Sharper Image has created a division that will license The Sharper Image brand to manufacturers and retailers across a broad range of product categories, including electronics, bed and bath, toys, and apparel. The cataloger/retailer will also provide licensing opportunities on other intellectual property, including patents and trademarks.
Though no customers have yet been announced, the San Francisco-based merchant of electronic gadgets and gifts says that licensed products will launch as early as fall 2007. In addition to selling the licensed products in their own channels, licensees will have the opportunity to sell their products in Sharper Image’s catalogs and stores and on its Website.
John Spotts has been hired as senior vice president, brand licensing to head the effort. Spotts held similar licensing positions with The Coleman Co., Woolrich, and most recently, Goodyear.
The news comes three days after Sharper Image reported a 29% slide in January sales, to $29 million. Fourth-quarter sales were down 24%, to $195.5 million for the three months ended Jan. 31.
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