I have been going to AWT ever since I was 18 (currently 23). My older sister actually turned me on to it- and I really think that explains the vibe there. As many reviewers have said, it's a body-positive, sex-positive, queer-friendly, feminist sex shop. It is a safe place. I have always felt comfortable there, unlike many other sex shops.
The owners are also something special. I once went in to find a book about pelvic pain. Dr. Myrtle not only found me a great book, she also answered a lot of my questions, recommended me a specialist gynecologist, and validated my frustrations about not feeling heard by many doctors.
A few years later (only a year ago), I survived a traumatic experience, and felt I would never want to be sexual again. In August I went back in to AWT and found a book about regaining your sexuality after trauma. The staff members could tell I was uneasy buying this book and after I was done checking out, she told me that I was going to be ok and I would get through this. It warmed my heart so much.
A few days ago, I went in looking for new toys to experiment with and explained my situation to them. They were so amazing, they reminded me that feeling good like that was a great thing and reassured me that I was going to be ok.
AWT is a sex shop. But it's also way more than that.