Free Republic

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- After years of declining sales, The Sharper Image -- known for creature comforts and gadgets like robotic massage chairs and $170 toothbrushes -- has gone belly-up, declaring bankruptcy Wednesday. In a brief statement, Sharper Image (SHRP: SHRP 0.41, -1.03, -71.5%) announced it had filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, but that it "intends to continue to conduct business as usual while it devotes renewed efforts to resolve its operational and liquidity problems and develops a reorganization plan."