The Sharper Image® Continues Expansion of Licensee Roster
NEW YORK, March 23, 2009 – The Sharper Image announced today that it has struck six new product licensees, added two new distributors and renewed two existing agreements to expand their product offerings in a broad range of categories for distribution in the USA and internationally. This brings the total projected retail sales for 2009 to over $700M.
The Sharper Image has added Southern Telecom Inc., Samsonic Trading Co. Inc, Golden State Imports International, Inc., MZ Berger, NYL Holdings, Famous Trails, CTI International Group, STL Electronics and re-signed The EnE Group LLC and Merch Source.
Southern Telecom Inc. acquired the license for MP3/MP4 players, headphones, wired/Bluetooth headsets and telephones. The Samsonic Trading Co. Inc. license is for digital cameras and camcorders while Golden State Imports International Inc.’s agreement includes specialty watches, watches and watch accessories. Famous Trails has been granted the license for night vision goggles, metal detectors and carrying knives. MZ Berger is licensed to produce specialty gift assortments while NYL Holding is licensed for desk and wall clocks.
CTI, Int. Miami has acquired the Master Distribution license for the travel retail markets in Mexico, Central & South America as well as local market distribution for Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. STL Electronics Hong Kong has acquired the license to manufacture and distribute Sharper Image Air Purifiers into the Japanese market. The EnE Group LLC will continue to provide luggage, business cases and backpacks and Merch Source holds the license for specialty digital photo, binoculars and telescopes.
“These significant strategic alliances are a testament to the strength of The Sharper Image brand and will complement our overall assortment of consumer offerings” states Federico de Bellegarde, vice president of licensing at The Sharper Image. “There has been considerable interest to license the brand and we are carefully selecting partners to cover a host of categories. These additions and renewals to our roster of licensees shall continue to position The Sharper Image brand as a leader in innovative and technology-rich lifestyle products.”
About The Sharper Image: The Sharper Image is an iconic brand that offers a broad range of exciting and innovative products manufactured with superior quality and design. The brand is distributed through US retailers such as Macys, Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney and Office Max. The Sharper Image is owned by a joint venture between Hilco Consumer Capital, Gordon Brothers, and Bluestar Alliance. www.sharperimage.com
About Southern Telecom: Southern Telecom Inc. is a leading manufacturer of quality consumer electronics and communications products. Since its founding in 1988, STI has consistently delivered a full line of consumer products that incorporate unique styling, high quality and new technology. www.southerntelecom.com
About Samsonic: Samsonic is a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics including digital still cameras, digital video cameras and digital audio/video players. Each Samsonic product is designed to incorporate the latest advances in digital technology with a focus on ease of use. www.isonicusa.com
About Golden State: For over 25 years, Golden State has been developing market-leading timepiece programs, offering a variety of brands, products and cost structures that help retailers meet their goals while providing the consumer with meaningful, innovative and value-added products. www.gsi-usa.com
About Famous Trails: Founded in 1970, Famous Trails is one of the first “family camping” brands in the United States and produce a complete range of specialized goods. www.famoustrails.com
About MZ Berger: MZB, recognized as one of the leading accessory companies, has been designing and manufacturing gift products for over 55 years. www.mzb.com
About NYL Holdings: NYL has a very long and rich history of designing and manufacturing an extensive variety of alarm and wall clocks. www.nylholdings.com
About CTI: CTI International Group has over 20 years experience and is a leader in travel retail, duty free and selective Latin American local markets. www.ctiinternationalgroup.com
About STL Electronics: STL Electronics Ltd. is a contract manufacturer and a design services provider. Over the past 30 years, STL has established themselves as a quality manufacturer of innovative products with an experienced R&D staff. www.stlglobal.com
About EnE Group LLC: The EnE Group LLC, is the leading producer of quality products in the cut & sewn luggage, business bag, backpack and accessories markets. EnE’s business model is supported by preeminent manufacturing facilities worldwide. www.enegroupusa.com .
About Merch Source: Merch Source, LLC specializes in the design, development, and production of highly giftable products while providing retailers with a superior level of customer service. www.merchsource.com
