Bonnie Fuller wrote yesterday on The Moment blog about how the recession is affecting people’s sex lives, a topic we have explored before. So, are hard economic times helping people’s sex lives? Fuller did some research among New York retailers, and made an interesting discovery: Business is actually up at specialty sex shops.

Erotic toy and lingerie store Babeland saw a 25-percent increase in sales the week of Sept. 29 compared to the same week last year. “The same thing happened after 9/11, when our business also soared. I think we’re recession-proof because sex accessories are an inexpensive luxury,” said Claire Cavanah, the store’s co-founder.

Even lingerie store La Petite Coquette has been selling loads of lacy underthings. “We think men are really stressed out and working harder, so their wives and girlfriends are buying lingerie to help their guys relax,” owner Rebecca Aspan said. Ummm, we’re really stressed out and working harder, too! What are our husbands and boyfriends doing to help us relax, buying silk boxers for themselves? We hope not.