By KATIE ZEZIMA,
The New York Times (March 1) -- Live lingerie models are no longer luring customers to downtown Augusta, Me.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Spellbound, in Augusta, Me., had been employing live models for its lingerie displays since September.
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The models, clad in thong underwear, feather boas or figure-hugging dresses, had appeared in the window of a lingerie store there, Spellbound, since September.
The display prompted debate between those in the city who thought it creatively drew attention to the store and others who saw it as risqué and indecent. A Christian group protested outside the store on Feb. 11, when it held a Valentine's Day open house.
The owner of the shop, Felicia Stockford, said she stopped the display about a week ago after one of the models received a threatening phone call and the tires on her car were slashed.
"It would be unconscionable to put her in a position where something might happen," Ms. Stockford said.
She said the woman contacted the police. "It all boils down to slashed tires, violent threats, so we have to stop," Ms. Stockford said. "And it stinks. I feel kind of sad that it's over with for here, but as long as I'm here I don't plan to do it again. I'm not having a good time anymore."
Ms. Stockford said she planned to sell the store in Augusta, a city of 24,000 in central Maine, and hoped to open another in Portland, Me., or Salem, Mass., places she said were "more liberal."
The models have taken part in promotions at bars and nightclubs and appeared at house parties Ms. Stockford held to sell lingerie and X-rated toys. The promotional events will end next month, she said.
Tara Manns, 20, said she and other models were scared by the phone calls but enjoyed modeling.
"It was really fun," Ms. Manns said. "I'm really glad I did it, and I'm sad it's done
