retail profiles // sexy // ris-k lingerie

Upon walking into Ris-K Lingerie boutique, one would be surprised to discover that the 4,500-square-foot shop was once a teen apparel store that catered to the punk and goth lover, which is how the store opened in 2001.

But in February of 2007, owner Delores Benford decided lingerie was the way to go. She decked the shop out in displays of dancewear, costumes, toys, lubricants, quality lingerie and exotic shoes, making the store a tasteful alternative for adults seeking a comfortable environment for purchasing bedroom-wear, lingerie and intimate products.

Ris-K Lingerie is located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains and is run by Benford, her husband Steve and her daughter Stephanie. Top brands amidst the racks include Shirley of Hollywood's lingerie and corsets, Dreamgirl's lingerie and corsets, Leg Avenue's hosiery and costumes, and J. Valentine dancewear, which Benford praises for its high quality: "The quality is so much better than most dancewear on the market. Whenever I get new J. Valentine styles in, they fly off the shelves." Burleska, a UK corset brand, has also done "amazingly well," reported Benford. Most requested items are constructed corsets, lingerie, garter belts and thigh highs.

And for shoppers seeking a bit of fitness, they don't have to travel too far. The retailer opened a 4,000-square-foot women's-only fitness center in July 2008 that offers aerobic classes-including pole as well as Latin and belly dancing-to women of all ages, shapes, sizes and skill levels. Benford described the center as boasting a "nightclub atmosphere."

"Women were coming into our shop complaining about their bodies while they tried on lingerie and complaining that they felt uncomfortable at co-ed gyms, and we had this extra space," Benford said. "It is really doing phenomenally-and it helps women feel sexy and buy our products!"

"We are one-stop shopping," said Benford. "We carry the sexy bedroom wear as well as the toys you need when the lingerie hits the floor. And our women's fitness studio is the perfect answer for women who are bored with regular workouts."

Ris-K Lingerie is located at 580 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.