$1,000 Lap Dance Defies the Market Slide

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"The implosion of the financial markets seems to mark the twilight of the second gilded age. History may look back with scorn at $30,000 couches, $600-an-hour therapists, $25,000 hot chocolates and super Sweet 16 parties.

The Wall Street folks, you’d think, seem to be saying goodbye to all that.

Except, apparently, in one area: strip clubs (or “gentlemen’s clubs,” as they like to brand themselves).

“Since the market has been going down, our business has been going up — it’s unbelievable,” said Sam Zherka, the owner of the V.I.P. Club in Chelsea, who estimates that about 80 percent of his clients are Wall Street types. (You’d think the lawsuits would have dampened that, but it seems fine as long as they’re not entertaining clients on their work-related expense accounts.)

Mr. Zherka added, “A lot of guys are losing their shirts in the market, and they are coming in droves.” "

$1,000 Lap Dance Defies the Market Slide - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com