In the back, a staircase leads to a dimly lit basement housing an extensive video arcade offering dollar peep shows and “buddy booths.” Dozens of men loiter in the common area, waiting anxiously to meet someone to disappear with under the cover of darkness. Other media-crossword puzzles, old comic books, and mainstream Hollywood movies-are scattered randomly among titles like Bang Bros and Big Jugs, there to appease the city’s 60-40 rule stipulating that adult entertainment establishments must have at least 60 percent of the space dedicated to “non-adult” merchandise. Inside, there’s a narrow maze of shelves that are stocked with hundreds of pornographic DVDs and sex toys. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square and nearly hidden from view from most tourists, you’ll find the Blue Store & DVD, a sex shop located in the shadow of the 52-story New York Times building.
