Sharper Image (stores)

The Sharper Image was the brainchild of Richard Thalheimer. The company started in 1977 as a catalog business to sell jogging watches. Later, through what had become an iconic catalog, The Sharper Image expanded its product assortment to include high-end futuristic gadgets, electronics, massage chairs, and air purifiers. Popular products, such as the Ionic Breeze and exclusive models of Human Touch massage chairs, helped propel The Sharper Image to become an iconic American brand with 187 retail stores in 38 states.

The Sharper Image stock price reached a record low of 29 cents a share on February 20, 2008. On February 25, 2008, The Sharper Image announced it had received notification that it would be delisted from the NASDAQ exchange. The company filed for bankruptcy protection with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware. Sharper Image said it had $251.5 million of assets and $199 million of debts as of January 31, 2008, according to the filing. Cash on hand totaled about $700,000. All of its retail stores were closed by the end of 2008.

a1e92b152e4231dbc22e7bf11ae18494.jpg