Sharper Image Reduces 2Q Net loss

San Francisco—High-tech gadgets cataloger/retailer Sharper Image (Nasdaq: SHRP) reduced its second-quarter net loss to $600,000, a huge improvement over last year's second-quarter loss of $3.7 million. The company says that its increasing portion of proprietary products have allowed it to increase gross margin.

For the second quarter ended July 31, total revenue was $102.4 million, up 24% from last year's $82.8 million. Catalog sales increased 33%, to $29.0 million from $21.8 million a year ago. store sales increased 20%, to $58.4 million; comparable store sales were up 5%. Internet sales increased 23%, to $12.2 million from $9.9 million.