The Sharper Image Brand To Return on Line of HoMedics Products, Signs $540M Deal

Former bankrupt specialty electronics retailer The Sharper Image will have its brand featured on a variety of HoMedics lifestyle products expected to be available in the summer or fall of next year.

The Sharper Image signed a $540-million, five-year licensing deal with HoMedics to offer products in categories including home environment, electronics, men's personal care, men's gifts, health and wellness, weather and concierge. Both Rob Ferber, HoMedics president, and Federico de Bellegarde, vice president of licensing at The Sharper Image, declined to give further details about the new line announced Monday, saying it's in development.

"At the end of the day, we wanted to create a new line from scratch," says Ferber. "We didn't just want to slap a name on it. We understood The Sharper Image's philosophy of leading with innovation. Our minds our equivalent."

January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas will be the first unveiling of the HoMedics line of Sharper Image-licensed products. The collection is also expected to be showcased at Chicago's International Housewares Show in March. Products are slated to be available in summer or fall 2009 in wholesale clubs and retail stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond.

"It's a tight schedule," says Bellegarde. "But, we want to make sure we are featuring something to the customer that is well made and at the right price."

The Sharper Image filed for bankruptcy in May and was acquired by Hilco Consumer Capital, Gordon Brothers and Bluestar Alliance. The retailer that once had 184 stores nationwide, is now actively seeking other license agreements in categories such as consumer electronics, bath and bedding, lawn and garden, cookware, pet and eyewear. Bellegarde says the company is in negotiations with more than 150 potential licensees. Plans are also in the works to relaunch The Sharper Image Web site for e-commerce in fall 2009.