Sharper Image to close stores in Scottsdale, Chandler

Sharper Image stores in Scottsdale and Chandler, as well as 84 other U.S. stores that made the original cut when the upscale gadget chain slipped into bankruptcy, are now liquidating merchandise as the brand tries to resuscitate itself as a Internet- and catalog-only retailer.

The company said it is starting immediately clearance sales with all the tech toys, gadgets and gear discounted 20 percent to 40 percent.

Remaining Arizona Sharper Image locations are at Kierland Commons, 15054 N. Scottsdale Road, and Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd.

The cash-strapped company put itself up for sale in April, closing a bunch of its locations including two of the then-four in Arizona.

Liquidators Hilco and Gordon Brothers bought the chain Thursday at a bankruptcy auction, and the new owners said they will scrap all the stores and transform the brand into wholesale and direct- to-consumers operation.

Bargain hunters better not procrastinate.

“This is an opportunity for consumers to realize unprecedented savings on a remarkable selection of products not to be found anywhere but in Sharper Images stores,” said Michael Keefe, Hilco merchant resources president. “This is sure to be a very popular sale, which will not last very long and comes at a perfect time for making Father’s Day purchases.”