Strip clubs and VIP lounges have been hit with high costs, changing demographics, young people with less disposable income, and free alternatives on the Internet
Article content
Madelyn Summers, a former performer at Brandi’s Exotic Show Lounge, was shocked when she heard the downtown Vancouver venue will close its doors on May 4.
Article content
“It’s hard to process the loss,” she said. “It’s devastating.”
Article content
Article content
Brandi’s was the last venue for “true showgirls” performing at the intersection of creativity, art, sexuality, music and theatre in Vancouver, Summers said. Brandi’s performers invest thousands of dollars on music, costumes, props and signature routines featuring aerial ribbons, hoops, light and fire shows.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Article content
Working there is considered an honour, said Summers, who, like many performers in the shrinking industry, is currently on the road performing as a travelling feature dancer, with her own signature: feathers, boas and fans.
Article content
Sun Spots
Article content
“I was inspired by the other dancers every day.”
Article content
Brandi’s, billed as “Vancouver’s sexiest show lounge,” announced on its website recently that after “26 unforgettable years” it would be closing after unsuccessful lease negotiations.
Article content
Brandi’s, run by the late Brandy Sarionder, opened in the early 2000s, and was located on the fifth floor of a featureless office block at 595 Hornby St.
Article content
Brandi’s drew sports stars and celebrities and sold itself as a classy show lounge complete with velvet curtains, bottle service and private booths, at a time when strip clubs were repositioning themselves as luxury, VIP entertainment.
Article content
Article content
The club had the dubious distinction of being blamed by the National Enquirer for the downfall of “Bennifer,” when actor Ben Affleck allegedly dallied with a dancer, leading to the breakup of his engagement with singer Jennifer Lopez.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
“It’s the end of a legendary club,” said Annie Temple, a former dancer and founder of The Naked Truth, an advocacy group that supports adult industry professionals. “They are falling away one by one.”
Article content
Read More
-
Brandi’s strip club reopens after COVID-19 forced shutdown
-
New book showcases the rise of Vancouver’s The Penthouse marquee
-
Advertisement 1
Story continues below
Article content
Temple cited the “strip club index,” an informal indicator of economic health, in the demise of Brandi’s and other strip clubs across North America.
Article content
“When people have less disposable income, revenues at clubs go down,” she said.
Article content
Summers agreed.
Article content
“Strip clubs are a luxury,” she said. “You have to spend a lot of money to have a good time.”
Article content
Along with rising operating costs, changing demographics, young people with less disposable income, and free alternatives on the Internet, the trend is hitting strip clubs and VIP lounges across North America.
Article content
In January 2026, Filmores Gentlemen’s Club, a 45-year-old staple in downtown Toronto, closed its doors. A 46-storey condo tower will take its place. In 2025, Centerfolds, the legendary Las Vegas topless dance watering hole, closed and was replaced by a sports-themed adult venue. In 2010, Vancouver’s gritty 101-year-old Cecil closed to make way for a 23-storey condo.
