Original Article Erotic display is stripped from boutique's windows Casey Newton The Arizona Republic Apr. 12, 2005 12:00 AM SCOTTSDALE - The store windows of an erotic boutique downtown are newly sanitized, to the delight of some Scottsdale officials. The Love Bug, 4225 N. Craftsman Court, recently took its most provocative merchandise out of the store's large exterior windows. "We were happy to see the material removed," said John Little, director of the city's Downtown Group. But the happiness could be short-lived, as owner Wendy Cashaback is working with a lawyer in hopes of restoring provocative merchandise to her exterior displays. "I think it's probably going to end up going back in," Cashaback said. At issue are the window displays, which until recently carried provocative merchandise emblazoned with profanity. Late last month, Scottsdale police told Cashaback she had to remove the offending merchandise or risk being charged with a felony. "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion," Little said. But when you have a display of the nature that she did - that was clearly offensive, especially to minors." But employees say the more provocative displays, which made frequent and creative use of the F word, were responsible for much of the store's success. "That's what brought everyone in - it's our No. 1 seller," said the store's 21-year-old manager, who asked to be called by her middle name, Rochelle. "My parents know that I work here," she explained, "But they don't know what we sell." But while the displays attracted patrons from nearby bars, they also drew unwanted attention from a group of neighborhood activists who want them gone. "How can you put this in a shop window in downtown? You've got to be kidding me," said Michael Merrill, one of the activists. "Morally, you shouldn't be placing advertisements like that for public display." The Love Bug is undoubtedly risque. Offerings at the store include revealing lingerie, erotic DVDs and toys. For Cashaback and her staff, the Love Bug is a respite from the old-fashioned stores that dominate much of downtown Scottsdale. "People need to expand their conception of downtown Scottsdale," Cashaback said. "It's not all about turquoise jewelry stores. There's more to life." She smiled mischievously. "The Love Bug is the wild side of Scottsdale," said Cashaback, who is confident she ultimately will be able to restore her displays, no matter what her detractors have to say.