Strip club chains are enlisting influencers and reality television stars, including Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird from "Honey Boo Boo," to attract customers amid a decline in traditional patronage. The strategy aims to boost revenue in an industry struggling with competition from online pornography and changing social habits.
Mike Dickinson, a regional operator for Pony Clubs in the South and Midwest, initiated the practice of booking influencers, a move he likens to adapting to a changing market, stating, "You don't want to be Blockbuster in a Netflix world." Initially, he focused on performers with large online followings, but later expanded to include influencers who had no prior experience in the industry.
Dickinson noted that influencers like Efird, who he described as "phenomenal," have drawn significant crowds, with patrons lining up early to see them perform. These influencers typically receive an appearance fee ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for weekend engagements, in addition to tips. Some also offer private dances in VIP rooms.
Efird, who also maintains an OnlyFans account, stated that her involvement has attracted individuals who might not normally frequent strip clubs. She reported that on a recent weekend at the Pony in Chattanooga, over 200 people were in attendance before midnight. While she finds the performances a "confidence booster," Efird indicated she does not plan to pursue exotic dancing full-time, describing it as a "fun event to do once or twice a month." She also noted that her celebrity can generate up to $10,000 on a lucrative night.
Industry experts suggest that strip clubs have not fully recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic. Frank Bane, owner of Continental Agency, which represents strippers, observed that younger audiences are more engaged with their phones and less inclined towards traditional club activities such as drinking and socializing. Shanna Brooks, a former porn star and now a comedian, also performed topless at Dickinson's clubs, noting that while the audience was initially surprised, they responded positively and offered tips.
Former UFC and WWE star Matt Riddle, who participated in a judging role at one of Dickinson's events, commented that the inclusion of influencers benefits not only the performers and the business but also the atmosphere for everyone involved.