Sharper Image expands its global web presence

Sharper Image Corp. is expanding into Europe with the launch of web sites in Europe that accept euros for the European Union and British pounds for the United Kingdom. International online shoppers will be able to buy products specifically adapted for Europe and the U.K. "While this European business is expected to have a small impact on our overall sales in the near term, it`s an important part of our long-range strategy of selling Sharper Image Design products globally," said Richard Thalheimer, founder, chairman and chief executive officer. "We built our large and profitable U.S. e-commerce web site over the past six years, and we expect to have comparable success with this Web launch in Europe." Sharper Image`s U.S. site, SharperImage.com , was established in 1995. In fiscal 2000, web sales increased 111% to $60.2 million up from $28.5 million in fiscal 1999.

International shoppers can access Sharper Image UK and Sharper Image Europe through www.sharperimage.com. The European sites offer a selection of the Best of Sharper Image chosen specifically for European and U.K. shoppers and adapted for local use. All products are shipped from a distribution center in The Netherlands. The Sharper Image plans to continue its international Web expansion to additional geographic regions and currencies during the balance of this year. Advertising, marketing and Internet affiliate programs are under way to support the growth of The Sharper Image`s international Web initiatives.