The Sharper Image: Creating Better Desires

The folding version of the aluminum Razor Rollerboard Scooter from the same company was introduced in July 1999 and, in Farrell’s words, “a tsunami wave hit the Southern California stores with sales jumping from tens a week to hundreds a week.” From spring 2000 through September of that year, the folding Razor Scooter became a national obsession in the grand tradition of Silly Putty, the Hula-Hoop and Tickle Me Elmo. Dozens of knock-offs turned up around the country, and that single product made such a huge impact on sales and profits, The Sharper Image may have to break out the scooter business in its Q3 2001 financial reports to explain to investors why it did not hit the previous year’s third-quarter results. Then again, given the intensity and passion that drives Thalheimer and his team, the company may well surpass those numbers.