and exclusive, curated collection of fine fetish goods. Owners McBain and Ken Blochowski look forward to bringing the qualities which have made their retail store so successful—extensive personal product knowledge, attentive customer service and strong management backgrounds—to the newly formed venture.

Already the duo has implemented manufacturing practices which have increased JIMsupport’s quality and efficiency, enabling them to reduce prices on almost every item within the line. In addition, they’ve committed to a new, always-in-stock policy for both brand’s core items, shipping most retail and wholesale orders within twenty-four hours of receipt. 

Over the next year, customers can expect re-imagined online shopping experiences, exciting new and improved products, and enhanced merchandise availability through new retail partnerships worldwide. 

JIMsupport and LeatherStock have been two of our favorite vendors for years,” said Ken Blochowski, Fetish Locker Vice President and Marketing Director. To be able to re-launch these brands and share our love for them with new audiences is a dream come true.”

To learn more about the Fetish Locker family of companies, please visit our web site, FetishLocker.com.

For Further Details, Contact:

Ken Blochowski
Vice President, Marketing
Fetish Locker, Inc.
800 S Vella Rd Bldg H
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-864-1600
ken@fetishlocker.com
http://www.FetishLocker.com

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Renovation: Phase 1

Phase one of our renovation is done. Here's a quick tour!

We're Renovating!

A better Gear is on the way! We’ve been dreaming of bringing you a new store for over a year, and now it’s on the way! First up, new slatwall so that we can bring you more dynamic displays. Down the road you’ll see new lighting, flooring, dressing rooms, fixtures and more! We’ll remain open throughout the process, so please pardon a little noise. We look forward to creating something new and special for you!

Holiday Hours

We'll be open from Noon-4 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Day and closed on Christmas Day. There's still plenty of time to get a great gift for yourself, or the man you love!

We've Decked the Halls!

We've just decorated for the Holiday Season! Please drop by and enjoy our Holiday displays!

It's Small Business Saturday!

Support Gear and all of your other favorite small businesses!

Today is Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and support the local small businesses that boost the economy and invigorate neighborhoods across the country.

We're proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we’re encouraging everyone to Shop Small® today.

Plus, if you register your American Express Card and spend at least $25 at a qualifying small business (and that includes us!), you'll get a $25 statement credit!*

Most importantly, get out there, Shop Small, and let’s make this November 24th the biggest day of the year for small business.

To learn more, visit ShopSmall.com.

*This special offer from American Express applies to in-store purchases only. Web sales are excluded.

We’re closed on Thanksgiving Day.

So that everyone in the Gear family can enjoy a special day with their loved ones, we will be closed on Thursday, November 22. We’ll be open regular hours for the rest of the weekend, though! We hope that you’ll drop by and celebrate the start of the holiday shopping season with us. Enjoy a beer too, for as long as our keg lasts!

Work at Gear!

We’ve got an opening for a part-time sales associate! A flexible schedule, strong customer service orientation and friendly attitude are required. Interested? Please send your resume to info@gearleather.com. Please share widely!