Sharper Image Says Its Web Sales Are Soaring

Sharper Image Corp., a retailer of unusual gadgets and electronic toys, said sales through its Web site surged sixfold from Dec. 1 to Dec. 21. The company, which had revenue of $216.8 million last year, also said same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, rose 9%, while mail-order sales rose 27%. The December increase will significantly affect earnings for the year, Sharper Image said. The San Francisco-based company operates 86 stores throughout the U.S. and mails millions of catalogs each month. Sharper Image shares rose $2.38 to close at $15.25 on Nasdaq.