Tracey Whitmore of Vibez Adult Boutique in Aylesford

Adult shops in Kent are reporting a spike in sales as a result of the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon.

The erotic book, part of a trilogy written by British author E.L. James, has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide since it was published last year, and sex shops are now reaping the benefits of its popularity.

The series, also featuring the titles Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, focuses on the relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and young business magnate Christian Grey.

It is notable for its scenes featuring unusual sexual practices and adult toys, and seems to have inspired couples to be more adventurous.

Tracey Whitmore, owner of Vibez Adult Boutique in Aylesford, has been inundated with people wanting to buy the items mentioned in the books and says sales are up 100% on last year.

Mrs Whitmore said: “The reaction to Fifty Shades has been phenomenal. We have men coming in here with lists of what they need to get, with big smiles on their faces. Sometimes they’ll come in and tell me what book their partner is reading and I’ll know what they’re after.

“It’s great to see couples enjoying being together.”

Ann Summers adult shop in Maidstone has also reported a boost in sales as a result of the “Fifty Shades effect”. The Week Street branch has seen a 77% month-on-month increase.

Mrs Whitmore is now introducing Vibez shoppers not yet familiar with Fifty Shades to the phenomenon by giving away copies to every customer who spends more than £30.

She added: “I opened this shop seven years ago and this is the biggest surge I have seen in the adult industry since the 1980s and 1990s. It’s a great time to be in this line of work.”

Meanwhile, in Chatham sales of sex toys and saucy lingerie are soaring at the Ann Summers shop in the Pentagon - with sales up by 110% more than on previous weeks.

And the boss of The Private Shop in the High Street is reporting an increase of up to 400% of women buying handcuffs, ankle cuffs and whips.

Ann Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold, a former KM business columnist, said: “The last time I saw this type of cult product was the Rampant Rabbit, which is the most famous sex toy in the world.

“If this book helps women talk to each other about their relationships and spices up their sex lives, as the rampant rabbit has, then let’s have more of it.”

Colin Mason, director of the town’s sex shop said the products that were flying off the shelves were those featured in E L James’ steamy trilogy.

He said: “Curiosity is getting the better of them. They have read about the sex toys and now they want to actually see them.

“It’s all the bondage stuff and they ask for them by name, which indicates they have read the book.

“It’s mostly women who come in with a friend. But some get their husbands to come in.

“It’s brought about a much bolder approach to people we would not usually see coming into a sex shop.”

But it is at Mackays printers in Lordswood, Medway, where business has really picked up.

Staff at the printers on the industrial estate in Badger Road have been working around the clock to keep up with demand.

It has topped the number one slot for the 16th week running, smashing Dan Brown’s record for The Da Vinci Code.

Mackays’ marketing manager Dino Bishop said “We have already done 28 reprints and there’s no sign of it easing off.”