Sharper Image Making A Comeback At CES

In an e-mail sent to CES attendees on Friday, Sharper Image said it will launch more than 20 new products that will be available in a "wide range of retail stores in 2009."

"Please join us for the much-anticipated launch of the 'New Era of Sharper Image,'" the e-mail stated.

"Our all new electronics line brings back to the marketplace the best things that the Sharper Image brand represents -- innovation, premium performance and unique designs," the e-mail continued. "We'll be relaunching with a range of wireless audio, bedside audio, portable audio and speaker systems products. "

Earlier this year, San Francisco-based Sharper Image filed for bankruptcy after experiencing declining sales since 2004. The company recorded net losses in fiscal 2005 to 2007, which continued into 2008. Dwindling consumer spending and negative publicity surrounding its Ionic Breeze air purifiers were integral to the bankruptcy filing.

At its peak, Sharper Image had 186 stores nationwide, while also selling through a monthly catalog and a Web site. As of June 1, 96 Sharper Image stores had completed liquidation and were closed. The remaining stores and assets were bought out by Hilco Merchant Resources and Gordon Brothers Group. Since then, all remaining stores have been shuttered.

On Friday, hinting at its pending attempt at a comeback, Sharper Image's Web site simply read: "Sorry to keep you in the dark. But, there's something big coming. Soon. Stay tuned."