paper: downturn means more strippers in Vegas

Monday, December 29, 2008 12:43 PM

Norm Clark in the Las Vegas R-J writes... The worst economic crisis in decades has record numbers of strippers showing up in Las Vegas. "We've had as many as 400 working at one time," said Shai Cohen, director of marketing for Sapphire, which is billed as the world's largest gentlemen's club. An even larger turnout is likely next month when 140,000 convention attendees show up for the annual porn trade show and the Consumer Electronic Show. "We have seen a lot of new faces," said Cohen. Before the economy started diving last summer, 250 to 300 girls would arrive at the 70,000-square-foot club. "Girls who were in our system from long time ago are returning," he said. The majority of newcomers are driving in from Southern California, he said, with two and three sharing a motel room to cut expenses. Tipping is down, he added, and more patrons are using credit cards instead of cash. Cohen has heard scuttlebutt that a number of local strip clubs are struggling, but Sapphire's business has remained robust, he said. "We have 10 sky boxes that go for $500 an hour and they're being used. We hear people talking about the economy all day, but we haven't noticed a big difference. "Las Vegas has been an escape that's been around forever. People need to be entertained."

4 comments

BobbyI
•
16 years ago
The recession gives us customers a huge advantage over the whores. Let's milk it for all it's worth.
minnow
•
16 years ago
"We have 10 skyboxes that go for $500/hr, and............." And I'd be willing to wager that there are dozens of Vegas hotel suites going for $500/night ( and up, and way up) being used. Yes, Vegas is the land of whales, and those 400 dancers(and subject club) are looking to land a whale. That doesn't directly translate into better things for the peonage avidly surfing the net for $49/night "deals" in Vegas. IMO, "ROB Schemes", and quick grind move on to better prospect dances are just as likely as meeting an eager to please dancer. Much like the scene in "Jaws", whereby bounty is proferred for shark, and the nautical version of chaos ensues.
Slothrop
•
16 years ago
This is anecdotal evidence of "no problems," but I suspect actual statistics might tell a different story...such as, number of customers per night vs. last year at this time and nightly take.
Tucker40
•
16 years ago
Interesting. Only been to Vegas once -- and that was back in the 1980s so it can't count for comparison -- in Tampa (often referred to as Mecca by people on the board) I've seen plenty of new girls (and unretired girls) but I think the economy has forced some serious competition too. It ranges from negotiable dance prices to clubs offering 15 minute VIP room options (though not at precisely half the cost of 30 min).

You must be a member to leave a comment.Join Now

Got something to say?

Start your own discussion