Sexy stuff on the upturn despite global economic downturn.

RETAIL sales may be waning but for one high-end lingerie-sex toy business they are booming during the credit crunch.

All anyone wants for Easter this year is "sex and chocolate", according to Eloise Monaghan, co-owner of Honey Birdette with her friend Janelle Barboza.

In its third year, the business has two shops – one in the Brisbane CBD and the other in inner-suburban Paddington – selling underwear, bedroom toys, erotic fiction and saucy props. The opposite of a sleazy sex shop – there are no DVDs or magazines – Honey Birdette claims to be a "luxe boudoir" run by women for women, stocking only premium products from around the world.

Sales at Honey Birdette soared 147.3 per cent in the 12 months to March 31, 2009. Its party plan division – where women sell goods through parties at people's homes – rose 58 per cent, with internet trade up 17 per cent.

Black Friday on the stockmarket last October was one of Honey Birdette's biggest retail days and March this year, traditionally a quiet time for retail, saw its biggest month behind February (Valentine's) and December (Christmas).

"'The most risque products are proving the biggest sellers, with the ($250) We-Vibe, a toy which featured in the gift bags at this year's Oscars, and the Sydney-made nipple tassels ($69-$89) proving to be two of the most popular items," Ms Monaghan says.

While she originally had been concerned about how the global financial crisis would affect trade, Ms Monaghan says Honey Birdette has "exceeded expectations".