WORLD> Europe
|
WORLD> Europe
|
|
Oldest profession uses new tricks to beat crisis
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-22 08:56 BERLIN: It did not take long for the world financial crisis to affect the world's oldest profession in Germany. In one of the few countries where prostitution is legal, and unusually transparent, the industry has responded with an economic stimulus package of its own: modern marketing tools, rebates and gimmicks to boost falling demand.
"Times are tough for us too," said Karin Ahrens, who manages the "Yes, Sir" brothel in Hanover. She said revenue had dropped by 30 percent at her establishment while turnover had fallen by as much as 50 percent at other clubs. "We're definitely feeling the crisis. Clients are being tight with their money. Everyone wants a deal." Berlin's "Pussy Club" has attracted media attention with its headline-grabbing "flat rate" - a 70-euro ($90) admission charge for unlimited food, drink and sex between 10 am and 4 pm. "You've got to come up with creative solutions these days," said club manager Stefan, who requested his surname not be published. "We're feeling the economic crisis too. Our offer might sound like it's too good to be true, but it's real. You can eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want and have as much sex as you want." Other novel ideas used by brothels and prostitutes include loyalty cards, group sex parties and rebates for golf players. Hamburg's "GeizHaus" is especially proud of its discount 38.50-euro price. Anke Christiansen, manager of the "GeizHaus", said the effects of the economic crisis were clear. "The regular customers who used to come by two or three times a week are only coming by once or twice a week now."
A "GeizHaus" client, who gave his name as Pascal, said: "Naturally we're all feeling the effects of the crisis." He added that he could no longer afford his usual two or three visits a week. Guenter Krull, manager of the "FKK Villa" in Hanover, concurred. "The girls are complaining, too, because business is bad and I worry that it's all going to get even worse." Ecki Krumeich, manager of Artemis Club in Berlin, said he resisted pressure to cut prices, although senior citizens and taxi drivers get a 50-percent discount on the 80-euro admission fee on Sundays and Mondays. "Our philosophy is: we provide an important service and even in a recession there are some things people won't do without," said Krumeich, who said his "wellness club" is one of the largest in Europe with about 70 prostitutes. "Other places might cut prices but we decided we won't do that. In fact, we raised prices by 10 euros in January." Stephanie Klee, a prostitute in Berlin and former leader of the German association of sex workers, said even if a few luxury brothels were weathering the storm because of their wealthy regular clientele, many were struggling. "Just about everyone's turning to advertising in one form or another," she said. "If the consumer electronics shop and the optician come out with rebates and special promotions, why shouldn't we try the same thing?" While she and her colleagues might have had five or six clients per day a year ago that had fallen to one or even none. "You'll find a lot of customers trying to negotiate prices down now," said Klee. "A 30-year-old came up to me and said 'I lost my job so will you give me a discount?'" Reuters |
