Sharper Image Stores are Closing

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Sharper Image is having financial problems, and is in bankruptcy. Stores are closing in Mn (and I believe elseware), and are now under a closeout sales company. Everything in the store i visited is now 10% off.

Merchandise certificates-gift cards can not be used in the closing stores, or for on-line purchases. Must call the catalog number for purchases.

I called as I have gift cards and want a new turntable to convert records to CDs and MP3s. Turntable is $200, and I have $192 in cards. I was told I need to spend "at least twice the amount of the Merchandise Certificate for the purchase". So, to buy the turntable with my $192 certificate, I have to buy $384 in merchandise and shipping.

I was told I could hang on to my certificates until they came out of bankruptcy, but since I have no idea when that may be, or what may happen when (if) they come out of bankruptcy, I bought extra stuff to be able to use the certificates.

If you have certificates or gift cards, you may also want to check into using them.

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Sharper Image is having financial problems, and is in bankruptcy. Stores are closing in Mn (and I believe elseware), and are now under a closeout sales company. Everything in the store i visited is now 10% off.

Merchandise certificates-gift cards can not be used in the closing stores, or for on-line purchases. Must call the catalog number for purchases.

I called as I have gift cards and want a new turntable to convert records to CDs and MP3s. Turntable is $200, and I have $192 in cards. I was told I need to spend "at least twice the amount of the Merchandise Certificate for the purchase". So, to buy the turntable with my $192 certificate, I have to buy $384 in merchandise and shipping.

I was told I could hang on to my certificates until they came out of bankruptcy, but since I have no idea when that may be, or what may happen when (if) they come out of bankruptcy, I bought extra stuff to be able to use the certificates.

If you have certificates or gift cards, you may also want to check into using them.

Your certificates will most likely be worthless after bankruptcy. You need to file a proof of claim in the bankruptcy to reserve your rights. There is usually a deadline to do this. If you miss it, sol.

If they let you use them now and there is something you like for the $384 price range, I would recommend getting it. You are out extra $192 but you will have something to show for it. Otherwise, you will probably end up with nothing.

Good luck.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Another company...Brookstone maybe?...is offering to let people use Sharper Image gift certificates for a 25 percent discount on Brookstone purchases. Yes, it's Brookstone. Here it is...

Gadgets: Brookstone Accepts Your Temporarily Worthless Sharper Image Cards For 25% Discount

You're probably better off hurrying up to get something big at Sharper Image for 50 percent off, though!

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

P.S. I would totally be getting that Margaritaville Frozen Drink Maker at $300 plus maybe the tiny little microwave for $130...perfect for smuggling in to timeshares with no kitchen!

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

They have some cool stuff but way over priced.

Someone should stop these companies from not taking the gift cards. It is just not fair to the person who paid $100 cash and is now going to get zippo.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

They have some cool stuff but way over priced.

The turntable I am getting is $200 at Sharper Image, and a similar one at Best Buy is $160. Right Frank, Sharper Image has some cool stuff, but if I can get the same thing at Best Buy, why would I go to Sharper Image.

The other cool stuff, you generally can't find at other stores. I thought about getting a robot to chase the dog around the house, but I can't do that to poor Steffi. I am a good dad

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

but if I can get the same thing at Best Buy, why would I go to Sharper Image.

Because you're stuck with a soon-to-be-worthless gift certificate. I know, it would drive me crazy, too.

[funtime2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close funtime2]

I hate gift card. Glad that my mom gives me cash instead. With a gift card you are limited, but cash spends anywhere!

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

Even if they are having difficulties, that is absolute piss poor customer service to REQUIRE DOUBLE the gift card amount. That alone would send me to Brookstone (I hate Best Buy). Let em tank.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Even if they are having difficulties, that is absolute piss poor customer service to REQUIRE DOUBLE the gift card amount.

I was told by the CSR that requirement was set up by the bankruptcy judge. Believe me, I hate having to buy extra junk that I don't need to get one thing I would like, but it is either that, or throw away nearly $200.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Get that margarita maker, then you'll feel better.

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Get that margarita maker, then you'll feel better.

I agree, drink fast and you will feel better sooner.